SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. Aug. 6, 2008 -- LinuxWorld Conference & Expo --Openmoko, maker of
open source mobile products, today announced that it
has taken another step in opening its mobile platform to the development
community by announcing it will publish the schematics for the Neo  1973
and Neo FreeRunner mobile phones. Openmoko broke with traditional mobile
phone manufacturers by shipping its Neo 1973 and  Neo FreeRunner mobile
phones with a free and open source (FOSS) operating system and open
applications, enabling developers to take the functionality of the phone
well beyond the limited applications that commercial mobile phones can
handle. The Neo FreeRunner went on sale July 4, 2008. In less than a
week the initial Neo FreeRunner allocation had sold out.
Openmoko has previously published the CAD files for the product under a
Creative Commons license so product designers can alter the look and
feel of the phone case and craft it to suit such vertical markets as
fashion, science, medical, industrial, or enterprise. Developers can
also choose other materials for manufacturing the case, making more
appealing to fashion tastes or enabling the phone to withstand rugged
environments and harsh use.
Now, Openmoko announced it will publish the schematics of the phone,
giving engineers free reign to modify Neo phones. Just as Free and Open
Source Software provides source code information, open schematics
provide vital information to engineers who may want to add
functionality, external instruments or sensors, or assist the company in
debugging problems, ultimately creating a better product for the entire
mobile community.
GPS Schematics Available
Most recently, u-blox AG, Switzerland, maker of the GPS chip in the
Openmoko phones, endorsed Openmoko’s
publishing the complete schematics for the GPS chip in the Neo
FreeRunner phones. The schematics now document how the GPS chip is wired
into the system, providing vital information for developers who want to
leverage the GPS functionality for new designs involving the Openmoko
phones.
“We fully support Openmoko's decision to
publish the schematics of the u-blox GPS receivers,”
said u-blox CEO, Thomas Seiler. “It is
vitally important that developers have access to this data and it
improves product quality. Going forward we think that more manufactures
and more consumers will demand open architecture products with optimum
performance.”
“Why should industry be afraid of opening up
its design?” asked Openmoko CEO, Sean
Moss-Pultz. “Schematics are simply another
form of documentation and vital to future success, service and
satisfaction in the market. We believe our products would be incomplete
without them.”
“One of the freedoms we value the most is the
freedom to explore. To fully understand the details of complex systems,
to adapt and enhance them,” said Openmoko
Architect, Werner Almesberger. “We now take
our commitment to openness to the next level by releasing our schematics
to the public, allowing anyone to find out how the system works and how
to improve it.”
The release of the schematics will covered under a Creative Commons
license and files will be posted in due course on openmoko.com and
openmoko.org
Openmoko will show the Neo FreeRunner at LinuxWorld Expo, Moscone
Center, San Francisco August 5-7 at booth 1625 and at the LinuxWorld
Garage 1234.
The Openmoko Neo FreeRunner has been selected as a finalist the
LinuxWorld Product Excellence Awards, to be presented at LinuxWorld
Conference & Expo® this week in San
Francisco. Judged by a group of respected industry experts managed by
LinuxWorld.com, the LinuxWorld Product Excellence Awards recognize
product and service innovations by LinuxWorld®
and NGDC exhibitors in 12 different categories.
Pricing and availability
The Openmoko Neo FreeRunner has a suggested retail price of $399.
Openmoko will restock and sell the phone directly from it its webshop www.Openmoko.com
and via distributors in the EU, India and North America.
About Openmoko
Openmoko is the commercial and community driven effort with a mission to
create open mobile products that empower developers and consumers to
personalize their devices, much like a computer, in any way they see
fit. Openmoko is dedicated to helping innovators bring freedom and
flexibility to consumer electronics and vertical market devices.
Information Source: Business Wire
Images courtesy of Openmoko website
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