Nokia porting Maemo operating system to mobiles

Nokia is expected to create a new version of its internet tablet operating system Maemo for a new range of smartphones, which will be supported by adverts displayed on the handset's home screen.

According to MobileCrunch, the Maemo 'Harmattan' build will essentially be one long scrolling home page in which users will add widgets. These widgets will integrate tightly with the phone's functions, creating a quick-glance, easy-access system.

In and amongst these widgets will be context sensitive adverts, which could go as far as to collect GPS data to provide you with info on products and services in your immediate vicinity.

The rumour also suggests that Maemo could be the first step for Nokia to phase out the S60 range of smart (ish) phones, though it's expected to be a slow process.

Whether or not users will accept adverts on their Home screens is a different matter. If these smartphones are to be ad supported, it's only reasonable to expect them to be heavily subsidised, too, so it might be considerably easier for the consumer to accept Maemo as long as the feature rich device is cheap - or ideally free.