The partnership with Wind River will align Trolltech’s Qtopia application platform with the former’s Platform for Consumer Devices, Linux Edition for use with a wide range of processors.

Designers of mobile phones and other consumer electronic devices will get a supported pre-integrated Linux platform with Wind River’s development tools and open source code.

"As the market for Linux based consumer devices expands, Trolltech and Wind River are an ideal match for device manufacturers looking for solutions that are well supported and best in class," said Haavard Nord, CEO Trolltech.

The deal with Zi Corporation, the Canadian group that specializes in predictive text software for mobile devices, means the software will be integrated into the Qtopia platform, enhancing the functionality of Linux-based mobile devices, which are fast gaining industry acceptance.

The companies say some Trolltech customers are already integrating eZiText into Qtopia platforms that are targeted at both mobile handsets and those targeting the Wi-Fi market.

“With more device manufactures choosing the Linux operating system, Zi is providing them with the opportunity to enhance new and existing applications with prediction, handwriting recognition and search capabilities, drastically improving the device’s usability and the end consumer’s experience,” commented Milos Djokovic, Zi Corporation’s CTO.