I’m a big fan of open-source software, my favorites being Firefox and OpenOffice. Unfortunately for Mac users, OpenOffice is not available.
This looks as though it may be changing in the near future. There have been efforts to port OpenOffice to the Mac for some time now, but Sun will officially be offering their assistance to the cause.
We recently reported that the XO laptops will be able to run Windows. While this is likely true, it is not something that OLPC is actually working on.
We have been following OpenMoko development and FIC’s Neo1973 phone that will be powered by OpenMoko platform. Many things has happened since our last coverage and I’m excited to see where this platform is heading. OpenMoko community website is now officially in business, where you can find Wiki, SVN, Mailinglist, and Bugzilla (currently still password protected) on it.
Neo1973 phone has been delayed due to some changes deemed necessary by the development team, but I would rather wait, as it will be worthwhile. We have new pictures Sean sent to us of the Neo1973 phones, and a look inside the phone itself.
With the FIC open-source Linux cellphone launching sometime in January 2007, the company has announced its first major software partner in the shape of OpenMoko, whose OpenEmbedded-based platform will be loaded on every Neo1973 sold. Comprising a library of applications built around a common storage model, OpenMoko will also be compatible with existing open source applications from the OpenZaurus, Familiar Linux, and Ångström projects, as well as FIC-specific software that, having been OpenMoko-certified, can be remotely downloaded, installed and, over the lifespan of the software, updated.
Beyond the basic toolkit of cellular features, OpenMoko has used push-email and PIM synchronisation technology from mobile open source software company Funambol, creating a device environment where automatic updates correct bugs and add new features as they are released.
We’ve seen many gadgets utilising open source applications, but we haven’t seen them truly embrace open source as a platform for their product. Now that’s all going to change with FIC entering the smartphone market with their new FIC-GTA001. FIC is focusing on common usability at this moment such as MP3 support, GPS systems and GSM, however all those basic features and functionalities can be added to and extended with the involvement of the open source community. FIC will provide the SDK for developers to hack new features into the phone.
Eudora Mail is one of my favorite email client and has been around for a very long time (I think since 1988). Eudora Mail was the first email client I use in the early days, and I’m happy to tell you guys that Qualcomm, the company that developed Eudora Mail will be releasing Eudora as an open source product in the future. According to Qualcomm, this is their exit strategy from email market. The first Open Source version will be available in the first half of 2007 and will be based on Mozilla Thunderbird platform. The commercial version will still be available for purchase until Eudora open source is available.
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Hey, Premium Notebooks or Netbooks, Get the Basics Right!
SlashGear Japan
