Free Software Linux

Here are my slides from last night’s presentation at the BLUG. I continue to be amazed about how interested some people in Beijing are about FLOSS, Network Services, and guangxi! We had a good discussion about why some people contribute to open source. Similar to many trends with FLOSS communities, most people were into contributing because they wanted to learn more. Some said they were interested in meeting new people while a couple of folks mentioned how their contributions got them a job — something recurring with many of my friends (myself included).

@mlinksva just put out a great slide show, albeit the over-use of bullet points ;), that is an overview of CC as well as a general look at the historical trajectories of Free Software and how Free Culture Movement is approximately 10 years behind. This is a great beginning at the more intimate look at where WE are heading collectively, because of course, Free Software and Free Culture’s paths are intermingled.

The Openmoko Neo Freerunner phone was released only a few weeks ago, and already, a customized version called the W.E. Phone is now available for purchase. So what's the difference between the naked-as-a-baby Neo and the Canadian-based W.E.?

I just announced over on the CC site my job change. I will still be on the books with Creative Commons, but will not be a full time staff member any longer. While I have been a human interface for Creative Commons to people, businesses and organizations, particularly in the technology space, my role will change to be Business Development and Community Liaison.

If you're interested in OpenMoko's Neo FreeRunner phone, but don't want to buy a development unit straight from them, there's another choice. Canadian company Koolu has signed on to distribute the phone in the Americas, UK, and EU, with plans to enhance and support the software as well.

"Having had some time to play around with the FreeRunner's software (see my previous post), I can make a few more remarks about it now. read more

"OpenMoko's FreeRunner went on sale on July 3. I ordered early that day and my FreeRunner arrived today..."

– ## In this issue * It's not the Gates, it's the bars * Act on ACTA! * Fight the Canadian DMCA! * Rhapsody and Naxos go DRM free * Refusing Digital Monitoring Policies * 5 reasons to avoid iPhone 3G * autonomo.us activist group to focus on freedom in network services * identi.ca is autonomo.us * GNU spotlight with Karl Berry * Richard Stallman's speaking schedule * Take action! AdvertisementYour ad here!

Last Friday, OpenMoko launched its highly anticipated FreeRunner smartphone, a Linux-based handset that's completely open in both hardware and software, and is designed to encourage third-party modification and customization. Although the FreeRunner's software platform is still incomplete, the device has attracted considerable attention from mobile software developers and Linux enthusiasts.

"The 5 real reasons to avoid iPhone 3G: ** iPhone completely blocks free software. Developers must pay a tax to Apple, who becomes the sole authority over what can and can't be on everyone's phones. ** iPhone endorses and supports Digital Restrictions Management (DRM) technology. read more

Less that one week after going on sale via its own e-commerce site, the 900MHz version of OpenMoko's Neo FreeRunner Linux phone has sold out, but don't despair yet as more are on the way.

Last we heard form Openmoko, it was packing and shipping the open-source FreeRunner for an early July release. So, here we are in early July and wouldn't you know it, the FreeRunner will be available for order starting Friday, July 4 with shipping to begin on Monday, July 7. As for details, we got 'em. read more

"Thousands of Neo FreeRunners have been loaded into planes and fired around the world," announced Sean Moss-Pultz, the Openmoko CEO, in a frequently philosophical email titled "let us impact the material world", posted to the Openmoko community mailing list. He continued, "many of our distributors have already begun shipping. In about another week, Steve and Harry will announce the opening of our own webshop." The CAD files for building the smartphone hardware are available under the Creative Commons, and the software has been released under the GPL, including a patched 2.6.24 Linux kernel. Sean continued, "whenever I talk publicly about Openmoko, or so it seems, the following question is asked: How can you compete again the giants of this industry?

On Open Enterprise blog.

13 Up Down Fans of the OpenMoko Neo1973 open-source Linux handset will be glad to hear that they'll soon be able to get their hands on the Neo1973's successor in the near future. The OpenMoko FreeRunner sports a faster processor than its predecessor and adds three-axis motion sensors to the mix. read more