digg

Join DiggAbout

Discover the best of the web!
Learn more about Digg by taking the tour.

Linux-based iPhone killer available online in March

linuxdevices.com — FIC has announced an on-sale date for its Neo1973, expected to be the first low-cost, high-volume phone with a user-modifiable Linux-based operating system. Like the iPhone, the Neo1973 is a GPS-enabled mobile phone with a high-resolution screen, but no hardware keypad, and with a Unix OS.

Bury
show profanity settings
expand all
  • GerryBot, on 10/12/2007, -6/+36Wow, sounds very cool. Nice to see the prevalence of Linux on embedded devices like this.
    • TheWorm, on 10/12/2007, -27/+54Ehh, this is not going to be an iPhone Killer.

      Not bad, but not a competitor. The only thing its got on the iPhone is open source and third party apps.
    • TopherT, on 10/12/2007, -19/+5Yeah, I don't think anyone's gunna keep all their music on an SD card for this or watch a TV show or movie on that 240x~200 pixel screen.
    • gxcdesign, on 10/12/2007, -11/+53stop with all the 'killer' articles...there has yet to actually ever be one
    • iofthestorm, on 10/12/2007, -3/+43Umm, according to this page http://openmoko.com/press/index.html it's got a 2.8" VGA (480x640) screen. Not too shabby, eh? I don't understand why people are so skeptical about this, especially since this was announced before the iPhone and only gained publicity after the iPhone was announced. For me the shape is kind of awkward for use as a phone, but I think as a general purpose PDA it's going to rock. And unlocked for a little over half the price of a locked iPhone, seems like a no brainer to me.
    • stisaac, on 10/12/2007, -5/+57The iPhone actually doesn't have gps.
    • praisethelard, on 06/06/2008, -13/+7Looks nice, but the $350 price tag is still too steep for me.
    • Ignignokt01, on 10/12/2007, -5/+16Its not a regular phone, $350 is pretty good for what it can do. (also a functioning navigation system with built in GPS)

      And SD cards aren't that much: 4GB for like 50 bucks? Sorry but thats like the original ipod's storage, which was plenty back when I owned it. For music, at least.
    • klasikahl, on 10/12/2007, -16/+6No 3g? This phone is irrelevant!
    • AkshayGenius, on 10/12/2007, -18/+11Can someone please tell me how this is an iPhone-killer?
    • djlosch, on 10/12/2007, -10/+52this submission is crap
      1) the iPhone does not have GPS
      2) the neo has a much larger screen than they quoted
      3) most of the info is taken directly off the spec sheet on openmoko.com
      4) the neo runs Openmoko Linux, not Unix.

      finally, if you don't realize the power of an apt based application manager on a handheld, you're a total moron and deserve to be locked in apple's walled garden, where all you can do is browse the web and check your email.

      the only thing the iPhone has on this is wifi (because a ***** camera is a disadvantage), but it's grossly limited by no 3d party apps

      here, http://www.djlosch.com/article_Comparison%3A_iPhone_vs_A1200_vs_Neo1973

      essentially, the iPhone would be awesome if it didn't have so much vendor lock-in.
    • macbookpromat, on 10/12/2007, -4/+7See unlike the iPhone, I could probly afford this, not have to use Rogers Wireless, and customize it to work as a PHONE!
    • thatgirlismine, on 10/12/2007, -1/+17Here's a video of the Neo1973 at a tradeshow: http://youtube.com/watch?v=jRvtAAXTIlg
    • tep200377, on 10/12/2007, -9/+4Looks like a "happy phone" for visualy impared people ..
    • danjal, on 10/12/2007, -2/+9while i'll openly admit i'm not a huge linux fan.. i will say this, they are warming upto me, and if it can do 'most' things the iphone can do.. count me in.
    • robbh66, on 10/12/2007, -12/+2"I don't understand why people are so skeptical about this,"

      Because it's going up against the iphone.

      Apple has always made slick music players, but technologically, there's always something that's a little better, a little smaller, a little cheaper. For most people, including myself, the fact that it's better than an ipod isn't enough because in the end, the ipod is still an apple.

      Same for this phone.
    • drag, on 10/12/2007, -7/+26"Because it's going up against the iphone."

      Ya, but Apple has lots of realy big flops in the past. Newton, for instance. Lisa. The later G4 powerbooks.
      There were quite a few powermacs that were more then unremarkable.

      Look I know people like Apple and all that (and I understand were your coming from.. I like the iAudio stuff much more then a Ipod), but lets look at it from a geek perspective.


      Answer me this:
      Why did technical sorts of people always like PC hardware more then Apple hardware, say in the past 5 years?
      Because you can take it apart and mess around with. Overclock it, install games, install different sorts of hardware. It was all standardized componates and you could switch this and that out. Whatever.

      So most Digg folk like to tinker around with this sort of stuff. Keeping this in mind...
      Key differences:

      1. IPhone is singular-only. Despite people's hopes no other major phone company has come up and taken the bait. Some have even announced that they have no intention of supporting the iPhone.

      This FIC/Linux phone is GSM. It's a open standard and can work with anybody's network and all you need is a activation card which is aviable from anybody that supports GSM, which is most people. You can use it in almost any place around the world with any sort of carrier you want.

      2. With the IPhone your not allowed to install applications. What you get when you buy the thing is probably all it's ever going to be.

      With this OpenMoko phone it's completely open. Open kernel, open userland. Open source drivers, even. It's essentially Linux box with 266mhz proccessor, 128 megs of RAM, a 64meg disk with up to 2gigs (per disk) of removable read/write media.

      Now the hardware specs are not impressive, but since it's open it takes it beyond a mear phone or PDA; It's a complete Unix box you can carry around in pocket and make phone calls with. Have a bluetooth keyboard and you can even program with Vi on it, if your a huge nerd like me. Run X applications on it. Play video.
      Whatever you want. It even treats the GSM stuff like a modem with a virtual serial port and AT commands.

      It's yours, it's open.

      They are even going to sell a 'Hacker kit' so you can interface with the hardware directly via a JTAG port. NO OTHER PHONE does it. Not one. All of them are designed to keep you completely locked out of the hardware and everything, this thing is specificly designed to be open and not only be sold, but set a standard other phone makers and use.

      If it was closed off and regular phone, then it would be just another generic smartphone running Linux for the asian market were they are fairly popular. There is nothing realy remarkable about the hardware (other then the display and Jtag). The Iphone has it outclassified if that was the case.

      The 'killer feature' is that this thing is truely being designed to be as open as the law allows. They are not even being open, but the lead developer had to do a sort of culture shift in the company to get people to get out of the mindset of being a propriatory producer of phones and not only release all the source code to the open, but also code it correctly and make it specificly so that it's maintainable and usable by regular hackers everywere.

      This isn't just another company saying 'Oh this is going to be lInux' and use some obsolete hacked up kernel with bizzare closed source drivers running some prorprietory userland. This thing is as open as a PC with Ubuntu installed on it.
    • catalysis, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3GPS on this thing is going to rock. I think its nokia that is coming out with free linux mapping software (charging for add ons). It will be perfect for this phone. Just a reminder: the march release date will be more like a beta and if you want the finished, polished product with lots of community-made apps, you should wait for september. This might be important if its your only phone.
    • Sedaak, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1It says for sale March, but the sub-pages still list September as the public release date.
    • scottstevenson, on 10/12/2007, -4/+5"the only thing the iPhone has on this is wifi"

      I guess it depends on what sort of market you're looking at. For Linux hackers, yes, that's a good evaluation. For everyone else, the value of the iPhone is the ease of use, a built-in iPod, easy syncing, and satisifcation of overall design rather than the OS license or the individual bits of hardware. The software on the iPhone is miles beyond anything else (at the high level -- kernel discussion aside), even if there are ocassional screenshots that pop up on Digg with Mac-like icons.
    • randf, on 10/12/2007, -6/+4@ drag

      seems like a pretty long winded argument about two products not yet released...and one sided enough to wonder how much you're getting paid to say so.

      "Ya, but Apple has lots of realy big flops in the past. Newton, for instance. Lisa. The later G4 powerbooks.
      There were quite a few powermacs that were more then unremarkable"

      Newton, a really big flop? odd comment since it was the first ever PDA, and in 2006 CNET rated it better than a Samsung Q1. it fielded or popularized several technologies we take for granted today on PDAs and phones.

      Powerbook G4, a really big flop? seems like they sold quite a few of them over the six year lifespan for being such a big flop. my 400mhz 2001 model served me quite well all over the world until retiring it last year for a MBP.

      "Why did technical sorts of people always like PC hardware more then Apple hardware, say in the past 5 years?"

      i suppose there will always be technical sorts who like to tinker, whether it's windows hardware or apple hardware. but there will always be tons more of both platform persuasions that prefer to walk into a store and buy something preassembled and functions out of the box. that's why places like circuit city aren't stores with only bins and parts that you collect in a bag and take to the checkout counter.

      i think the biggest feature of the iPhone is that it will work out of the box and there will be some company that will service it satisfactorily if it fails. When the iPhone fails you won't have to whip out your "hacker kit" and download the latest patch from a dedicated forum to fix the hack you installed last night at two am b/c. my "closed" run of the mill 2 week old mobile phone failed and i walked into my run of the mill mobile phone service center and walked out with a working replacement phone in 5 minutes.

      some people want a product to tinker with. some people want a dependable device that works when you turn it on and doesn't suck away hours of your life troubleshooting it when it fails.
    • unit101, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Although it's a noble idea, the biggest problem I see with it is the design. It reminds me of that Why I Hate Macs article that was front-paged a while back. Now *this* looks like a fisher-price toy.
    • AngryPenguin47, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2This info is a bit dated, I have been on the mailing list for a while. Here is an exerpt from one of the emails I got from Sean Moss-Pultz, who is mentioned in the article.

      "Regarding our Neo1973 hardware, we will send out the first batch of
      phase 0 phones out around the end of this month. Sorry for not being
      able to give an absolute date. Next week is Chinese New Year (we're in
      Asia remember) and _everyone_ stops working for a full week. Having our
      newly designed FPC built before is really wishful thinking.

      All interested developers can purchase Neos starting late March. Please
      understand that phase 0 is a system of "checks and balances," so it
      simply cannot be rushed. We want to get the framework right, the first
      time around. Hopefully you all can live with the slight delays in our
      schedule. We're all super excited to be cranking again and eagerly await
      sending you hardware so you can join us in the party ;-)

      Finally, we will offer Neos to end users sometime in September of this
      year. People everywhere will finally begin to understand the real power
      of an open phone with a strong community behind it. Within this
      relationship between humans and Neos, a new kind of device will emerge.
      "Freed Phones", will have the potential to forever change the way people
      think of technology. This is the challenge that drives us. And it awaits
      each an every one of you, along with our full support."

      Recieved february 4th.
    • gaervern, on 10/12/2007, -3/+1OSX or Linux? How about Windows Mobile? It is open to 3RD party apps and there is an abundance of freeware that adds functions and tweaks user interface. How many hours did it take before the first Windows Mobiles looked like an iPhone? Just as an illustration of the flexibility of the system and the power of open source development. Plus it works for even for non-hackers.

      I was an Apple fanboy because MacOS stimulated hacker creativity. iPod and iPhone are closed environments.

      It is great that the Neo1973 creates an open environment for Linux hackers too. The result will be mobile devices with functions nobody can imagine today, while the iPhone does what it does, in a nice but limited way.
    • Robotsu, on 10/12/2007, -3/+2Should I put this next to my Linux-based Desktop killer, my Linux-based Office killer, or right next to the linux-based video-player... oh wait... nevermind.
    • nayr, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1It's great, but will it sync with my mac? Probably not. Great for a little hackable machine, though.
    • jtjdt, on 10/12/2007, -3/+2How could there be an iPhone killer, when the iPhone isn't even out yet?
    • semkras, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1This design SUCKS ! , i hate all people using the word "Killer" just to get in to news topics
      I saw near 100 articles with "ipod killer" and still nobody can beat it .

      I like Linux , I like open source ,but to get to peoples pockets they need to do better design and lower prices .
      If they have open source software so why price is soo big ??

      Child doesn't have 680$ but design is for children .
  • Andytom, on 10/12/2007, -4/+15This might be a stupid question but what networks does it run on if any? Could I just plug in my sim card from my current phone and have it work fine or what?
    • SirNoobius, on 10/12/2007, -25/+4it'll probably be GSM although i didn't even read the article.
    • gadgeek, on 10/12/2007, -1/+22Unlocked quad-band GSM/GPRS
    • abid786, on 10/12/2007, -10/+6@Sirnoobius
      Read the article and if you don't want to, then dont comment for no reason...

      @andytom

      "quad-band GSM/GPRS phone [will] cost ... $350"
    • TopherT, on 10/12/2007, -12/+6Its only 2.5 generation GSM not even on the edge network. All its got going for it is an adaptable OS, a touch screen, and this Digg based hype.
    • geoken, on 10/12/2007, -2/+18"Its only 2.5 generation GSM not even on the edge network. All its got going for it is an adaptable OS, a touch screen, and this Digg based hype."

      and no vendor lock in
      and a low price
      and GPS
      and the ability to install a huge variety of apps

      Maybe it's getting hyped because it's a good product. I'm sorry if that makes your Apple tattoo throb.
  • rmerrick, on 10/12/2007, -20/+7Please tell me that this isn't going to be the actual form when it goes to market. It's a nice shape for a snowboard, but a phone...?

    It looks like an open source butt-toy for geeks. It won't do well in the style conscious world of cell phones.

    I think I'll wait and see how the greenphone turns out.
    http://www.trolltech.com/products/qtopia/greenphone
    • pooslinger, on 10/12/2007, -8/+10$695 vs $350
    • iofthestorm, on 10/12/2007, -3/+9Have you seen the press pictures? They might be mockups, no idea really since it seems like they keep showing the ugly orange ones but these definitely suggest the ability to compete with the iPhone in terms of looks.
      http://openmoko.com/press/index.html
    • jakeoflgdm, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2I think that this phone is great, now if I can only come up with a spare $350 to buy it when it comes out. that qtopia green phone sounds pretty damn cool also but I didn't see a price on it. Did anyone see whether or not this is a wifi phone or not? I didn't see anything about it but maybe I'm just blind
    • geoken, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2i think the dark colored one looks pretty good.
    • fourcylthrill, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1greenphone is $890

      http://www.shoptrolltech.com/do/page/SDKLight
    • zmigliozzi, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1@rmerrick

      and talking into a rectangular prism is normal?
  • shad0walker, on 10/12/2007, -6/+13Just one problem with this phone: The demo colours.
    • dynacrylic, on 10/12/2007, -5/+10I like the colors!

      :P
    • jcaino, on 10/12/2007, -8/+16well, that and it's ugly.

      i don't plan on getting an iPhone...but it does look much better than this.

      face it, image sells. jon q. public doesn't give jack squat about open anything or standards. they just want it to look cool.
    • iofthestorm, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5http://openmoko.com/press/index.html
      The pictures on this page look much better.
    • joshreed104, on 10/12/2007, -3/+4Ya, the concept is great, but that orange phone is as ugly as sin.
    • geoken, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3"Ya, the concept is great, but that orange phone is as ugly as sin."

      So then get the black one which essentially has the same color scheme as the concept.(the pic is in the article along with a third color scheme towards the end of the article)
    • Robotsu, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3forget the colors, the entire form factor looks like a fischer-price "My First Phone"
  • Darph.Bobo, on 10/12/2007, -14/+17iPhone killer? Anyone stupid enough to bet real money?
    • aurath, on 10/12/2007, -12/+7Really the only thing that the iPhone has over it is hype (and looks too, its a little ugly). Hype will carry the iPhone very far, but the flexibility of linux and the ability to run homebrew apps (skype?) _might_ win out.
    • bovox, on 10/12/2007, -8/+7dude, you really don't understand the power of design if you think design is just making something look pretty. i looked at that linux phone and the first thing that ran through my head was ROFL.
    • jamester, on 10/12/2007, -9/+6Killer? I mean... really...

      Killer?!?

      :: sigh ::
    • Quix, on 10/12/2007, -10/+13"the ability to run homebrew apps (skype?) _might_ win out"

      Yes, because the general cellphone-buying populace, who aren't even aware there are other web browsers besides IE, are all about homebrew apps. :|
    • broomett, on 10/12/2007, -7/+5bovox...just because YOU like or dislike something's design does not make it good or bad. You are on very insignificant person, and you certainly don't speak for anyone else on the planet about ANYTHING. Thankfully, you are not like the average person. (And I mean that in the worst possible way.)

      Darph..if you are betting money on the iPhone gainging any market share, please...move out of this country so I don't have to support you with food stamps.

      And Quix..the general cellphone buying population has absolutely NO need for a $500 + 2 year contract phone either. The iPhone is definitely NOT aimed at the masses.
    • broomett, on 10/12/2007, -7/+14Again everybody...reality check. Other than the iPod/iTunes, NONE of Apple's products have any significant market share. tehy have FAR more failures than successes.Why? Because most people do not see Apple as this "Can't Miss" company. More iPod owners have Windows PCs than Macs.

      Remember the iPod HiFi? Steve Jobs said it was going to put Bose out of business. And many Diggers agreed.

      I think Apple sold about 12 of them.
    • Duelist, on 10/12/2007, -5/+4"Yes, because the general cellphone-buying populace, who aren't even aware there are other web browsers besides IE, are all about homebrew apps. :|"

      @Quix

      Well then I doubt they're all about the GPS, Google Maps, or any other random stuff on a device meant to be a "phone" either.
    • boonesfarm, on 10/12/2007, -4/+1Can't really kill something that hasn't been born yet.
      (Now watch this devolve into an abortion debate)

      Personally, I think the less geeky people who buy this phone for the shiny Apple logo are going to hate the touchscreen and limited battery.
    • tdowling, on 10/12/2007, -3/+5"the general cellphone buying population has absolutely NO need for a $500 + 2 year contract phone either. The iPhone is definitely NOT aimed at the masses."

      You're silly if you think that price is going to stay where it is. Apple almost always tries new things out first on the money-laden geeks, and moves its focus to the general populace after they've given it a run-through. The iPhone is without a doubt aimed the general population and I'll bet good money that the price will go down rather significantly in time. All first-run cell phones are expensive and this is no different.
  • burntfire, on 10/12/2007, -8/+22Anyone else think that it is kind of sad that people are already trying to come up with the "iPhone killer" and the damn thing hasn't even been released yet?
    • mooninite, on 10/12/2007, -9/+8It's going to be released ahead of the iPhone and for MUCH less. It's completely acceptable to call it an iPhone killer...
    • broomett, on 10/12/2007, -4/+9No...it is sad that people on Digg think that others are trying to kill the iPhone, when in fact, this phone was introduced MONTHS before hte iPhone. And no one is afraid of hte iPhone. Not RIMM, not Palm, not Cisco...no one.

      The only ones maybe afraid of the iPhone are AT&T/Cingular. They don't want their stock to plummet 15% in a month like Apple's has since the iPhone announcement.
    • tdowling, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3It's being released much ahead of the iPhone, yet no one knows about it. Go ask some soccer mom what she thinks about the upcoming Neo1973...she'll probably guess it's some nouveau-retro clothing store.
  • inkhead, on 10/12/2007, -3/+4This, phone looks just like the beacons the US Coast Guard uses, and boats used to be rescued. You can buy these for about $200.00. While you won't get any calls, at least you get worldwide coverage with the beacon, and if you push the button, a helicopter will be rushed out to pick you up.

    Not bad for $200.00 ;-)
  • shawnz, on 10/12/2007, -4/+21breaking news, new iPhone killer being released called EVERY OTHER PDA PHONE IN EXISTENCE
  • ibnabouna, on 10/12/2007, -14/+5iPhone replica, perhaps. iPhone killer, I think not.
    • iofthestorm, on 10/12/2007, -2/+17Considering that this was announced first, I think not.
  • Pic0, on 10/12/2007, -10/+13breaking news: iPhone is it's own killer, it is suck.
  • MonsterMagnet, on 10/12/2007, -7/+6THIS JUST IN LATE BREAKING NEWS !!


    everyday websites will release posts or news-bites claiming every phone that comes out for here on in will be the next Iphone or Iphone Killer and hence will just end up defeating the purpose and will thusly make the Iphone more popular to consumers even more so ..........says APPLES INC Analyses.........

    Also in a follow up story Companies still claim that their Mp3 players will be the next Ipod or Ipod Killer
  • barius, on 10/12/2007, -2/+10The silver version actually looks 'acceptable', I could see myself carrying one. The orange version? Not so much.
  • DeFex, on 10/12/2007, -2/+11iphone killer? AT+T will do that.
  • zmigliozzi, on 10/12/2007, -9/+5*insert apple fanboy rant*

    *insert MS fanboy rant*
    • ImTheDarkcyde, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6"Moss-Pultz described the OpenMoko community as "going berserck,"

      don't mess with these guys, they're berserck!
    • broomett, on 10/12/2007, -4/+5What does MS have to do with any of this?

      People who accept reality and know that the iPhone is not going to be huge are not necessarily MS fanboys. They are simply intelligent and rational.
    • MacParrot, on 10/12/2007, -5/+2broomett stop trolling.
      You have no idea how well the iPhone will sell as it hasn't been released yet. As far as your assertion that the iPhone won't sell, lots of people said the same about the iPod. If it makes you feel good to slam products you don't and will never use, maybe you should seek therapy.

      People, there's plenty of room for touchscreen phones from almost every maker. Some will even have features that others don't. Some will cost more than others. Duh.

      As far as it being an "iPhone killer", keep feeding the hype. All it ever did against Apple in the past was pump up people's awareness of the iPod. Brilliant strategy. It works for Apple with the Mac/PC commercials because all most people knew about computers was Windows. It has never worked for DAPs or now cellphones because of all the competition. When you're competing in a crowded market-place, make yours stand out because of some killer feature or price difference. Instead of comparing yourself to the iPhone, pump up your own features and make people aware of your product.
  • sembetu, on 10/12/2007, -4/+4Okay, an open phone. Now how about an open network? I'm talking a user funded and operated voice network, free from the crap that makes service cost so much, and with a small oversight committee. I want Mark Shuttleworth to come and make this a reality, then I will achieve true nirvana.
  • ricsad, on 10/12/2007, -4/+4Everyone keeps calling PDA's (AKA Pocket PC, Blackberry & Palm) iPhones now.

    Seriously, it's just like a pocket pc. Nothing new. The phone is new, but doesn't mean the concept is new.
    • broomett, on 10/12/2007, -2/+10Who is everyone? The delusional people on Digg and their equally delusional websites?

      In the real world, I haven't heard ONE person even mention the iPhone since about two days after MacWorld.
    • geoken, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6"In the real world, I haven't heard ONE person even mention the iPhone since about two days after MacWorld."

      Then you've already heard more people mention the iPhone than I have.
  • miyamotofreak, on 10/12/2007, -0/+10How can something kill a unreleased product?
    • MonsterMagnet, on 10/12/2007, -2/+0I guess you never heard the worldly and widely used term: STOP THE PRESSES :P
  • iamtheninja, on 10/12/2007, -5/+0the iphone is like a lightsaber. it kills everything.

    this is like a sweet sword, but with no camera, mega sleek design, and embedded harddisk, this is just a "pretty cool" phone.

    having a guitar tuner on it is creative though :)
  • broomett, on 10/12/2007, -3/+9Nothing needs to kill the iPhone.

    If anything, it committed suicide about a week after it was introduced.
  • superkendall, on 10/12/2007, -5/+5Like the iPhone...

    Really?

    The IPhone has WiFi. This does not.

    The iPhone has USB 2.0. This has USB 1.1.

    The iPhone does NOT have GPS. This phone does.

    So basically it's nothing like an iPhone beyond having a touch screen. Is every device on earth with a touch screen now locked in mortal combat with the iPhone?
  • broomett, on 10/12/2007, -3/+4Seriously...calling something an iPhone killed is like calling a new MP3 player a "Zune Killer" Or like calling a new NBA basketball team a "Celtics Killer"
    • jackyyll, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2But what if that NBA Basketball team has an arsenal of weapons and kills the Celtics? Then what tough guy!
  • morphie, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4iPhone killer.... the iPhone isn't a succes yet, so what is there to be killed? Technology-based: this linux-phone doesn't even have half the features the iPhone supports.
  • wowbagger, on 10/12/2007, -4/+4Doesn't even have EDGE. Feels like going back to 1999.
  • ricsad, on 10/12/2007, -3/+3Design wise, the iPhone kills this.
    • grexeo, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3Definitely. The massive semi-circlular top and bottom makes it look like a TOMY kids toy or something. You'd have to pay me to put that to my face.

      I want a Linux iPhone, but this isn't it. They need to let us, the potential customers, design the phone and contribute ideas.
  • jackyyll, on 10/12/2007, -3/+3Yeah, but can you spread the taco with this phone?!
  • KyjL, on 10/12/2007, -10/+2One problem:

    It's running Linux
    • grexeo, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5Good point, it should run Windows Mobile instead - that crappy, slow, incomplete mobile operating system that limits the potential of PDAs and smart phones and causes unneeded stress every day.
    • MagicBobert, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4Problem? I think if it ran Windows Mobile that would be a problem...
  • FunkyWitDaSysTm, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2unless it can do as much, if not more than the iphone, then it's only an iphone appeaser, not an iphone killer.

    i'm all for a cheaper, open-sourced iphone-like device, but don't invalidate the idea by portraying it as more than it is. if a real iphone-killer comes along, it will take a revision or two to get it to that point. while i believe and hope that's possible and will happen, that time is not now.

    cheers for the effort, though. hopefully a real iphone killer is on the way.
  • mjbk24, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3"They don't want their stock to plummet 15% in a month like Apple's has since the iPhone announcement."
    Hmm by plummet you must mean a 15% increase in stock price the day of the iPhone announcement followed by a few days of increase until the whole lawsuit thing which returned it to it's pre iphone announcement price. Interesting stock market anaylsis... will you be my financial advisor?
    • MacParrot, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3You have to forgive broomett. He and a few others leave their brains at the door of every Apple post
    • MacParrot, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2heh...or actually at any post that evolves into an Apple post. (sheesh, didn't even read the topic before saying that)
  • Hortinstein, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4dam...was interested in this till i saw no WIFI....
  • Darph.Bobo, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2y broomett 1 hour ago
    + 2 diggs
    ...Darph..if you are betting money on the iPhone gainging any market share, please...move out of this country so I don't have to support you with food stamps.
    =================
    broomett..I said I'd bet this Linux based phone is NO iPhone killer. I didn't say anything about iPhone market share. So if it's all the same to you douche bag, I suggest YOU move out of the country so I don't have to support YOUR illiterate ASS!
  • tep200377, on 10/12/2007, -3/+3OMG so ugly !§
  • rory3, on 10/12/2007, -8/+5Why do all open-source related products look like crap when compared to the thing they ripping off?
    • tmatyt95, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6I have dugg you down because the open source phone was first shown to the world before the Iphone. If anyone is copying (which by the way I think is one of the most childish arguments used in this discussion) then it would be Apple as they released their phone last
      Regards,
      Matt
    • randf, on 10/12/2007, -4/+1i dugg down tmatyt95 b/c he accused someone of using a childish argument. if it wasn't for childish arguments, there would be no digg.

      all i have to say is, "i am rubber, you are glue"

  • moosepile, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6Let's pretend all phones cost the same, and used all networks. You want an iPhone.

    Let's assume, if the iPhone truly runs OSX, that it will be open in due time - likely only closed because of Cingular in the first place.

    I'm a realist with Apple-Fanboi(tm) leanings. I believe the rumours that the iPhone costs are high because Apple won't cave to the same crap we've all dealt with in the cell market with bundled phones. Call me an optimist, but Apple is using Cingular like a burr on a deer - you need them for the initial ride, or you will never reproduce.

    I'm all for cheaper options, but to be honest the "killer" tag is hard to apply to an un-released product.

    Apple make stuff that works - that's all I really care about. It's the irony of the industry that people are so willing to admit they make great iPods but cant fathom that they put the same quality in their computers.

    And for my fellow Canucks - Rogers blows. Quite frankly this is a Telus/Bell country, and other companies like Virgin use their networks. Rogers, imho, is still on their own towers, which may jive with the iPhone, are SPARSE in comparison. Rogers is major urban only.


    • Rodinau, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4It being closed seems less like Cingular's decision, afterall, Cingular allow other open phones, and more like Jobs. Especially considering some of the things of which he has said, he seems to dislike giving control to the user, such as

      "We define everything that is on the phone. You don’t want your phone to be like a PC. The last thing you want is to have loaded three apps on your phone and then you go to make a call and it doesn’t work anymore. These are more like iPods than they are like computers." or "You don’t want your phone to be an open platform."

      And his dislike against and lack of including things such as Java (which allows easy and open application development)

      http://blogs.zdnet.com/Burnette/?p=238

      As for running OS X, it's going to be a cut-down limited version of OS X, with a different GUI and running on a different architecture. Unlike what some people seem to believe that you're going to be able to copy over Photoshop from your Mac and run it on your iphone.
    • mlerner, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1"And for my fellow Canucks - Rogers blows. Quite frankly this is a Telus/Bell country, and other companies like Virgin use their networks. Rogers, imho, is still on their own towers, which may jive with the iPhone, are SPARSE in comparison. Rogers is major urban only."

      Depends where you are but Rogers does serve some rural areas as well but since I live in a urban environment and never travel, Rogers/Fido suites me.
    • Robotsu, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1"As for running OS X, it's going to be a cut-down limited version of OS X, with a different GUI and running on a different architecture. Unlike what some people seem to believe that you're going to be able to copy over Photoshop from your Mac and run it on your iphone."

      Who are these people, and where do they come from? Or more importantly, why does anyone listen to them???
  • moosepile, on 10/12/2007, -3/+1Well, that's editing at it's best. Make believe my comment was awesome.
  • UltimaNut, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2Well, I was going to get an iPhone, but not now. iPhones biggest down side IMHO is the fact that Steve doesnt want 3rd party apps on it. This does not have that issue.
  • cowabuse, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3This was actually being developed long before iPhone. Apple's not always the innovator, most of the Microsoft and Apple concept are actually ripped off from Open Source. So you've got it backwards. The strongest features are application customization. You can develop, install, and remove whatever application you'd like and Open Source has applications that have a perspective to always grow. The iPhone will cater to people who only care about their music. This will cater to people in a wider perspective. From firefighters to search scientist, developers, and yes even home users can use the Neo.
    • cleverboy, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3Unfortunately, cowabuse, you're entirely wrong. The Open Moko will not cater to people, as much as it will cater to developers. Developers in-turn will cater to marketshare and adoption rates (which is why the PS3 has screwed the pooch). There are, and will be FAR more phones coming out in the next few months that will out-shine the Open Moko in the eyes of consumers. There goes "adoption rates".

      Unless some major institution or corporation sees some opportunity in customizing the device in a way that they can't already customize a Windows Mobile application... this project isn't going anywhere. I'm happy they've gotten somewhere with this. I really am. But, I'm under no illusions what it will take for it to do well in the marketplace. Until I go to www.openmoko.com and see a raging community and dozens (if not hundreds) of useful and unique applications available for FREE... then, I don't see much happening.

      Gods honest truth. Meanwhile, Apple will be leveraging its brand and promotion towards building up their adoption rates, justifying developer support. Those 3rd parties working directly with Apple.
    • Oldschoolhack, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1@cleverboy

      I'm digging this for pure customization of programs I have long been wanting to use on a phone. Ones that I have already devoloped for my Linux program, and will take very little to port it to the phone. Believe it or not, some Linux users don't wait for someone else to create the programs they want.
  • Stonekeeper, on 10/12/2007, -3/+4I think you people are not giving this thing credit. It's power is in the fact that it's a mobile, wireless platform, not just a phone. It has the ability to go after multiple markets. By default it will go for Phone, PDA and media. From the YouTube link, you will be able to install applications using an RSS-style system. Don't like the interface? Trust me, someone will make a better one. I actually think a "not too cool" interface will promote innovation and incentive to develop for it. I bet you that within a few years, this platform will have gained decent market share from companies who can customise it and make it into the device that they want, not just the phones that they want.
    • cleverboy, on 10/12/2007, -3/+3@Stonekeeper
      Cool. Wireless? It's got 801.11b/g/n? It's got Bluetooth? Wait.. it doesn't? Well, darn... how does this thing connect to the Internet then? Oh, wait... you're kidding me. Through my nose? Hold on... its got a USB port though! I can hook up my wireless transponder to it then, right? USB 1.1? WTF? Ok... oh, come on... what do you mean the USB port doesn't supply power either?

      From the Open Moko presentation: “How will we understand the needs of diverse customers spanning the entire world?”
      “We can’t. We never will. And we shouldn’t even even try.” - Sean Moss-Pultz, just now.
      -------------------------------
      From FIC presentation:
      -------------------------------
      Give the Geeks what they want first.
      You'll get your cake soon enough. Here’s the Big Picture:
      • Make a great mobile phone running Open Source Software.
      • Give away our SDK. Target everyone who loves to tinker with electronics.
      • Help build a worldwide community of developers working together to write and port applications.
      • Guide them in creating kick-ass looking and easy-to-use applications. (This is straight-forward because our framework is so good.)
      • Watch our application list grow by the day.
      • Now your mom and dad have all the applications that they want, too. This is the part where you eat your cake.
      -------------------------------

      Sure. That's just great.
    • Oldschoolhack, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3Read their website... wireless will be in the november/public release. This is developers release. Although I thought your commentary was hilarious.
    • jonshipman, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4It has Bluetooth. Gen2 that comes out in November will have WiFi. Gen1 that comes out this quarter is mainly for developers to get apps made. Gen2 might possibly even look different - but I doubt it.
  • aiten, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5Yeah.

    You know, I really want this phone. I am a zealot when it comes to open standards, and I love the concept, price everything.

    BUT IT IS UGLY. I like my aesthetics too.

    Sorry :(
  • Hrag, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2if this thing had bluetooth and 802.11x... and if it didn't look like something sony shat out in the 90's it might be worth it.

    bigger screen couldn't hurt either considering its a touch-screen.

    but i definately like where this is going. i can see some really nice things in the next year or two sparked from this.
  • beaner2011, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3Cool. But it's been hit with the ugly stick. Really hard.
  • sabarsky, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2I like how the iPhone isn't even out yet, and already there are several proclaimed iPhone killers.
    • Oldschoolhack, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2There will be no killer, for sure. But how nice would it be to have a phone that not many know about, that is customizable, and has gps in it for half the price? I will have the last laugh at my friends who have the iphone, and when I have an extra $300 dollars to pay for _(insert envious item here)_ !
  • Mysk, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2iPhone killer my ass. Why don't you people grow up and use real language? Let's say it all together now, "Competitor"... Very good! :D
  • jstoyles, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2This this looks like it's made for a child. They should throw in some accessories like a velcro wrist leash or maybe one of those cups that you can tip over and the juice doesn't spill. But seriously show me something I wont be embarassed to carry around.
  • mmm_linux, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2technically if the apple iphone runs mac os x, it will be also running unix as well. so unix does not make this phone any better.
    • thtroyer, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4Linux != Unix.

      They are not the same. Linux is a Unix-like OS, but they are of no blood relation. Both have advantages over one another in different areas.

      For many, Linux _is_ an advantage over Unix (free, open source, modifiable, etc).
    • pgiessel, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2"For many, Linux _is_ an advantage over Unix (free, open source, modifiable, etc)."
      I really think you need to review the BSD (Unix) and the GNU (Linux) license again. The GNU license is MUCH more restrictive than the BSD one. BSD is free (MORE FREE), open source, modifiable, etc.
  • growler1, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3@djlosch

    "the only thing the iPhone has on this is wifi (because a ***** camera is a disadvantage), but it's grossly limited by no 3d party apps"

    Excellent points. I'm on the mailing list, and if memory serves they're hoping for wifi in the nextgen hardware.
  • MischievousPuck, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Before you get too excited please understand that the March release of the OpenMoko is a developer release, not a general consumer release. So expect there to be issues and limited software for a while. The first general consumer release is scheduled for November.

    So if you are an embedded designer or experienced in troubleshooting embedded systems the March release may be for you. But if you are someone just looking for a phone that runs Linux, wait till November.
  • matt0ne, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2screenshots?
    • Oldschoolhack, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2go to openmoko.com and press releases.
  • Quadcore, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2What is that thing?
  • groverblue, on 10/12/2007, -4/+3CDMA anyone? Anyone?
  • robman8023, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3I think it's ugly. Half the reason these ipod products are so popular is because they look cool. Make this thing look cool and I'm in.
  • Fetching more discussions...
    Show 51 - 80 of 80 discussions
  •  

    Login or register to add a comment

    Create a new account or login to join in the conversation on Digg. You'll also be able to Digg stories to help promote things you like.


© Digg Inc. 2008 — Content posted by Digg users is dedicated to the public domain.
DIGG, DIGG IT, DUGG, DIGG THIS, Digg graphics, logos, designs, page headers, button icons, scripts, and other service names are the trademarks of Digg Inc.