NXP has announced the availability of the Linux open source operating system for its 3G mobile phone system solution.

The now independent company that was founded by Philips has worked in collaboration with Purple Labs, a French design company and is now launching the Nexperia cellular system solution 7120 with Linux for 3G devices.

The operating system would bring many advantages for manufacturers and for starters, they would not have to deal with the additional cost and complexity of integrating a dedicated application processor.

It would also bring benefits to operators who will be able to provide a stable and powerful and at the same time cost effective platform.

"Linux is gaining ground in the mobile-handset space due to the benefits it brings to manufacturers and operators and eventually also to the end consumers," said Michel Windal, marketing director, Mobile & Personal Business Unit, NXP Semiconductors. "Linux motivates developers to generate and share new vibrant media applications such as games, advanced music players and intuitive TV-on-mobile, offering greater benefits to the end user and allowing for differentiation for both manufacturers and operators."

NXP Nexperia cellular system solution 7210 is a powerful dual-mode UMTS multimedia platform that runs on a single core ARM9 for the 3G mobile phone market. The system gives greater flexibility and allows easy development and upgrades without increase of costs.

After comprehensive testing and certification, Nexperia ensures interoperability with all major operator networks. It also supports "true UMTS" performance and delivers seamless service coverage in both 2G and 3G networks. The Nexperia cellular system solution 7210 for Linux will be presented at the 3GSM World Congress next week and is available immediately through Purple Labs, while mass production will start during the second half of this year.