Kyle Bassett schrieb:
The Neo1973 phone and OpenMoko software are two different solutions.
The Neo is a solution for a closed-hardware phone. As of right now
(Phase 1), it is a developer's phone. Developers do not have to run
OpenMoko on it, they could run whatever piece of software they see fit
as long as they write it. I think the Neo is a gateway, the premiere,
for an open-hardware alternative.
OpenMoko is the solution for a closed-software phone. If someone can
get OpenMoko to run on the device they have, those individuals are
free to develop any software they see fit that will run in the
OpenMoko environment.
So, who is our (current) audience? The Neo has a high appeal from the
hardware hackers, the debuggers, the core software programmers, and
also those who want to jump head first into the world of a completely
open system. OpenMoko has appeal from virtually any individual that is
aggravated by the software running on their mobile devices or has a
niche need which currently is not filled, and wants to help fix it.
I think a good example is the Asterisk PBX and Digium relationship.
Digium develops the PBX specific hardware and (linux) drivers, while
the Asterisk community develops the software. Digium wins by selling
their hardware, and the Asterisk community wins by gaining a foothold
in the corporate market. Might be a good idea to keep their
relationship in mind...
Both the Neo and OpenMoko provide open access to the hardware and
software of a mobile phone. This open platform gives consumers and
developers rightful access to what they own. I see the Neo as the
hacker's iPhone. Did I dare say it?
As the customer or end-user, this open development platform might seem
similar to Firefox in a way (no bias intended). As a community of
users developing a product everyone can use, from tech-geek to
grandma. The Firefox community also has an extensive library of open
source extensions, and if that type of community could be developed
for OpenMoko programs, good things will happen. :)
Palm has even come to a realization that Linux might have some
benefits, as they are developing (or having developed) a version
supporting Palm devices.
Random thoughts:
--I believe a pre-paid or "open" plan is different than having an
"open" phone. A pre-paid plan means that a user may not have to pay a
monthly fee, but the user still has the "locked" restrictions in place
from their carrier.
--There are still many people who also think that their phone is a
permanent part of their carrier contract.
--Which mobile phone carrier is the lesser of the evils? (I currently
have Verizon, but they don't support GSM.)
As for advertising, the Alltel commercials are appealing, making the
other carriers look hostile just like the Apple commercials make "PC"
look complicated. A humorous spin might be an idea. "You're
joking...you have to BUY a ringtone?!" "You make me laugh... what's
all this SEEM editing about anyways?"
Unique selling point? I don't think there's just one, but if I had to
choose, it would be the guitar pick for the Neo and
penguin-in-you-pocket for OpenMoko.
Now only if we could throw together a NPO for mobile internet/telecom...
IMHO...
Kyle Bassett
Martin may have forced me to write one of my longest responses yet! ;)
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Wow!
....... Neo as the hacker's iPhone .....
Well, it pretty much seems to be that right now. Or is it more the
protester's phone ? Is it a contra-provider, contra-incumbent,
contra-Apple, contra Windows Mobile ?
BTW, in Europe, Austria, you can buy phones that are not locked and not
branded at all (of course they are expensive then because with a
contract a phone costs 0-10 Euro here)
and go to the supermarket and buy a prepaid card. That's not the point.
I think this "open" discussion it is very much irrational in the core,
it is about an illusion of re-gaining control. That could be an
important (U)SP.
Give the Linux-Asterisk-Openoffice-Firefox-Thunderbird - a.s.o.
community a phone with the same philosophy so they can act consistently
in their attitude towards Telco/IT.
[off-topic]
Let's stop before it becomes contra-war, contra-global-warming,
contra-parents, contra-male-dominance, contra-industry,
contra-hedgefonds, ....
The point is: people (me too, of course) are facing mechanisms in
economy, society, politics, partnerships that render them helpless and
dismayed.
Can a phone help ? Could Linux help ?
Hey, Kyle, you provoked my 1968 reflexes (I was 15 then) 8-) !!
[/off topic]
KR Martin
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