One way to answer- “which one” Brew, IBM, Nokia, Android? Well lets look at the real deal- Sun Java. How will this work for embedded devices:
DEFINITIONS…. The use of Software in systems and solutions that provide dedicated functionality … or designed for use in embedded or function-specific software applications, for example but not limited to: Software embedded in or bundled with industrial control systems, wireless mobile telephones, wireless handheld devices, netbooks, kiosks, TV/STB, Blu-ray Disc devices, telematics and network control switching equipment, printers and storage management systems, and other related systems are excluded from this definition and not licensed under this Agreement.
http://www.java.com/en/download/license.jsp
Now, the interesting thing is the license between Sun and the people with Java clones. Does that pass on this exclusion?
Lawrence Ricci
www.EmbeddedInsider.com
This terms is often used with many meanings. For example, some people consider Flash 'open' and 'multi-platform' . But Flash is a product of Adobe systems, locked down, copy protected and distribution restricted. And versions for other than standard PC, home use, may carry licence fees.
Check it out:
3.1 Adobe Runtime Restrictions. You will not use any Adobe Runtime on any non-PC device or with any embedded or device version of any operating system. For the avoidance of doubt, and by example only, you may not use an Adobe Runtime on any (a) mobile device, set top box (STB), handheld, phone, web pad, tablet and Tablet PC (other than with Windows XP Tablet PC Edition and its successors), game console, TV, DVD player, media center (other than with Windows XP Media Center Edition and its successors), electronic billboard or other digital signage, Internet appliance or other Internet-connected device, PDA, medical device, ATM, telematic device, gaming machine, home automation system, kiosk, remote control device, or any other consumer electronics device, (b) operator-based mobile, cable, satellite, or television system or (c) other closed system device. For information on licensing Adobe Runtimes for use on such systems please visit http://www.adobe.com/go/licensing.
You will notice, for its embedded operating systems, Microsoft buys and includes a fully paid license for Adobe. Do you get this with Linux? Unix? QNX?
So, what is 'open'?