MAKE | OpenMoko – open source cell phone

Hot Topics:

By Phillip Torrone
Posted 2007/02/15 @ 6:39 am
Category Computers & Mobile

MAKE pal Michael writes in with word about OpenMoko – Linux based phone (Neo1973) running OpenMoko -

I’m sure you’ve heard about the OpenMoko project. The news event today is that they have put up an extensive website describing the hardware, the software, the look and feel, the APIs, source code, developement invironment, etc. etc. etc.

I’m blown away. I think this is one of the most revolutionary projects in a long time.

Main Page – OpenMoko – Link.

BY Phillip Torrone

Editor at large - Make magazine. Creative director - Adafruit Industries, contributing editor - Popular Science. Previously: Founded - Hack-a-Day, how-to editor - Engadget, Director of product development - Fallon Worldwide, Technology Director - Braincraft.

In the Maker Shed

Arduino Uno Rev 3 (Make SMD Version)

Tux Case for Raspberry Pi

BrushBots

MAKE Rovera 4WD Arduino Robot Kit

6 Responses to OpenMoko – open source cell phone

herr_prof on February 15th, 2007 at 7:34 am said:

drool

Reply ↓
Dolomite on February 15th, 2007 at 10:08 am said:

But, will it blend?

Reply ↓
mechanisma22 on February 15th, 2007 at 11:33 am said:

Where/when will be able to buy these? We be able to modify it with our own cases and themes I’m sure. Or will we be able to get a PCB and buy the parts and build it?

Reply ↓
rabagley on February 15th, 2007 at 9:39 pm said:

According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo1973 the hardware (the FIC Neo1973) will only available as a complete phone manufactured by FIC. Developer samples should be available for $350 on March 11 of this year.

BTW, the hardware is only *mostly* open source. The GSM and GPS modules are both 100% proprietary with open and published interfaces. The GSM module is probably not available without prohibitive licenses, so this compromise may be the only way of making a phone project work.

Reply ↓
jbond on February 16th, 2007 at 3:20 am said:

Here’s a challenge for Makers. Do the same thing for a hard disk based music player. In other words design and build hardware specifically designed to run Rockbox.

Reply ↓
natetrue on February 16th, 2007 at 5:11 pm said:

jbond, Neuros has been running a project to do that exact thing – check out open.neurostechnology.org

Reply ↓