There’s no doubt that Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android mobile operating systems are the top two most used mobile operating systems today, but there are a few emerging mobile operating systems that are looking to claim the number three spot in usability, such as the Firefox OS and Tizen. Canonical’s Ubuntu Touch OS just received the backing of Verizon Wireless, giving the mobile OS a better chance at becoming the next new mobile OS. Verizon has joined the Ubuntu Carrier Advisory Group, which works to help bring Ubuntu up to par for release to the public.
“Verizon Wireless is joining Ubuntu’s Carrier Advisory Group to participate in technology discussions around this new platform, which has the ability to bring new and exciting features to developers and ultimately, customers.” – Samir Vaidya, Member of the Device Technology Team at Verizon Wireless
The Ubuntu Carrier Advisory Group is open to any multinational carrier who wishes to join, as long as they apply by the end of July. The CAG “lets mobile operators shape Ubuntu’s mobile strategy” by providing members with “advance confidential briefings and provide us with industry insight to ensure that Ubuntu meets their needs.”
With the first Firefox OS phones launching in Europe and the Samsung launching an app development challenge for the Tizen OS, it looks as though the war for the next mobile operating system has begun.