OpenMoko makes total sense
Open Source for mobile phones is not just cool, but necessary.
Why do I say that? Because it stands to reason. First, "smart" phones and similar ones with PDA functionality cost a lot. You obviously want to be able to keep it going for a few years at least, and not dump that $1,500-$2,000 device simply because there's no choice.
That's currently how it works with many phone makers. My Telecom Apache is great, but the maker, HTC, doesn't provide timely updates for it. Microsoft has released Windows Mobile 6, and it'd be nice to upgrade to that as it has many features I'm keen on but... no. There is no upgrade path for the HTC Apache to WM6.
This silliness points to the current model of proprietary vendor releasing an OS to an OEM who then passes it onto an operator being broken. It only takes one entity in that chain to stop cooperating and customers are stuck with old software that's buggy and insecure.
A standards-based open source solution like OpenMoko could fix all that, and benefit not just customers, but also OEMs and operators.
It's not a pipe-dream either: electronics giant FIC of Taiwan has already produced an OpenMoko phone, the Neo1973. This is a far more exciting development than Apple's proprietary iPhone that locks customers in to what the iJobs allows them to do. I hope it's the first of many Open Source phones!
Comments
Sounds cool - if you don't mind, keep me posted on this (juha at pcworld.co.nz).
Posted by: Juha | April 18, 2007 8:33 PM
It was sent to me as part of the OpenMoko phase 0 developer program.
Phase 1 begins in a few weeks, which means anyone will be able to buy one (still targeting developers though since the software won't be 100% complete by that time).
Posted by: Paul Eggleton | April 16, 2007 7:30 PM
Paul: that's pretty cool. Where did you get hold of it?
Posted by: Juha | April 16, 2007 1:39 PM
FYI, I have a Phase 0 Neo1973 here in NZ, and I can confirm it does work on the Vodafone network. The software is in the pre-alpha stages, but I have been able to make and receive a call (even if it was a little one-sided due to some audio issues).
Posted by: Paul Eggleton | April 14, 2007 6:18 PM
Thanks for the URL Johnny - the OpenMoko logo was meant to be linked to the site, but I fat-fingered that. :\
As for Telecom/Vodafone, they have every incentive to support a project like OpenMoko. It means more choice and less hassle for them, and ultimately cheaper devices too. Seems to me there are several good business reasons for OpenMoko.
Posted by: Juha | March 14, 2007 10:00 AM
I have been following the OpenMoko story for awhile and it looks Good. Very Good. These things can potentially be my dream. The Open, Connected, General Purpose UI to the world of Embedded Devices.
They are doing all the right things, making the software development kit open, setting up sourceforges, setting up wikis, setting up mailling lists, shipping to developers early...
Do I expect Vodafone/Telecom to support them? Nah! From the sheer lack of clue (as in the cluetrain manifesto) they have displayed in previous years... I would expect they'd crawl a mile over broken glass before they did. (I would love to proven wrong)
However that won't stop me trying. Any NZ'ers interested in helping me get these things going here can despam this email address and contact me.
cNyOenStP@AxMtrEaV.EcRo.nz
Posted by: John Carter | March 13, 2007 10:13 AM
It seems like this article is lacking a link for the OpenMoko project website.
Here, check out the wiki FAQ for OpenMoko:
http://wiki.openmoko.org/wiki/FAQ
Posted by: JohnnyB | March 13, 2007 7:40 AM
The OpenMoko Neo1973 is a GSM phone, so once it is released you should just be able to slot in your Vodafone SIM card and get online. That's the beauty of the GSM model over CDMA - you aren't dependent on the carrier's choice of available devices.
Posted by: Paul Eggleton | March 13, 2007 12:32 AM
Heh, I saw an article about the OpenMoko project on engadge a few weeks ago and it attracted my interest. Any word on Telecom/Vodafone supporting any OpenMoko phones here? :)
Posted by: byte | March 12, 2007 9:23 PM