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The Moblin project released the first beta version of Moblin 2.1, fixing numerous bugs while adding support for a 3G modem. Other touted improvements to the netbook-focused Linux distro include a faster browser with plugin support, Bluetooth discovery support, higher screen resolution support, and an enhanced connection manager, says the project.
One Laptop per Child chairman Nicholas Negroponte told Xconomy that OLPC is prepping an ARM-based version 1.75 of its XO netbook while planning to release a “paper-thin” version 3.0 in 2012. Meanwhile, the Internet Archive is providing OLPC users with 1.6 million e-books, says the nonprofit organization.
LG has launched its first Android phone, a QWERTY slider called the “Eve,” on Rogers Wireless' network in Canada. In other Android news, LG is prepping a second Android phone, this time with a Snapdragon processor, for Korea, and Philips has launched a V808 oPhone handset in China.
Verizon Wireless announced its second Android phone, the $100 Droid Eris, which is based closely on the HTC Hero and its Sense UI. In related news, HTC is upgrading the Hero to Android 2.0, and Motorola announced a Europe-destined multi-touch, GSM version of the Droid called the Milestone.
Stealth Computer announced a fanless mini PC whose hard disk drive and CompactFlash storage are both easily removable from the front panel. The LPC-395F features an Intel Atom N270 processor, two gigabit Ethernet ports, two serial ports, four USB 2.0 ports, and a DVI-I video output, the company says.
Roper Mobile Technology (RMT) announced a 12.1-inch panel PC designed for police, security, EMS (emergency medical services) and fire applications. The Duros 1205-PS features an “ultra-thin” design, 1.66GHz Core Duo processor, sunlight-viewable touchscreen, and a variety of storage options, the company says.
After ABI Research projected that Linux will take a 32 percent share of netbooks in 2009 and will overtake Windows in 2013, we spoke with ABI analyst Jeffrey Orr on the findings. Orr notes the rise of international consumers and ARM Cortex-A8-based netbooks, and discusses Ubuntu, Moblin, Android, and Chrome OS.
Digi International announced a Linux-compatible ARM Cortex-A8-based module that supports 802.11n WiFi. Built around a Freescale i.MX51 SoC (system on chip), the ConnectCore Wi-i.MX51 includes up to 1GB of RAM and 8GB of flash storage, wireless networking, touchscreen support, and a variety of other interfaces, the company says.
Freescale added four members to its ARM Cortex-A8 based i.MX51 family of system-on-chips (SoCs), supported with a Linux BSP and evaluation kit. The SoCs, which range in speed from 600MHz to 800MHz, include the automotive-focused i.MX514 and i.MX516, as well as the i.MX512 and i.MX513, which target various industrial and consumer devices, says Freescale.
Vodafone and Samsung announced their second LiMo-compliant “360” smartphone, and is shipping the first, the 360 H1, to Vodafone's European customers. The “Vodafone 360 Samsung M1” is a scaled-down version of the H1, offering the same second-generation LiMo (Linux Mobile) stack and “360” social networking interface.
Skype announced that it is working on an open source UI layer for its Linux VoIP client. Although apparently not fully open source, the upcoming version of the Skype client for Linux could enable more open development of client front ends, including those for mobile devices.
Hardware hacker Pascal Brisset has unveiled a Linux-driven head-mounted computer based on a stereoscopic, 640 x 480 Vusix VR920 headmount display and the Gumstix Overo Fire module running the ARM Cortex-A8 OMAP3530 processor from Texas Instruments. The six-ounce WXHMD computer includes WiFi, Bluetooth, accelerometers, compass, and a custom-made DAC board.
ABI Research is projecting that in 2009 Linux will represent 32 percent of netbook sales, far higher than the seven percent figure claimed by Microsoft, says a report. ABI also estimates that Linux will overtake Windows on netbooks by 2013, largely due to sales in less-developed countries, says the story.
Techsol announced it is now shipping its Linux-ready Medallion Touch Panel Computers (TPCs) with Python-GTK support. The new support enables developers to develop embedded GUIs using Python-GTK on a desktop PC and easily load it onto Techsol's TPC touch-panel systems, thereby accelerating proof-of-concept design, says the company.
Marvell Semiconductor announced a partnership with electronic paper display vendor E Ink, targeting joint development of processors for e-readers. Based on Marvell's new Armada SoCs (system on chips), the technology forms the basis of Android e-readers from Entourage Systems and Spring Designs and is also said to be available in turnkey platforms.