Sony and Panasonic set to develop new Linux (The Inquirer)

JAPANESE GIANTS Panasonic and Sony have announced a plan to develop a version of Linux for "digital home electronic devices".
In an interesting move designed as a poke in the eye to Microsoft, the companies say they will share the source code for their enhanced Linux for digital audio visual products to the public "for free" in order to encourage its broader use throughout the industry.

They say they will jointly study the functions and performance required for digital home electronic devices, and develop a Linux platform that meets those requirements. In a joint statemnet, the companies suggest they may seek to establish a forum to further develop the Linux platform they envisage and suggest firms such as Hitachi, Ltd., IBM, NEC Electronics Philips Electronics, Samsung and Sharp mihght like to join in.


The new source code will be made freely available under the General Public License (GPL) 3, which permits free usage and modification. They firms say their co-development program will help "promote technological advancement and wider application of Linux through free exchange of ideas within the open source community."
 
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