I’m not sure where Steve Ballmer’s forebears hail from, but I wouldn’t be surprised if in their ancestral tongue, “Ballmer” tranlslates as “killjoy wanker.” The rotound Microsoft CEO just made waves at a Singapore conference, telling the attendees that Linux violated 228 different patents. He also warned—or, rather, threatened—that litigation may await companies that make Linux-based cellphones.
The dig may have been directed squarely at Panasonic and NEC, both of which have plans for 3G Linux handsets. Just a guess here, but something tells me they ain’t backing off those plans just because The Round Mound of Redmond dropped some lawsuit hints. Though, as always, the lawyers are on speed dial. If only Lionel Hutz were alive to enjoy this.
Panasonic braves Linux-inspired wrath of Ballmer [The Register]
