The LiMo Foundation which, like the Open Handset Alliance started by Google, promotes the development of a Linux platform for smartphones, has announced version 4 of its development platform at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. In addition to improved location-based services and multimedia support, the new platform is also said to include functions for social networking applications. The developers also say that they have updated the sensor API and extended the user interface to include 3D effects and multi-touch functionality. The first devices using the new LiMo 4 platform are expected to become available during the second half of the year.

Only members have access to the LiMo Foundation's code pool. The consortium was established in early 2007 and includes a number of phone manufacturers and network operators such as NEC, NTT DOCOMO, Orange, Panasonic, Samsung, Telefonica, Vodafone and Verizon Wireless. However, LiMo-compatible devices have not played a significant role in the smartphone market.

(djwm)