J. Gold Associates has made the rather bold prediction that the Google Android and Symbian open source mobile operating systems will begin merging within six months.

The prediction is based on the assumption that the partners involved in each project don't have the stomach for a fight over market share.

Nokia secured 100 per cent ownership of the Symbian Foundation earlier this month, while Google's Open Handset Alliance counts DoCoMo and Motorola among its members. Both are also part of the Symbian Foundation.

J. Gold said: "We expect that within the next three-six months, Symbian and Android will combine to provide a single open source OS. Many of the same sponsors are involved in both initiatives.

"A combination of the Android and Symbian efforts would be good for the industry, good for Google and good for Symbian. It would also help spur a growth in the availability of applications and services. The downside is minimal. Everyone wins."