OpenMoko - Android Community

Hands-on with OpenMoko’s Android-powered Neo FreeRunner

By Staff Editor
on 14 Jan, 2009

We had a chance to stop by the OpenMoko booth at CES this year to get a quick look at the progress they have made with the Neo FreeRunner. Unfortunately this device did not get and changes as far as hardware specifications. They have however made plenty of software improvements so the phone itself is more responsive to commands compared to previously handled models. Of course the Neo FreeRunner was shown running Android. The reason they are showing the phone running a competing operating system is because OpenMoko supports the open source movements by welcoming any development involving their handset. It comes as no surprise that Android runs quite well on this handset. While this phone is not designed for mainstream users, OpenMoko confirms that is was indeed designed for developers and hackers. Most mainstream users will be upset to find that despite having usable basic features, the Neo FreeRunner does lack many common features found on today’s pones such as a camera. Many developers have requested that hardware features be added, but OpenMoko has not given us any information as to if these requests will be filled. [Via SlashGear]

More blurry photos of OpenMoko’s Android-powered handset

By Staff Editor
on 30 Dec, 2008

Mr. Blurrycam has made his rounds again and this time he brings us something that we don’t really need or care to see again. We all know what the OpenMoko Neo FreeRunner looks like and we also know what Android looks like, so we ask what is the point of taking yet another set of “blurry” photos with what seems to be a pretty nice camera? Sources are saying that the Android version of the Neo FreeRunner is all ready for a worldwide launch and while prices are not set in stone, they are set to be announced very soon. We don’t suspect this handset will sell very well even with Android. The phone itself is really nothing special unless you have a stylus for a finger. The Neo FreeRunner has all your basic specs including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 2.5mm audio jack, microSD card slot and GPS. On the inside you will find a Samsung 2442 SoC @ 400 MHz processor, 128 MB SDRAM and 256 MB NAND flash which is expandable up to 16GB. The touchscreen is a 2.8-inch VGA (480 x 640) TFT, 282 pixels. [gallery]

Beta release of Android for Openmoko’s FreeRunner handset available the first week of December

By Staff Editor
on 20 Nov, 2008

Toronto based company Koolu, has just announced their work in optimizing and supporting the Android platform on the FreeRunner opensource handset by Openmoko. The beta version of the Koolu version of Android will be made available the first week of December with the final release scheduled in Q1 2009. Koolu will support developers who would like the freedom of opensource to create and sell mobile devices in emerging markets such as health care, education and other vertical markets. Koolu’s service program is targeted at Google’s enterprise professionals in global markets in an attempt to move phones to a low price range. "We selected Openmoko's FreeRunner because users can purchase a pre-paid GSM SIM card in foreign countries and use that country's local service as easily as their service at home, and can choose a VoIP service or various WiFi hot-spots around the world,” said Koolu CEO, Andrew Greig. “It’s their choice. Customers will receive support for the software and hardware, yet be able to choose their own GSM provider and VoIP provider, as well as other independent services.”

OpenMoko confirmed running Android

By Staff Editor
on 5 Nov, 2008

The anonymous tipster that has been leaking details about Android running on an OpenMoko device has come back around and brought pictures this time. For those of you who do not know what OpenMoko is, it is one of the first Open Source phones on the market. Though the phone is really rather ugly and did not take off at all, the handset has been on backorder for quite some time. Not only is OpenMoko working on an Android-powered handset but Koolu is going to be helping with their own project that will incorporate the handset itself. Also rumored will be a free Beta port to all existing FreeRunner customers. Android has certainly captures the eye of many different companies both large and small. OpenMoko’s specifications: