Rumors that Palm Inc., may be developing a Linux-based mobile phone have resurfaced, fueled by a Palm job listing for a “Linux Engineer — Mobile Handset, Embedded Systems,” responsible for the “design and development of components of a new software platform.”

Palm was previously rumored to be working on a Linux-based phone last fall, when it posted half a dozen Linux-related job listings.

Palm has traditionally used PalmOS in its products. However, Palm OS supplier PalmSource has been focused on Linux for more than a year, announcing its ALP Linux platform in Februrary, shortly after being acquired by Access. Palm had also tried to reacquire PalmSource, which it had spun out several years earlier.

Windows Moble Treo

Palm has experimented with OSes other than Palm; the company launched a Windows-based version of its popular Treo smartphone last fall. At that time, CEO Ed Colligan denied the company planned to try Linux, too, saying, “No, we don't need another operating system. Do not take developing a product on a whole new platform lightly.”

Nonetheless, open source community efforts on a Treo Linux port have proven, to a degree, that interest exists in a Linux-powered Treo, and that it is technically feasible.

Palm Inc.'s job listings page can be found here. Our previous Palm phone rumor story is here.

Thanks to David Beers for calling the latest rumors to our attention.

 
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