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Linux Smartphone Developer Plans Mass-Market Handset
Linux smartphone developer, OpenMoko says that it is preparing to launch a mass-market version of its open-source handset. Maintaining the overall look and feel of the developers' Neo 1973, the Neo FreeRunner features hardware improvements such as 2D/3D graphics and a faster 500MHz processor that boosts performance to enable video and audio processing, as well as a new generation of mobile applications emerging from the open source community.
Designed for worldwide use, FreeRunner will come in two versions: a 850MHz tri-band and a 900Mhz tri-band. Neo FreeRunner will also integrate WiFi (802.11 b/g) for online access anywhere, and will include motion sensors that will cue functions based on detected user activity.
The original Neo 1973 sold out within three days of its introduction in July 2007, giving open source developers and hackers a hardware and software platform to build a completely new mobile device for both vertical markets and consumers.
"FreeRunner's a significantly improved device from the Neo 1973. Our developers gave us great feedback as they explored the first version of the device," said Steven Mosher, VP marketing, Openmoko. "We added WiFi, motion sensors, faster processing, and improved graphics, creating a compelling mass market device for open source development. The open source community was key in achieving that goal. Without them this remix of the Neo would not have been possible."
The FreeRunner is expected to ship later this spring -- first to developers and then to end users as software for the new hardware features becomes available.
Posted to the site on 4th January 2008