Not to shock anyone, but I do occasionally like to keep you guys informed on OTHER things besides television.
I’ve never written about this Open Moko before (thought I had), but since it’s getting closer to being a reality, I wanted to point it out.
What are the downsides to the iPhone? Obviously, you can only use it on AT&T, which, from opinions of friends of mine who have/had an iPhone, has horrible reception. The other thing is, for the more technically minded person, you can’t use custom applications on it…yet.
This new phone, which is called the Open Moko, is an open-source device, with the ability for you to add applications, tools, and even switch operating systems.
It’s basically Microsoft versus Linux, but in this case, the iPhone versus Open Moko. Locked down software versus open source.
The Open Moko is out already but not in a version that is suitable for any normal Joe to purchase. There will be wireless capabilities in the next release of the phone, which I would consider one of the most compelling features.
Even when it does have it, I think the setup wont be as easy as going down to your Verizon Wireless store, buying a phone and then having them activate it. If you want to do that and get the new Voyager coming out that also competes with the iPhone, than that might be easier.
But as a guy who has been in the process of switching his life to open-source stuff, like Ubuntu Linux, and then moving most of his applications to the internet with Google Mail, Google Docs, etc., this phone is highly interesting.
Imagine the power to download any open-source application out there and use it on your phone, and also connect wirelessly to your home network, or Starbucks, or whatever, and get your work done.
It seems even better than a Blackberry to me.
Anyways, check it out if you are interested…it looks funny, and perhaps the shape isn’t the best, but I like it. The thing even ships in a cool case with tools to open it, since you can mess with the hardware if you wish.
It could even be a bit out of my league, but it’s amazing to see where the world is headed with cell phones.
Interesting, but looks to be a while before this is user friendly and de-bugged enough to justify the price or appeal to Joe Consumer.
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That’s exactly it Scott…
Still, as much as I’m enjoying Ubuntu, it might be worth it…but it’s $300 anyways.
I’d like to see how the Voyager looks before even upgrading again.