Forget the device itself. Google will announce next week that it has entered the market for Linux-based mobile phone operating systems or operating system software components, suggests a rumor story posted at device blog Engadget.

If true, the move would put Google into competition with Symbian, Microsoft, Enea, and other current marketshare leaders in the mobile phone operating system business. The move could also square the search giant with or against a legion of companies and industry groups currently marketing or readying Linux-based mobile phone stacks.

In support of its claim, Engadget points to Google's 2005 acquisition of Android, described as a mobile software company founded by Danger CEO Andy Rubin. Engadget surmises, “At Google, Andy's team has developed a Linux-based mobile device OS (no surprise) which they're currently shopping around to handset makers and carriers on the premise of providing a flexible, customizable system — with really great Google integration, of course.”

The brief Engadget post suggests that Google will lift the veil of secrecy from its Linux mobile phone OS plans shortly after the U.S. Labor Day holiday on Sept. 3. The post can be found here.

A few of the companies currently marketing or readying Linux-based mobile phone OSes include Trolltech, Access, MontaVista, A La Mobile, Celunite, and Purple Labs. Industry groups readying or maintaining Linux-based mobile phone stacks include LiMo and LiPS, which combined boast members that include NTT DoCoMo, NEC, Panasonic, Motorola, Vodafone, and Orange.

Meanwhile, rumors have persisted for some time that Google is developing a Linux-based mobile phone and will introduce the device — currently dubbed “GPhone” or “G-Phone” — next Spring.

— Henry Kingman

 
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