Sam Williams, in UpsideToday, writes about an exciting new Linux-based palmtop prototype with voice-recognition capabilities . . .

“A new voice appears to be joining the argumentative chorus of Linux user interface systems. Unveiled last week at Demo 2000, the Nukulo, a palmtop prototype developed by Belgian voice-recognition specialists Lernout & Hauspie, might be a year away from fulfilling the 2001 human-machine conversational fantasies of cutting-edge technology users.”

“According to Klaus Schleicher, director of product management for Lernout & Hauspie, the decision to use Linux had less to do with killing old stereotypes and more to do with showing off the opportunities available in the emerging embedded marketplace. 'The reason why we went with Linux is because of all the new processors available,' Schleicher says. 'Linux seems to be the operating system optimally designed for those processors.'”

“. . . though his development team could have easily picked an alternative OS — the proprietary Windows CE being the most notable example — the fact that Linux won out speaks volumes about the tidal changes currently overtaking the low-end marketplace. 'The future devices which are going to come into the market are going to be based on [Linux],' Schleicher predicts. 'Until now, the choices were Windows CE or build-your-own operating system. Linux seems to have the potential to be the common user platform for those people who need an operating system fast but don't want Windows CE.'”

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