Who said anything about using Linux on phones? I agree that a third smartphone platform would need to be user friendly. Whether based on Linux, OpenBSD, QNX, Symbian, or something is just a technical detail.
>> Normal consumers are not asking for the ability to “program their phone and run media servers”
No one asked for iPhone. They were quite happy with their Blackberry and Treo phones. My personal wants for a smartphone are not why having a third smartphone platform would help innovation and competition in the current stagnant duopoly.
>> “Open” is not an “innovation”.
Yes, but "Closed" sucks for everyone but the platform owners.
iOS developers have been suffering and Apple has little reason it fix the issues: https://www.wired.com/story/apples-app-store-review-fix-fail...
Android developers face similar troubles: http://www.fosspatents.com/2022/07/developer-class-action-se...
The current smartphone duopoly is just two competing monopolies with consumers and developers caught in the middle.
Some organizations are trying to get "Open" smartphone marketplaces and more choice and competition in the markets:
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022...
Open standards and open markets encourage real competition and innovation.