Chip maker Texas Instruments today announced OpenLink, an open source project for handset manufacturers and developers to plug into various wireless technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and FM. OpenLink plays nice with Linux-based operating systems like Android and MeeGo, and best of all, it’s not necessarily locked-down to TI hardware (though it will support their all-in-one WiLink solution). Eventually, OpenLink will expand to include standards like ANT, Bluetooth Low Energy, and ZigBee.
While that might not necessarily mean a lot for end-users directly, it does mean Android handset manufacturers will be able to implement a big chunk of their connectivity for a lot cheaper, which translates to savings that can eventually be passed down to end users and push Android phones into more entry-level positions. Of course, that’s no guarantee for quality; sure these drivers are going to be ripe with community support, but at least licensed, closed-source products have the luxury of direct support from the ones making them. Luckily, Texas Instruments has a lot of experience in this field and I suspect will provide a solid foundation for the community at large to work with.
It’s an interesting initiative for developers; if you want to get involved, head on over to OpenLink.org.