Rumours have emerged that tablets and netbooks based on the Intel-backed MeeGo operating system will ship in the second quarter.

Tech gossip site fudzilla said that a number of partners were told of plans for Linux-based MeeGo 1.2-powered to appear in June with developers already submitting applications to appear in the Intel App Up center.

Shortly after PC World cited another source claiming that MeeGo OS devices were expected to ship in the second quarter.

MeeGo is strategically important for Intel as the operating system targets x86-based processors such as the firm’s latest Oak Trail mobile platform which the company is hoping will be able to gain market share from the ARM dominated mobile market.

The Linux-based MeeGo was formed from the merger of Intel’s Moblin and Nokia’s Maemo operating systems with development now coordinated by the Linux Foundation.