Intel and Nokia have teamed up to produce MeeGo, a new platform for smartphones and other mobile devices. The companies made the announcement on Monday during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

MeeGo is being offered as open source software, much like Google's Android platform. According to Intel, MeeGo is Linux-based and is a merging of its Moblin technologies with Nokia's Maemo.

Intel and Nokia's MeeGo plans extend beyond the mobile phone world. The companies hope to see their new platform show up netbooks and tablets, in-car entertainment systems, and Internet connected TVs.

"This is a foundational step in our evolving relationship with Nokia," commented Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini.

MeeGo will have its own online application stores targeted at specific hardware platforms, too. Nokia-based MeeGo device users will download apps through its Ovi Store, and Intel-based MeeGo users will get their apps through Intel's AppUp Center.

Assuming the MeeGo platform takes off, it could add more competition to the smartphone market. With competition from Apple's iPhone, Google Android and Windows Mobile, however, Intel and Nokia have a long road ahead.