heh, you are very correct about the contra-xxxx argument. And I was still trying to keep that to a minimum in my previous post...
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.
Could you clarify?: --Define core --an illusion? --how is it an important selling point? 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.
What is a.s.o? Do you mean give Linux-Asterisk-Openoffice-Firefox-Thunderbird a chance on the mobile platform just as Word, Excel, Outlook? And, I think the Neo would make a great IP phone while on a wireless connection... We do need to bring some more control back to the consumer's hands. Give them more choices. Thanks! Kyle Bassett On 7/22/07, Martin Straub <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
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! ;) ------------------------------ _______________________________________________ OpenMoko community mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED]://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community 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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