what process for EASILY updating non-developer Freerunners
I am not a developer, but at some point I WILL own a Freerunner. Is it too much to hope that we'll have access to something similar to how Ubuntu installations are upgraded and updated with fixes? My guess is that sort of system is not in the DNA of the core OpenMoko team. That's not a dis, it just is what it is. And most very early adopters will be hacking and building form source. But what about an OpenMoko / Freerunner USER, who just wants to stay updated? Will we have some package system a la .deb or .rpm models? For Freerunner to maximize potential say 6-12 months from now, we need a super slick reliable and easy process for non-developers to update and upgrade. I have spoken, ;) -- Ron K. Jeffries [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://blog.eronj.com ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
clarification re easy OpenMoko updating for "average" consumer
my screed apparently did not communicate what I meant to ask. bear with me. (donning fireproof clothing). As an Ubuntu *user* every now and then I get an alert that upgrades are available. If I say "yes" it automagically fires up a package manager. I enter the my root password, and a few minutes later it's a done deal. Smooth, easy, does not require IQ of 175+ for a major Ubuntu upgrade, e,g from Gutsy 7.10 to Hardy 8.04, I select an upgrade button, and sit back while magic happened. when I rebooted, I was on 8.04. I did NOT lose my address book, either. ok that last comment was a bit snarky. and uncalled for. pls remember, I DO understand that for the next six months or maybe 12 months, the environment and software stability is not intended for "just users" like me. and maybe Freerunner forever remains a niche device for Linux developers and hackers. That's OK. But then technical users 9but non-hackers) may be better served by some other flavor of Linux mobile phone. Just sayin'. -- Ron K. Jeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
factoid re slowing sales of some mobile handsets in USA
fyi only Handset sales slowing in U.S. amid worsening economy<http://lists.fiercemarkets.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=69l,zpnd,8mg,hcdq,bs0p,ljt3,7cks> By Lynnette Luna There is good and bad news for the U.S. mobile wireless industry when it comes to the worsening economy. The bad news: Consumers' purchases of new mobile devices declined in the first quarter for the first time in many years. The good news: The decline tended to concentrate around customers using prepaid and among the middle class. The higher end market that features higher ARPU customers that heavily use the more sophisticated devices continued to grow. *The Wall Street Journal* cites two new studies that indicate falling handset sales in the first quarter. Strategy Analytics reported a 5 percent decline in the quarter compared with the previous year, while NPD Group reported a 22-percent drop in the purchase of new devices in the first quarter. Also, Bernstein Research estimates that U.S. mobile operators added 23 percent fewer subscribers in the first quarter compared with the first quarter in 2007. The firm is anticipating that growth will continue to slow and said that the segment experiencing the most slowdown is new subscriptions for children under 12 and for "deeply sub prime users, and it's reasonable to think that in a weak economy, that both of these populations would be strapped," said analyst Craig Moffett. Prepaid MVNO Virgin Mobile is being squeezed by the economy<http://lists.fiercemarkets.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=69l,zpnd,8mg,164l,935n,ljt3,7cks> . However, NPD estimates that high-end devices made up 17 percent of all mobile-phone sales in the first quarter, in increase of 10 percentage points since the first quarter 2007. To read more about the economy's impact on the U.S. mobile-phone market: - check out this article<http://lists.fiercemarkets.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=69l,zpnd,8mg,ffut,18ss,ljt3,7cks>from *The Wall Street Journal* (sub. req.) Related articles: - Virgin Mobile's growing troubles Editorial on Virgin Mobile's slowing net additions<http://lists.fiercemarkets.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=69l,zpnd,8mg,164l,935n,ljt3,7cks> - Virgin Mobile USA: Poor earnings economy's fault<http://lists.fiercemarkets.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=69l,zpnd,8mg,ehf1,h547,ljt3,7cks> -- Ron K. Jeffries Twitter @RonKJeffries mobile 805 567 4670 http://blog.eronj.com ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
Re: community Digest, Vol 80, Issue 42
the following note caught my eye: [from http://handhelds.org/moin/moin.cgi/OpenEmbedded] *Note:* since 0.8.4, Familiar now uses its own forked version of OpenEmbedded (forked for stability) in order to build packages. Question -- from this list, IIIRC, OpenMoko has not forked OpenEmbedded. While not forking has the benefit that OpenMoko chnages flow up to OE quickly (I assume) I am curious in an unforked OE environment, how you achieve build stability? (repeatability may be a better word) please no flames, I do not have a dog in this fight ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
software load for first mfg run of Freerunner? Is ASU what ships?
I am NOT asking if mass production has started. I am asking if OpenMoko has frozen a release to load into the microSD cards. It seems to me that the unit can come off the line, and that one of the final steps before packing would be to load the software. Is ASU "the* ship[ping s/w load? yes I know people can and will download new s/w. but you'd hope that the Freerunner as shipped would not require an immediate s/w reload. Or maybe I'm being too "old skool" ??? -- Ron K. Jeffries http://blog.eronj.com ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
early experince Freerunners w/ ASU load, vs. thousnads of Freeruners
Sebastian, I am well aware that we are MANY months away from Freerunner being appropriate choice for an average "just a user." But Steve has talked about "mass production" (starting soon...) which I'd assume implies OpenMoko building a few thousands of Freerunners. I am not asking about the relatively few "early experience" Freerunners that Steve and Michael have evidently seeded out to a few trusted folks. I may be misguided, but the quality of ASU load does not sound like it's ready to flow out to a few thousand developers, never mind how eager they are. My guess: OpenMoko is gathering feedback from the n=100 (???) early experience Freerunner units, then they knocks down the nastiest bugs, and THEN and only then open the spigot at the factory. If it was me, I would only have built a few hundred so far, but they may well have bigger balls than I do. ;) -rj From: Sebastian Reichel <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: List for Openmoko community discussion Date: Sun, 25 May 2008 22:26:53 +0200 Subject: Re: software load for first mfg run of Freerunner? Is ASU what ships? hi, it was said some days ago in the mailing list, that ASU is not the software which is shipped with the phone. But the first Freerunners, which are shipped are still not for the average user - they are for developers, which are able to update their phones. Am Sonntag, den 25.05.2008, 12:35 -0700 schrieb Ron K. Jeffries: > I am NOT asking if mass production has started. > > I am asking if OpenMoko has frozen a release to > load into the microSD cards. It seems to me that the unit can come off > the line, and that one of the final steps before packing would be to > load the > software. > > Is ASU "the* ship[ping s/w load? > > yes I know people can and will download new s/w. > but you'd hope that the Freerunner as shipped would not > require an immediate s/w reload. > > Or maybe I'm being too "old skool" ??? > -- > Ron K. Jeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
silence (re mass production status) is deafening
(I am not complaining, just sayin'...) We're not hearing much about the status of production for Freerunner. From available bits of info, I deduce: -- some number of early experience units are out in the wild. (from reports on this list list, looks like about 10) -- Lack of weekly status probably means there's some hitch Sharing a bit more information would be A Good Thing. It is what it is. Please share. ;) -ron k jeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
2.5mm or 3.5mm [the new pink?]
the OpenMoko epic discussion on 2.5mm or 3.5mm jack for GTA0>2 reminds one of the discussions about Freerunner case colors, (red, pink...) it's Friday. by the way, my money's on 3.5mm -- Ron K. Jeffries mobile 805 567 4670 http://www.retaggr.com/Card/RonKJeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
GTA03 case should incorporate stylus holder
Can the revised case for GTA03 *please* be designed to hold a stylus? The Palm Treo 700p and similar provide good examples re the stylus design and receptacle. -- Ron K. Jeffries http://www.retaggr.com/Card/RonKJeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
Is case design changing for GTA03?
I'm almost sure I read a comment saying (in passing) that Freerunner case design will change for GTA03. Is the change strictly to accommodate the new 3.5mm plug for the headset, or are other changes being considered? thx. Ron K. Jeffries http://www.retaggr.com/Card/RonKJeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
comparing Apples and Oranges $199 iPhone Freerunner GTA02
[I trust this will not initiate a flame war.] Please? iPhone v2 announced today. I'd like to understand on a hardware basis ONLY (I grok the value of free and open source) how does the entry level $199 iPhone with 4GB compare with Freerunner GTA02. where I get lost is how much RAM iPhone has vs Freerunner. I realize I can buy high capacity microSD flash card to match iPhone flash capacity are these assertions correct? Apple has: -- 3G data [much faster than Freeruner's GPRS] -- faster processor -- larger physical screen size (but about the same dpi?) -- 2 megapixel camera -- proximity sensor (knows when held to face, can dim screen) the two smart phones are aprox equal on -- wi-fi -- accelerometer -- bluetooth Ron K. Jeffries http://www.retaggr.com/Card/RonKJeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
GTA03 camera + any chance to add SD card?
I hope the camera on GTA03 will be ~3 megapixels and have a decent (glass) lens. I don't know what the COGS impact of the better camera will be but Freerunner is NOT a bargain basement phone. If the better specs on camera add $50 vs say $10 for a 1.3 megapixel with plastic POS lens, I for one am all in. FYI I use the (inadequate!) phone on my Treo 700p fairly often. I have other, better cameras, but my mobile phone is always in my pocket. new topic: Given the evolution not revolution goal for GTA03... Is adding an SD card externally accessible on GTA03 feasible? Lots of goodness associated with adding SD card slot. but it may be too much effort and risk for this "refresh" product cycle. I understand that GTA03 really needs to be a quick turn, so the team can then invest in a new Freerunner product with a serious bump in computing power (for openers). I am NOT in the camp that predicts a 12 month cycle to get GTA03 out, as that would be a plan to fail. Give the experience learned with GAT01/GTA02 I predict OpenMoko can ship GTA03 no later than Christmas, 2008 Ron K. Jeffries http://www.retaggr.com/Card/RonKJeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
GTA03 speculation [UNOFFICIAL]
I am the one who predicted GTA03 in December 2008 here's my reasoning for targeting that date. as an aside, I think December is the LATEST date GTA03 will see the light of day. With the modest changes being made in GTA03, it would almost be irrelevant if delayed past then. GTA03 is a fairly small re-spin of GTA02. They are not doing anything very risky. The biggest change is a new GSM radio that supports EDGE, which is much faster than GPRS that GTA02 has. second, the Glamo graphics chip added to GTA02 (not in GTA01) was a disaster, pure and simple. so it will be ripped out. third, the headset connector will change to 3.5 mm. I suspect but can not prove that there will also be improvements and cleanup in the audio circuitry. they are adding a camera to GTA03, which is a good thing. the case design will evidently be changed significantly. OpenMoko are NOT doing major surgery vs GTA02, such as switching to a new processor CONCLUSION for someone who is anxious to ~develop~ on Freerunner GTA02 is THE model to buy, because time is of the essence. for someone who has a reasonable alternative, and will mainly be a Freeruner USER rather than developer, it may or may not make sense to wait for GTA03. I have ZERO repeat NO (!!)inside information, so I may well be totally WRONG. Ron K. Jeffries http://www.retaggr.com/Card/RonKJeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
Enough already (too many posts about forum vs. mail lists)
People, It's time to end the infinite string of emails about using a forum vs not using one. NOW! For $diety's sake, don't those interested in the world's first completely open mobile phone/portable computer have something of substance to chat about? How about discussing the mechanics and schedule for getting OpenMoko so-called "ASU" to released, stable software? enough already. [smile] Ron K. Jeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
Video about Dash Navigation (a smart GPS, and cousin of OpenMoko GTAx)
http://blip.tv/file/1017626 Dash http://www.dash.net/ was developed by FIC/OpenMoko for Dash Navigation in Sunnyvale. I have not seen the bill of material, but absent a different screen and physical case, the specs are VERY similar. Dash uses GSM/GPRS to keep the GPS navigation device "always online Dash recently lowered the price to $299 http://www.amazon.com/Dash-Express-Internet-Connected-Navigation-System/dp/B0014CIBWC Ron K. Jeffries http://www.retaggr.com/Card/RonKJeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
BizWeek on iPhone 3G component cost
http://businessweek.com/technology/content/jun2008/tc20080623_505287.htm note that 3G royalties add $45 to iPhone cost of goods sold. Apple's 58 pct. gross margin is ultra sweet for consumer electronics market. Ron K. Jeffries http://www.retaggr.com/Card/RonKJeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
data collection for GSM coverage mape is COOL idea
I like thw "GSM coverage map" idea, a LOT! -- ron k jeffries From: "Charles Edward Pax" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Openmoko Community" Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:44:40 -0400 Subject: GSM Tower Location and GPS Here's an idea: OpenMoko shows me locations of GSM towers near me by knowing my location via GPS. This could be useful when in a remote area. Let's say I'm in a valley, have no GMS signal, and a member of my party or I have an injury. It would be useful to know in which direction I should travel to get a signal in the shortest time period. Here's another idea: Record signal strength and position information for generating a coverage map. We can record tower code, signal strength, and phone location. This information could be used with the Open Street Map data to generate a real-world coverage map. This could also be useful during an emergency in a remote area. Instead of just knowing where the towers are I could look at the coverage map generated from other users. What do you folks think? -Charles ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
Is press release mentioned in Linux Devices available?
Where is the press release mentioned in Linux Devices OpenMoko article? http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS9978560959.html Ron K. Jeffries http://www.retaggr.com/Card/rjeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
rationale for ASU (and change from GTK to Qt)
Can someone explain the rationale for the decision to switch from the original GTK based OpenMoko to QT based version known as April Software Update (ASU)? As an observer, it's my impression that ASU represents a significant architectural change that somehow, Wham! Bang! "just happened." Transparency is a virtue. Ron K. Jeffries http://www.retaggr.com/Card/rjeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
why infrared should be added to GTA03
I have not (yet) invested in one of those expensive universal remote control thingies. But I really lust after that functionality when I fight THREE controls (sat TV, DVD player, TV, not to mention a separate audio system control) I think the cost and complexity of adding IR is very small. It would be a hackers delight, and provide another point of differentiation. Ron K. Jeffries http://www.retaggr.com/Card/rjeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
Alph noise cancelling headset should improve help voice recognition on Freerunner
Alph noise cancelling headset should improve help voice recognition on Freerunner http://www.siliconvalley.com/news/ci_9735561?nclick_check=1 Ron K. Jeffries http://www.retaggr.com/Card/rjeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
Number of GTA02s ordered as of 10 Jul 2008
NOTE: No animals were harmed in this thought experiment. Question: How many GTA02s ~ordered~ as of 10 Jul 2008? rjeffries estimates (tilted toward higher rather than lower): USA group sales: ~20 groups x 10 = 200 ECU ~15 groups x 10 = 150 Rest of world ~ 10 groups x 10 = 100 Individual sales, worldwide ~300 x 1 = 300 Jeffries' wild ass guess: Total GTA02 ordered = 750 +/- 250 For grins, it would be coolio to set up a wiki page where people register their GTA02 serial number, date they received unit and a check box for group or individual purchase. My gut says OpenMoko first mass production run was approx 1,000 to 1,500. Ron K. Jeffries http://www.retaggr.com/Card/RonKJeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
Interesting portable keyboard
just saw this reference to a small keyboard that may work with Freerunner. http://theburtonreport.blogspot.com/2008/06/ultra-slim-mobile-keyboard.html Comments? Ron K. Jeffries http://www.retaggr.com/Card/RonKJeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
developing C/C++ applications for OpenMoko -- where do we stand?
*** I HOPE I AM W-R-O-N-G!!! *** But this issue needs some discussion. Emre Turkay says below, (in essence) --developing scripts for OpenMono is relatively easy GOOD! -- writing C/++ OpenMoko apps is very difficult to almost impossible. BIG PROBLEM... As an interested onlooker I want OpenMoko to not only survive but thrive, I am concerned that this project may not be able to reach critical mass. If what Turkay says about the OpenMoko development platform is approximately correct, this project may be doomed. How can we be this far down the road without enough documentation that a larger group of developers can successfully write C/C++ apps for OpenMoko? On the other hand, one might also say how can a mobile phone project be this far along yet have issues with fundamental requirements such as making and receiving calls? One possible conclusion: developing a full-featured open source mobile phone exceeds the scope of what a loosely organized open source community can accomplish. *** I HOPE I AM W-R-O-N-G!!! *** -ron k jeffries [this is an excerpt] -- Forwarded message -- From: "Emre Turkay" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "List for OpenMoko community discussion" Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:08:04 +0200 Subject: Re: start writing applications - how? There are python packages available on both the repository and in the compilation output directory, you can install them with ipkg. Practically you don't need any moko specific example or documentation (except gsm/gps related issues, in which case you need to look at the code and interact with those services through dbus). Just consult the python/gtk examples and your code will run on any platform including moko. You don't need to do anything for the screen size, gtk is handling them very good. You may, however, want to optimize your design for a 480x640 display, which is done in application specific way ( i.e., placing buttons in an optimized way.) So, there is nothing stopping you ;) Scripting is easy, however support for developing C/C++ applications is a disaster. You have to have the ability to touch your left ear with your right hand's thumb, while standing up-down on the other arm and break the 100m Olympic record on running (or better have a seat at FIC) to be able to write those applications. About the development platform, no central documentation (even no documentation at all), no community support so far. There was an announcement on the list about a development framework as far as I remember, but I heard nothing about it again. -- Ron K. Jeffries ron_jeffries Skype 805-680-8086 Mobile http://blog.eronj.com ___ OpenMoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
OpenMoko and Linux Phone Standards Forum (LiPS)
Would someone comment about how the Linux Phone Standards Forum (LiPS) proposed specification relates to (or not) the OpenMoko roadmap. -- Ron K. Jeffries ron_jeffries Skype 805-680-8086 Mobile http://blog.eronj.com ___ OpenMoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
OpenMoko case -- FYI re 3D CAD formats
regarding 3D model interchange file formats, a friend who is expert tells me: "IGES and step files are the universal exchange formats" I can not promise, but... my friend has access to ProE. It's conceivable I may be able to get his help to convert native ProE to something else. - Ron K. Jeffries ron_jeffries [Skype] http://twitter.com/rjeffries 805-567-4670 http://blog.eronj.com ___ OpenMoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
support for using yyyy-mm-dd (2008-01-31) date format in Wiki and elsewhere
I agree with Christ van Willegen re: standardising dates on the wiki to ISO 8601 coding, or -mm-dd. -- Ron K. Jeffries http://blog.eronj.com ___ OpenMoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
LiMo article in Washington Post
Informative article about LiMO in the Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/14/AR2008021401518.html?wpisrc=newsletter&wpisrc=newsletter&wpisrc=newsletter It may require site registration, but it is a very light-weight approach. I am interested in understanding LimO and how it does or does not relate to Open Moko. thanks -- Ron K. Jeffries http://blog.eronj.com ___ OpenMoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
eBay considered good option for GTA01 issue
eBay is a no brainer for those who wish to trade in their GTA01 to recover some cash to apply toward GTA02. be well -- Ron K. Jeffries http://blog.eronj.com ___ OpenMoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
suggest" FreeRunner OPTIONALLY display GSM signal strength as numeric value, not just "bars"
Back in the day I used a SideKick Color for maybe 16 months. It was a mixed bag (great keyboard, very good INSTANT MESSAGING and email, but a rather crappy web browser). With THE Sidekick, it was fairly easy to display a numeric value showing radio reception. Obviously, this did not take the place of the standard bar graph display of signal strength. Also, other signal metrics were displayed such as (from memory) signal to noise yada yada yada. One can dream, can't one? -- Ron K. Jeffries http://blog.eronj.com ___ OpenMoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
WAG about spares ratios
Steve wrote: ~~ From: "steve" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "'List for Openmoko community discussion'" Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 10:30:33 -0700 Subject: RE: Price of the Freerunner spare parts Yes, The information about returns and defects etc needs to be shared. First, however, it needs to be established or estimated. I haven't seen a single number from anybody on the demand rate for batteries or LCD or back covers. Anyone care to guess? Since you asked , here are my WAGs (with rationale) Item: Projected spares demand (adjust after 6 months field experience) Battery 1 spare per 8 units sold rationale: desire for spare battery more likely due to wide range of uses (as compared with standard phone). If Nokia battery is really "as good as" then this can be lower but not zero. LCD1 spare per 75 units sold 9slightly more than 1 percent) LCD breakage is not frequent, but enough that we need spares Back cover 1 spare per 200 units sold not a high failure item, but a pain when it goes. if this is not a sturdy part with perfect fit, the rate will be quite a bit higher ~~~ A lot of money can be squandered if spares kan-bans are set too high but the flip side of that coin is that a lot of delay for customers to get spares leads to unhappy customers, and in some cases will trigger swapping an entire unit which is REALLY expensive. -- Ron K. Jeffries http://blog.eronj.com ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
OpenMoko project future
OpenMoko is a brilliant concept. I hope to buy a Freerunner when it's relatively safe to go in the water. Before we jump down the throats of those who express some frustration about how the release schedule has taken longer than we all hoped, here's my non-emotional comment in support of those who are frustrated. I do no know why, but the OpenMoko project (Hardware and software) objectively is dragging out. From the sidelines, it is difficult to judge whether this VIRTUOUS project will or will not achieve liftoff, or will crash off the end of the runway. yes, absolutely, developing in a fully open environment means everybody knows each and every wart along the way. Apple and Steve Jobs did not have that burden, nor do Nokia, or LG, Samsung, Motorola. BUT the OpenMoko project likely does not have enough financial capital and human resource to accomplish its lofty ambitions. I passionately hope I am TOTALLY WRONG. But the track record to date is "dodgy" at best. -- Ron K. Jeffries http://blog.eronj.com http://twitter.com/rjeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
Wish list for future Freerunner
Next significant iteration of Freerunner should include light sensor. My understanding is that's one part of iPhone secret sauce for intelligently dimming LCD while phone is held up to user's ear. related comment yes there are far more important features/changes. but this tiny (low COGS, high impact) item should not be forgotten. -- Ron K. Jeffries http://blog.eronj.com http://twitter.com/RonKJeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
OpenMoko application software
Is there a mail list devoted to application software and related user interface issues for OpenMoko? If not, could we please start one? putting on my flame proof suit: community@lists.openmoko.org (with all-too-rare exceptions) has devolved into almost AOL level blather about mundane stuff that has nothing to do with how users will USE the Freerunner. I am looking for intelligent life where people discuss the existing or new user applications that will be enabled by an open source "libre" phone such as OpenMoku and the COMMUNITY that will (we hope) develop to support it. while have the podium, this list is one where a lot of users fail to trim excess garbage in their REPLY emails. Please, try to conserve a few electrons, a few Gigabytes of disk space, and most importantly, the time of the (thousands?) of folks who follow this list. be well -- Ron K. Jeffries http://blog.eronj.com http://twitter.com/RonKJeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
5 hours of standby = STP SHIP levl problem
Someone has reported measured standby of only 5 hours, with zero alert that battery is getting low. Is the product considered commercially ready to sell (accept revenue) with such a serious issue? You don't know you have the hardware right until the software/firmware team gets this number into an acceptable zone. If this puppy can't run for w4 hours while on standby, it is a fascinating experimental phone+computer. 24 hours is not a competitive standby time. but it's long enough that people will buy some Freerunners. My UNSOLICITED advice: treat this crappy standby time as a STOP SHIP level problem and get the engineering team to bear down and fix it. -- Ron K. Jeffries http://blog.eronj.com http://twitter.com/RonKJeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
Don't ship GTA02v5 without the rework
OpenMoko team: It's crazy to consider shipping the GTA02v5 without the rework to solve the current leakage issue. Yes, people are REALLY anxious to get this phone. But shipping a few thousand of units that do not meet spec on standby time is a Bad Idea. pull up your socks and do the rework if that delays launch by 30 days so be it. besides the firmware will be better by then as well. ;) -ron jeffries. CONTEXT: -- Forwarded message -- From: "Shawn Rutledge" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "List for Openmoko community discussion" Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:30:59 -0700 Subject: Re: Freerunner will be GTA02v5 or GTA02v6? (was: Fwd: Future Button and LED software spec) On Fri, Apr 18, 2008 at 11:21 AM, Flemming Richter Mikkelsen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > It sounds to me as the problem is easy for those of us that knows a little > electronics. If I get one that leaks current, I will start soldering! > > > Does anybody know if the fix Werner is talking about, will be done for all > GTA02v5 PCB's? If it really will be a fix for it, it will not be any problem > at all. Yes maybe it can be fixed. But is the fix documented yet? Another way to look at it: if the fix can be done without a PCB change, then why not get the factory to do the rework (swapping transistors or whatever) before they are shipped? How much would it cost to get that done in China? -- Ron K. Jeffries http://blog.eronj.com http://twitter.com/RonKJeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
99 vs RED (or was it PINK) Phone cases
It's wonderful the focus of the community is now all about $399 vs $400 rather than availability of Freerunner in certain colors. who says the community-based process with complete open-ness doesn't have an impact. and YES I agree, the remaining V5 vs V6 issues seem small (but we did get extra info and clarification, thanks Tony). May 1,000 (x100,000) Freerunners bloom. Soon. -- Ron K. Jeffries http://blog.eronj.com http://twitter.com/RonKJeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
Open Moko (proposed) tagline "Open Up"
Hans, "Open up" makes sounds like what the OBGYN doctor says to my wife when he starts an exam. sorry -- TASTELESS but I could not resist. I am banning myself for, uh24 hours. with a smile, -rj CONTEXT From: "Hans L" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "List for Openmoko community discussion" Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:01:50 -0500 Subject: Re: Openmoko sounds, Motto I think something as simple as a cheerful suggestion to "Open up" would be a really good motto. -- Ron K. Jeffries http://blog.eronj.com http://twitter.com/RonKJeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
Invest in automated build system (and one extra person to manage it) SOON
From: "Bobby Martin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> said: ~~~ To my mind, the first step after you have an early prototype of a system that works is to set up a continuous integration server that automatically builds, runs automated tests, and labels appropriately. Without that, any work you do is shooting in the dark. This is (of course) particularly true for a distributed project, where you can't just yell over the wall to someone that they broke the build. ~~~ OpenMoko powers that be: PLEASE Hire someone to create and maintain the build process NOW. It will increase productivity of your developers as well as the community developer team. The investment of one additional FTE will help enormously. be well -- Ron K. Jeffries Twitter @RonKJeffries mobile 805 567 4670 http://blog.eronj.com ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
Freerunner games
Etch-a-sketch using accelerometers would rock the classic Snake game would also be and cool with these controls -- Ron K. Jeffries http://blog.eronj.com ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
Dash GPS personal nav device (uses OpenMoko) opens API
Dash GPS personal nav device (uses OpenMoko) opens API It's sorta funny, but nobody here says a word about Dash, the Freerunner's red-haired step-sister device, OEM'd from FIC as I understand things. Latest Dash news: http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/05/13/dash-opens-up-apis-for-its-gps-device-to-outside-developers/ -- Ron K. Jeffries Twitter @RonKJeffries mobile 805 567 4670 http://blog.eronj.com ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
Hardware mumble
Q1: What's the status of revised and improved OpenMoko hardware? Back in the day there was talk of GTA03 intended to be a modest refresh incorporating better radio that supports Edge, better GPS, a camera and a redesigned case. Not sure if GTA03 will support a second, externally accessible SD card slot, but one can only dream. It's mid-March 2009. If GTA03 is not ready for alpha test fairly soon, one wonders whether this promising OpenSourec Hardware and Software project may have (unfortunately!) failed to achieve critical mass. I hope not. Q2: (may be contentious) GTA03 is nice, but is incremental. One can easily imagine that OpenMoko team can design and bring to life a MUCH more interesting next mobile device, even given the (severe!) constraints of the unique underlying "every bit must be open" that puts a LOT of very attractive technology out of bounds. . --- Ron K. Jeffries http://blog.eronj.com ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
List of OpenMoko distributions
Q1: Where does one find a list of all current OpenMoko distributions? Q2: Is there an effort to make one of these distributions THE production version that ships on new phones after some date? Is that date established or up in the air? Q3: if one orders a Freerunner today, what code does it ship with? Observation: GTA02 has been shipping for about 9 months. It's not unreasonable to expect that stable, fully functional code will be available Real Soon Now. --- Ron K. Jeffries http://blog.eronj.com ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
Freerunner ships with unsupported release? Why?
The Wiki says, in part: Choosing a distribution Official/current. As of December 2008, the phones ship with Om 2007.2 <http://wiki.openmoko.org/wiki/Om_2007.2>. It is not supported by Openmoko Inc. anymore. The branch currently supported by Openmoko Inc. is Om 2008.12 <http://wiki.openmoko.org/wiki/Om_2008.12_Update> ~~ I'm puzzled why OpenMoko ships phones with a distribution that's no longer supported. --- Ron K. Jeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
will GTA03 be ready for holiday season?
I have a couple of friends who want to buy a GTA03. what is best guess on when it will be in mass production and available to purchase? thanks -- Ron K. Jeffries http://www.retaggr.com/Card/RonKJeffries ___ Openmoko community mailing list community@lists.openmoko.org http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community
