Android ported to OpenMoko Handset, as Palm gets big Xmas present
Posted in Phone Systems by admin on January 5th, 2009 Googles Android platform for mobile phones has been successfully ported to OpenMoko’s open-source handset.
OpenMoko’s hardware is an open source handset that users are free to modify till their hearts are content so long as they stick to the open source license. The handset comes with a Linux-based OS and interface, but sticking Android was an obvious, yet useful development.
The OS and user interface are both running on Freerunner – according to the screen shots from iMAndroid.org’s website. As licensing restrictions prevent the handset from using 3G technologies, its probably prudent to use wi-fi when running the network heavy applications that come with Android.
The Freerunner has been available for quite some time, and it would be a shock if OpenMoko sold a version of the handset with a pre-installed version of the Android operating system as they are fully behind user choice, and the whole point of OpenMoko is that customers can install whatever they like.
Mobile is booming rapidly, and we now have move mobile operating systems available that we do for desktop computers so for OpenMoko to demonstrate its hardware using different options is a good move for the company.
In other related news, Smartphone maker Palm have been giving an extra special Xmas card this year - $100 million from private equity firm Elevation Partners.
The financial boost should see the company survive the harsh economic climate we have found ourselves in, helping to release its 2009 product line, including the Linux-based Nova for mobiles next month.
The money from the firm is a top-up on it’s already $940 million investment from June 2007, which also saw former Apple Executive Jon Rubinstein put in place as Palms chairman of the board.
This latest cash boost gives the equity firm a 39 percent stake in Palm, who are buying shares at $3.24 per share. Elevation also has warrants to acquire 7 million additional shares of Palm stock at the same price. Palm says that it can make Elevation sell up to $49 million if the new investment to other shareholders at the same or even better price by March 31st.
Roger McNamee, co-founder of Elevation Partners, said in a statement:
“We believe that Palm is in a position to transform the cell phone industry, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to make this additional investment in the company.”
“Palm has an industry-leading team and an exciting, differentiated product roadmap. We are proud to be associated with the company and look forward to great things from Palm in 2009 and beyond.”
With Palms new Nova OS, the company hopes to take two percent of the competitive smartphone market currently dominated by iPhone.
