AOL has entered the open mobile platform fray, announcing plans to release an open platform for developers to create mobile applications for any handset by the middle of the year. AOL reportedly said it decided to go with an open platform to allow developers to improve it as they like.

Based on technology AOL acquired from Airmedia last year, its Open Mobile Platform will allow developers to convert mobile applications to formats compatible with any mobile device. The platform is OS-agnostic, so developers are not limited to working with devices that only run one operating system.

AOL also said that the client is so small developers could include it with the application, so users don’t have to download more than one item to their phones. But the company also hopes carrier and device manufacturers will integrate its mobile platform into handsets going forward.

As part of the platform, developers will be able to use AOL services as part of their applications, but they are not required to.