We’re right in the middle of the mobile API wars. Each major handset vendor has their own set of APIs and are trying to woo developers to create apps for their devices. Ever since the iPhone’s AppStore run away success, users are more and more looking to apps for all the cool extra functionality they want. So handsets without a vibrant app ecosystem are at a disadvantage.

Today Nokia’s Maemo conference started and the news coming out is encouraging. The first device, the N900 looks good and the software on it is promising. Maemo is based on Linux and today Nokia announced that Qt will be avialable for it. For all the Linux developers out there, this is probably the OS that is easiest for them to develop for. In fact, if done right, a bunch of the linux code created should be able to port very easily. Maemo is far and away a more compelling solution than Symbian, Nokia’s other OS. While Nokia’s strategy is looking more compelling, they still need to build an installed base. As a developer, there is no point in creating apps for a cool new device/OS if no one has handsets. Nokia needs to ship the N900 and get Maemo onto other devices ASAP. Without the installed base, only a few hobbist will be interested in Maemo.