May 14 - 10:15am EDT   Verizon today took further steps to promote its image as an open carrier by announcing it would join the LiMo Foundation, an industry group dedicated to developing and promoting Linux on cellphones. The US cell provider takes the last seat on the Foundation's board of directors alongside handset makers such as Motorola and Samsung as well as NTT DoCoMo and Vodafone, and claims to be a "champion" of openness in the process. [full story]

December 18 - 9:55am EST   The prototype phone Google has been using to demonstrate its Android mobile operating system has been spotted and reveals positive early developments for the Linux-based OS, according to a leak sent to Gizmodo. Virtually identical to the photo shown in official videos outside of its dark gray color, the full-keyboard smartphone's version of the OS is reportedly very quick due to its light, Linux-based code; Windows Mobile by contrast is overly complex, the report says. [full story]

December 4 - 8:50am EST   Verizon today made a surprise move today and joined the recently established Open Handset Alliance, Google's organization for promoting open software development for cellphones and other handhelds. The move will see Verizon use Google's Linux-based, open-source Android operating system on some phones. The software is an "enabler" that will let Verizon move towards an open platform, says company chief Lowell McAdam. [full story]