China Mobile's next-generation OMS 2.0 (open mobile system 2.0) operating system is expected to support Windows Mobile and Symbian platform APIs (application programming interfaces) in addition to Android, which will benefit software developers and handset makers, according to industry sources in Taiwan.

Combining the Android Market, Windows Marketplace and Symbian/Ovi Store will offer China Mobile's OMS phones (Ophones) a fighting chance against iPhones offered by China Unicom, the sources commented.

A number of handset makers, including Lenovo, Hisense, Dopod, LG Electronics (LGE), Dell, Motorola and Phillips, have all launched Ophones, with most models available currently supporting OMS 1.0 and 1.5 or 1.6.