(Credit:
Openmoko)
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 Neo FreeRunner
(Credit: OpenMoko)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 hardware for 3D graphics, new motion sensors, and Wi-Fi networking.
No release date is has been announced but, with the recent competition infusing the open-source phone market, OpenMoko is working hard on its first test devices and will reportedly provide distribution details in the next week or so.
OpenMoko's Neo FreeRunner to ship this spring to developers.
(Credit: OpenMoko)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, based in Taiwan.
View complete CES 2008 coverage from CNET.
OpenMoko's Neo1973 Linux-powered phone
(Credit: OpenMoko)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 the Enlightenment window manager software, which he said he plans to extend for mobile devices.
OpenMoko's first phone, the Neo1973, went on sale in July. Also on Wednesday, OpenMoko said Dash Navigation is using its software to power an Internet-connected GPS device, the Dash Express. FIC Mobility will manufacture the device, FIC said.
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