The Android Devices Blog

Looking across the fence to other projects is usually a good idea. So congratulations to the OpenMoko folks who have just announced the availability of the Neo FreeRunner device. This is the first mobile phone that has been designed from the very beginning to run on 100% Free Software, based on GNU/Linux. The version that’s now shipping can do all the things one can expect in a mobile phone, so you can make calls, send text messages and manage your contacts. Periodic software updates will enable new features, such as support for location based services using the builtin GPS receiver. But what makes it really open is the fact that a complete set of development tools is available that will allow everyone to create and distribute customized versions of the software.

The phone itself may not be the most impressive device out there, but it’s still an intriguing project. If it gains enough momentum, we can expect to see interesting applications pretty soon. And it’s available now – no need to wait for a Q4 release that may or may not happen. Due to its open nature, it may very well be able to run Android as well, by the way. It’s probably only a question of time until a port becomes available, so even if the software concept fails, the hardware should still be useful. Now if only I could afford spending almost €400 on this, I’d love to give it a try.