Nokia and Intel will merge their top-end smartphone software as they face increasing pressure

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from cellphone industry newcomers Google and Apple.

The world's top cellphone maker Nokia said on Monday it will merge its Linux Maemo software platform, used in its flagship N900 phone, with Intel's Moblin, also a version of Linux.

The deal is set to boost Intel's chances to get its chips into the cellphones of the Finnish company, which controls around 40 percent of the global phone market.

The new software platform, called Meego, will be hosted by Linux foundation, the companies said.