Adopting Open Source Software in Smartphone Manufacturers' Open Innovation Strategy

Abstract

We are witnessing the rapid adoption of smart mobile devices globally, especially smartphones. Unlike cell phones, most computer functions can be performed by smartphones. The established players of cell phones have lost their grip on the market, and new players have quickly captured the market's interest. Open source (OSS) can be viewed as a kind of open innovation where a company outsource software needed to the community, or alternatively, a company can contribute its software to the community after turning it to open source software. This chapter discusses the open innovation and adoption of OSS in smartphone industry. The development OSS and its use in smartphones will be presented. The competition between proprietary and OSS operating systems for smartphones will be discussed as platforms or operation systems shape the smartphone industry.