Neo1973: The open source mobile communications platform

Posted on June 1, 2007
Filed Under Gadgets |

OpenMoko Neo1973Most of the technology world is still drooling over Apple’s iPhone mobile phone device even though none has actually been able to purchase one since it is not yet on the market. In the meantime, the open source comunicity has managed to create a device that rivals the iPhone in its design and functionality. The Neo1973 is a fully programmable phone that is free to hack because of its open source nature. It comes equipped with a 1.8-inch VGA touchscreen and can connect to Quad-band GSM/SPRS networks. It even has a GPS sensor. Most importantly, the device runs a real-time version of the Linux operating system making the source available and allowing anyone to develop software for it. You won’t be able to do that with the propriety iPhone or any phone that uses Microsoft software. If the rest of the open source software movement is any indication, this phone is bound to get a myriad of application written for it doing just about anything than preparing your breakfast; and if the hardware allowed it, then it would do that too. The phone works with the AT&T and T-Mobile networks by slipping in the proper SIM card. A developer version of the phone is available through the openmoko.org website and a consumer-level, more polished edition is expected to hit the market in September. The expected price for this open source initiative is currently set at $350 which makes it a bargain compared to the iPhone’s $599 sticker price.

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