Rumor has it that the highly hyped Nokia N900 phone will not allow mobile carriers to customize the handset’s user interface. This will not permit mobile operators worldwide to tailor the graphical user interface (GUI) of the N900 handset according to their needs and specifications.
This is NOT true.
Maemo’s GUI can be customized.
Nokia denies any intent of locking the customization capabilities of the Maemo software. In fact, the Maemo operating system welcomes the idea of harnessing the power and the uniqueness of the N900 to satisfy the appetite of the consumers, application makers and communication carriers.
What will be the advantage for the mobile carriers? For one, they can modify the look and feel of the graphical user interface according to their color scheme and put their patented logos, icons and familiar markings. They can even install proprietary software that enables their customers to download ringtones, wallpapers, mms picture messages and the like. The possibilities are endless.
This news gives a sigh of relief to those who have been praying that the Maemo platform will not be as limited or locked as the iPhone operating system.
However, more questions pop-up.
Will this open platform also open a door for malicious use? Can Maemo be opening its doors to scoundrels who will take advantage of the Maemo’s architecture for cruel purposes?
How will this affect the end consumer? Perhaps it will not be much unless the customers complain of their carrier’s version of the N900 user interface. However, this still remains to be seen since the phone is practically a mystery to most of the world. And will the customers of these mobile carriers accept or complain about their custom-made interfaces or will they prefer the original Nokkia N900 look-and-feel?
The answer to these questions will emerge soon. And you will be able to read them all here at the Nokia N900 blog.
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