Linux makes for cheaper handsets

Linux does have the potential to make a huge difference to handsets in the future (Can Linux make an impact on phones, 25 February). Operating system licensing costs are a relatively large cost and they make a difference to the end-user price. If that licensing cost goes away, the end-user price can be reduced.

The other main advantage is development of applications. Though setting up a Linux toolchain to repurpose code to another processor is fiddly, it is relatively easy ­ especially if the vendor supplies a ready-made development system, such as Google’s Android SDK.

Developing applications on Linux is well understood and the move to embedded Linux platforms is relatively straight forward.

Steve Kennedy