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Customisable Linux-based smartphone to hit the streets in 2007

Developers will be able to create a range of applications for FIC and OpenMoko's forthcoming smartphone

By Guy Matthews, 10 Nov 2006 at 13:05

A programmable Linux smartphone based on the OpenMoko platform has been made available to the open source development community, with commercial models expected to hit the business and consumer markets early next year.

The Neo1973 smartphone, which will be made by Taiwanese First International Computer (FIC), was announced at the Open Source in Mobile event in Amsterdam this week.

The product aims to rival Norwegian company Trolltech's Linux-based Greenphone, which was launched just a few months ago.

Both will allow the development of a range of applications, resulting in a 'mobile ecosystem as open as the PC,' claims FIC.

"I'm excited because I believe carriers will see an increase in revenues from new data traffic," said FIC's chairman Dr Ming J. Chien.

"And being able to customise your mobile phone in any way you see fit should be very appealing to end-users."

The market for Linux-based mobiles is currently a niche, but one with future growth potential, according to Rob Bamforth of analyst firm Quocirca.

"I think you need to ask who an open source mobile platform like OpenMoko is of most value to," he told IT PRO.

He added: "I can see where it's of value to smaller companies looking to develop flexible mobile products and applications.

"Unlike the PC world where all kit is pretty much alike, users demand lots of different things from their mobile devices. The ability to respond fast to this demand, that open source delivers, could be key for some companies."

Bamforth concedes that most business buyers will take a conservative view of things and remain faithful to a more mainstream mobile platforms like Microsoft.

"There's a comfort zone around what you know that the hobbyist appeal of Linux goes against," he said.

"Businesses will argue that it's better to go with what everyone is doing rather than take a risk with something new. That said, the more technical aspects of Linux can easily be hidden from view."