In a move designed to strengthen their relationship, Nokia and Intel have today announced they are to merge their OSs Maemo and Moblin under one new moniker, MeeGo, at this year's Mobile World Congress.

Due to launch in the second half of 2010, MeeGo is set to 'unify' the two systems, creating a Linux-based OS that will run across multiple platforms - smartphones, netbooks, tablet PCs, TVs, and "in-vehicle infotainment systems" all targeted.

"MeeGo will drive an even wider range of internet computing and communication experiences for consumers, on new types of mobile devices," said Nokia CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo.

"Through open innovation, MeeGo will create an ecosystem that is second to none, drawing in players from different industries. It will support a range of business models across the value chain, building on the experience and expertise of Nokia, Intel and all those who will join us. Simply put, MeeGo heralds a new era of mobile computing."

Nokia claims MeeGo will complement, rather than replace, its Symbian OS, the two formats co-existing to "create a shared single platform that will drive the future of mobile computing." Applications written for MeeGo will also be easily deployable on Symbian.

It had been expected that Symbian uptake would be scaled back over the next couple of years, the Finnish firm's smartphone handsets due to switch to Maemo by 2012.

Now it would appear MeeGo is to take the slack, Nokia and Intel stating that the new system will "build on the capabilities of the Moblin core OS" and take advantage of the "momentum of Maemo in the mobile industry."

The partnership marks an extension of the relationship between the two companies, the firms having first teamed-up in June last year to work on mobile internet devices based on their previously respective Linux-based systems.