China Mobile working on its mobile OS?

File this under rumors, but since we’ve already heard China Mobile is preparing to launch its own AppStore-kind-of-service, we do believe there’s some merit in this story as well — apparently, the world’s largest mobile operator in terms of number of subscribers is working on its mobile OS.

And since I mentioned China Mobile (NYSE: CHL)’s AppStore plans, that was confirmed by the company’s CEO Wang Jianzhou, who said: “We will set up our own shop and encourage content providers to offer their own applications via our application shop,” during his keynote session at this year’s GSMA Mobile Asia Congress.

Back to the mobile OS “thing.” It is said that it will be known as “Ophone” and that it will be launched soon — according to Interfax China, the first such devices are expected to launch in the first-quarter of next year. The rumor goes on suggesting China Mobile is already working with manufacturers – Lenovo (OTCPK: LNVGY) is reportedly one of them.

The Ophone is described as a customised product that will embed a series of China Mobile’s services. It is a product of China Mobile’s strategy to compete with handset makers which push their own services bundled with phones (i.e. Nokia (NYSE: NOK) with its Ovi offering).

Finally, it’s the Android that will most likely be used as a basis for the Ophone, which is a good thing considering this move could/will significantly increase the interest for the platform — this is not to say Android is some under dog no one knows about.

[Via: Cellular-News]