openmoko

The Gizmo Report: WikiReader--simple, singular

It's been years since the concept of a digital convergence was seriously debated. Today, it's rare to see a single-function electronic device.

Digital still cameras can record video, and camcorders can take still photos. Even cheap cell phones include cameras. There are Web browsers in cell phones, cameras, televisions, and digital picture frames. In fact, it seems like it's only a matter of time before everything with a battery or power cord will be connected to the Internet.

So it's a little startling to see a new gizmo that does nothing but display text, especially when … Read more

Buzz Out Loud 946: OpenMoko is NoMo

Rafe and Molly take over the show today (because of travels by Tom and Natali) and, not surprisingly, geek out and argue a lot about things like FM radio transmitters. In the actual news, it's cell phone Monday with lots of talk about the spread of Android, the future of smartphone Internet apps, and the stupidity of illegally pirating a movie and reviewing it on Fox News. Oops.

Listen now: Download today's podcast EPISODE 946

MLB’s Web video puts everyone else to shame http://www.businessinsider.com/baseball-crushing-everyone-at-web-video-2009-4

T-Mobile to use Google software in devices for home … Read more

OpenMoko struggling with open-phone project

OpenMoko's work to develop an open-source smartphone is on the rocks.

Over the weekend, the company's executive director, Sean Moss-Pulz, said that staff cuts would be implemented, and Ars Technica spotted a mailing list post from OpenMoko's vice president of marketing, Steve Mosher, confirming that the successor to the FreeRunner is delayed, and might even have to be shelved.

OpenMoko's FreeRunner uses open-source software from top to bottom. It has received a bit of buzz, but only about 10,000 units have been sold, and the company has had quality issues with the handset.

The problem … Read more

Buzz Out Loud 842: Forking Google

Google has joined the OpenID crowd, but just like Microsoft and Yahoo, you can't use the OpenID on Google, but you can use Google credentials other places. Unlike Microsoft and Yahoo though, Google has decided to tweak the OpenID implementation a little to make it better. That means that it's nonstandard and won't work for all standards-compliant OpenID servers. Bullies. We also admire the new DRM-free music store from clothing retailer, Hot Topic. Really.

Listen now: Download today's podcast Episode 842

TiVo to stream Netflix http://newteevee.com/2008/10/29/october-surprise-tivo-to-stream-netflix/ http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10078711-1.html… Read more

Buzz Out Loud 759: Worms on the tongue

And that, my friends, is how we get you to listen all the way to the end. But in actual news of the day, a judge ordered Google to expose the viewing habits of millions of YouTube users. But it's OK, because only a few people will get to look at them. That's fine, right? Also, we freak out about privacy and identity theft, just in time for a study that acknowledges that consumers are freaking out about privacy and identity theft. Plus, the power of video compels you...to switch to broadband.

Listen now: Download today's podcast … Read more

OpenMoko releasing its latest Linux phone

Taiwan's OpenMoko has chosen July 4 as the day to liberate its Neo Freerunner, the latest version of its mobile phone that runs on Linux software. The updated model will be available on the U.S. market with faster processors, new motion sensors, Wi-Fi networking, and other features. But perhaps most impressive is that its price estimates have actually held true, according to Gizmodo, at $400.

OpenMoko's next Linux phone gets price

The idea of Linux phones has been around for years but, until Google's Android began making headlines, it had been slow to gain traction in any big way. Now OpenMoko's "Neo Freerunner," an updated version of its original "Neo 1973," is apparently steaming ahead for the mass market with official pricing.

The new model will go for $399 or, if you prefer buying your handsets in bulk, $3,690 for a pack of 10, according to Gizmodo. The Neo FreeRunner, which has a faster 500MHz processor than its predecessor's 266MHz chip, features built-in … Read more

OpenMoko Linux phone to get Wi-Fi, faster chip

OpenMoko is upgrading its Linux-based mobile phone with a faster processor, Wi-Fi networking, and better graphics abilities, the company said Thursday.

The Neo FreeRunner has a faster 500MHz processor, compared with 266MHz for the Neo 1973 introduced last July.

It's also got built-in hardware for 2D and 3D graphics along with new motion sensors that can trigger automated behavior. The wireless networking supports the 802.11b/g standards.

The company will preview the new version at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week and begin selling it to developers in the spring.

OpenMoko is a subsidiary of First International Computer, … Read more

OpenMoko gains some independence

Google's Android project has stolen most of the thunder, but another Linux-based mobile phone effort is still making a go of it, and on Wednesday, OpenMoko announced it's gained a measure of independence.

OpenMoko now is a separate operation of its parent company, Taiwan-based First International Computer. In addition, the company announced two new employees: Steven Mosher, vice president of worldwide marketing and formerly of Creative Labs; and Wolfgang Spraul, vice president of engineering and formerly of DataViz. In November, the company hired Carsten "The Rasterman" Haitzler to be lead graphics architect. Haitzler is creator of … Read more

Underexposed blog: Links of the day

Marc Fleury dings Apache Software Foundation -- JBoss founder says Apache should get over the BSD license and work with other Java projects such as JBoss or Sun Microsystems' OpenJDK rather than replicate its own. Harald Welte leaves OpenMoko -- He's getting back into GPL enforcement after "quite a bit of internal friction" at OpenMoko, an attempt to make an open-source mobile phone that began at Taiwanese company FIC. Ulrich Drepper: Energy saving is everybody's business -- A call to arms for programmers to make their code interrupt the CPU less often, and a hint that … Read more