Nokia phone to use Maemo software

The Nokia N900 handset will run on Maemo software previously found in Internet tablet devices, and it plans to use the technology in other high-end models.
The model lets customers multitask and browse more easily than previous smartphones, the Espoo, Finland, company said in a statement. The touchscreen-and-qwerty device will cost about $713 without subsidies and ship in its first markets in October, Nokia said.

Nokia has used Maemo since 2005 in touchscreen tablets wihtout built-in phone functions. The system is based on Linux open-source software, which may help Nokia attract developers in competition with Google’s Android, which is also based on Linux, and Apple’s iPhone.