Android this year surpassed both iOS and Blackberry as the most popular smartphone OS, further catapulting Linux into the spotlight in the mobile device industry. Just a couple months ago, Amazon announced what analysts say is the first real threat to the iPad, the Amazon Kindle Fire [1]. This introduction once again put Linux in the spotlight by allowing a major comapny like Amazon to build a self-branded device that is, as BusinessWeek reporter Brad Stone described [2], "cheap, pretty, and puts Amazon in perfect position to take a bite out of Apple - and every online transaction you make."
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Linux is making it possible for organizations to innovate in every device category. Because of its flexibility and cost, we expect to see a variety of new services-based business models take shape around Linux-based devices in 2012.
Before we embark on the New Year, though, let's take a look at some of the most interesting Linux-based devices of 2011. You can view the full gallery here, at Best Linux Devices [3]of 2011.