AOL acquired wireless software maker Wildseed and created a new unit as part of a strategy to boost its mobile services.Wildseed, based in Kirkland, Wash., makes Linux-based software for mobile devices and will become part of the newly created AOL Wireless unit, AOL announced. In addition to Wildseed, AOL Wireless will include Tegic Communications, which AOL bought in 1999 and specializes in simplifying the entry of text into mobile devices, IDG News Service reported. Finally, AOL Wireless will also absorb AOL Mobile, which includes several AOL services for mobile devices, such as instant messaging, e-mail, photo storage, radio, search and mapping.The Wildseed acquisition and the creation of AOL Wireless are part of AOL’s continuing initiative to extend its interactive services to mobile devices and simplify and promote their usage, an AOL spokeswoman said.Wildseed’s technologies provide a mobile Linux-based Operating System which includes support for Game Boy Advanced style games, MP3 and Video playback, remote device management, AOL said. Many of the components that form Wildseed’s mobile Linux solution can be sold separately to non-Linux based feature phones. “Data-related mobile technologies are on the cusp of mainstream adoption. We see it everyday in the explosive growth of our mobile AIM traffic. The wireless industry is focused on bringing additional rich media experiences and a new gen-eration of interactive services to the mobile consumer, and we are committed to being a leader in that arena,” John McKinley, Chief Technology Officer and President, Digital Services, of AOL, said in a statement. “With the combination of Tegic and Wildseed, we can offer our carrier and OEM partners the best-in-class platform they need to deliver these rich and engaging mobile experiences and help drive innovation and growth in the industry.” Technology Industry