Intel Looks for New MeeGo Partner

From DailyTech: Nokia's announced partnership with Microsoft has already had an adverse affect on some, particularly Nokia employees working on Symbian, because of what it means for the future of software developers at the Finnish company. But it's also drawn critics from another strategic partner of Nokia's -- Intel.

Nokia and Intel had been close partners on a new mobile OS, MeeGo, which was supposed to start replacing Symbian on all Nokia N-series devices in 2010. However, Nokia CEO Stephen Elop delayed it as the Microsoft deal was being worked out. Now, Nokia is shifting its focus again, to Windows Phone 7 to power its smartphones, essentially leaving Intel to go it alone with MeeGo.

Yesterday, Reuters reported on some statements Intel CEO Paul Otellini said in a meeting with analysts in London. He said Nokia was offered "incredible" amounts of money by Microsoft. Elop previously said, "the value transferred to Nokia is measured in Bs not Ms" -- billions of dollars, rather than million.

"I wouldn't have made the decision he made, I would probably have gone to Android if I were him," Otellini said. "MeeGo would have been the best strategy but he concluded he couldn't afford it."

Still, Otellini said Intel would forge ahead with MeeGo, and will find another partner to replace Nokia. "The carriers still want a third ecosystem and the carriers want an open ecosystem, and that's the thing that drives our motivation," he said.

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