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Linux Cell Phone/PDA
maxmutt writes: "PalmPalm Technology Inc. a Korean Company, has got a new "smart phone", the IMT-2000, that looks interesting." Runs Linux, and is both a cell phone and PDA. Plays MP3 and video, has bluetooth, and runs embedded Qt. And has net functionality. It'll be interesting to see what comes of this.
One of these many "linux powered" PDA/Cell phone/mp3/dvd/electric toothbrush devices is actually produced... There's been a lot of vapor lately and the whole damn issue is getting too cloudy.
How long have we been hearing about the YOPY and the Agenda. Everyday there is some linux powered little device that has some nice bullet points on the companie's web page and look good at trade shows... but it's not in my pocket yet.
ah, yes.. but this has all three capabilities in one unit, without having to swap out springboard modules. granted, if you only want one or the other, and can live without the others, get a visor and live in the lap of software availability luxury..
but then, that's assuming there's no software for linux..
maybe Q3 isn't appropriate for an embedded linux celphone, but i could really dig MAME or any number of PIMs, notepad alternatives.. hey, an SSH client that could connect to my server remotely from my celphone would be keen to have, too...
hmm...
- Entertaining Bits from the Ancient Kernel Tree
How much RAM/Flash RAM?
How fast is the Net connection?
Battery life/what does it use?
And the big one: what's it cost, both up front and monthly?
Anyone found answers?
Or better... have a cron job to start the laundry every saturday at noon.
You just use the machine as a clothes hamper and every week they wash themselves. Perfect for bachelors.
-I just work here... how am I supposed to know?
...cooks your toast, does your laundry, raises your kids...
- I don't care if they globalize against free speech. All my best free thoughts are done in my head.
Hey, you never know what people will try to do.
I'm a leaf on the wind. Watch how I soar.
When I fly, I don't bother taking my laptop out (creating a scene and annoying those around me), but I'll have my Visor somewhere handy. Since cell phones can't be used at any point (except at the terminal) on a plane, why combine these technologies? It would be nice if there was a mechanism to turn off the cell searching/handoffs while leaving the PDA on. Although, even if the phone were off, I would rather not be the guy the old lady is looking at (and calling the flight attendants) because of his obvious disregard for the rules... even if I'm not breaking any!
"If you can keep your head while all those about you are losing theirs, then perhaps you have misunderstood the situation." -- The Long Run; Moran
Brian
..dose this device allow software control of the audio stream, so that we can add good encryption. You can not trust the cell phone makers to add encryption which the NSA has not tampered with, so replacable software encryption is really the most importent feature (by far).
The Christian religion has been and still is the principal enemy of moral progress in the world. -- Bertrand Russell
NightHawk
Tyranny =Gov. choosing how much power to give the People.
SO now I can write auto-targetting software on my PDA and link it wirelessly via Bluetooth to my bluetooth-enabled, Linux-running, MP3 synching machine guns to kill all those stupid people out there who are busy doing stupid things in there cars and killing people with there accidents. So where do I get one?
...and watching a movie all at the same time
I don't think the "Embedded QT" refered to QuickTime.
An exhibition was opened after the completion of the development of world's first Embedded Linux smart phone. PalmPalm Technology Inc. had been engaged in a joint project with SK Telecom and Seoul National University since the beginning of this year on the development of [Linux-based CDMA/IMT-2000 smart phone]. In the upcoming exhibition, you will see SK Telecom's IMT-2000 smart phone loaded with ®Tynux, Embedded Linux operating system reengineered by PalmPalm Technology Inc.
The diverse and powerful functions of this IMT-2000 smart phone had been displayed at SK Telecom Central Research Unit in Bundang, on November 29th, in the presence of reporters covering the IT industry and other major related groups and individuals.
Besides having loaded Linux operating system, this smart phone (brand name; Palmi) that incorporates the functions of both cellular phone and PDA, also provides strong multimedia functionalities including animation, MP3, video communication, to name a few. In addition, with the help of its Bluetooth that enables high-speed wireless communication, playing network games among appliances is made possible.
Internet environment equivalent to that of desktops are also offered and its environment is especially optimal for wireless Internet appliances with its advanced resolution graphic system and low-power management functionalities.
Tynux, developed by PalmPalm Technology Inc. and released early this year, is an Embedded Linux operating system that strengthened the power & memory management as well as real time functionalities for multimedia data transactions. As such, SK Telecom's smart phone that has loaded this operating system may be the fist model to show that Linux can be the most optimized operating system for wireless Internet appliances.
While engaging in this joint development, PalmPalm Technology Inc. has also established strategic partnership with prominent application software companies worldwide. After integrating games (provided by Mdream, Korea), pen-recognition (provided by Diotek, Korea), Bluetooth (provided by Zeen, Korea), QT/Embedded (provided by Trolltech, Norway) and web browser (provided by Opera Software, Norway), PalmPalm Technology Inc. has performed performance & reliability tests before supplying the optimal programs in bundled forms.
Those related in the industry forecast that this announcement will provide an opportunity to prove that Embedded Linux is indeed the most adequate operating system for wireless Internet appliances, and will be a dividing line judging the potential success or failure of its becoming commercialized. Although there cannot be an absolute leader in the wireless Internet appliance market, the expectation of PalmPalm Technology Inc. becoming a forerunner in setting the standards in the market is something to look forward to.
[Appendix]
[Specification of IMT-2000 smart phone]:
Display and interfaces:
StrongARM SA1110 206MHz
4" TFT LCD display
Touch panel
Bluetooth interface
Camera
Voice codec for H.323
Serial and USB ports
[Software related to PDA features]:
Tynux(PalmPalm's embedded Linux) based on Linux Kernel 2.4.0
Trolltech's Qt/Embedded
Opera Web browser
H.323 protocol, VoIP
S/W MP3 player
Games
Pen Recognition
Given that they beasties have an ir port, why hasn't someone gotten code out there to turn them into universal remotes? There's a technology developed by IBM called x-10 that replaces light switches and power outlets in your house. These units can then send messages over the house's electrical system. Further there's one unit that has an antenna and accompanying remote control. From there once you define signals and responses, you can control everything from said remote control. Then if folks pack their house with x-10 technology they can use their palm pilot (or whatever) to turn on the stereo, set it to NPR, turn on the lights to 50%, and start a pot of coffee -- and all before they get out of bed. IBM's patent on x-10 technology expired about three years ago, so it's getting pretty affordable these days.
I don't know the model number either, but at the moment there's a picture of a similar device on the IMT-2000 page of the SK Telecom company which is mentioned. Hmm... GSM, TDMA, Mobile Satellite Service... Probably not all in the same model.
Seriously. Does it matter? It's not like you can just bring up a shell and hack away. Imagine if, after years of using it, that it was announced that your current calculator of PDA actually ran a Linux kernel internally. Would it matter to you?
"networked"? Yeah, a couple of phrases in the press release suggest that the Linux-running processor does have access to the communication capabilities. Both phone and Bluetooth. So I agree it apparently has network access. Apparently it is not just a PDA glued to a phone, there are actual communication circuits available.
C is as easy to program and will run at least 9 times faster.
I'm not really a fan of Java for a number of reasons, but I laughed when I read this. Especially the part about how C is as easy to program.
Put down the (crack) pipe, think before you talk.
Working toward a usable PDA environment in the spirit of Newton OS: Dynapad
He'd never get that on his subcompact without installing it in a turret and that'd put him WAY over his weight limit unless he upgraded the suspension and that'd cost to much so he'd downgrade the tires but then he'd need tireguards and that would lower his handling.... GOD I loved CarWars!
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DO NOT DISTURB THE SE
So no, I can tell you that isn't as big as a lunchbox, doesn't look like a 50's style toaster, and, in fact, looks more functional than the Nokia Communicator, which up to this moment was my personal choice for best mobile phone ever. Very neat.
In fact this is half-way to what I've been predicting for moby phones for quite a while now. If it was me I would move the buttons off the front face (or better, virtualise them) in order to make more room for the display, and orient the dislay landscape rather rather than portrait, but... looks very usable. Not certain I believe in a colour display on a portable device, though -- eats too much battery.
I'm old enough to remember when discussions on Slashdot were well informed.
No need, man, it's been done.
I'm old enough to remember when discussions on Slashdot were well informed.
Besides having loaded Linux operating system, this smart phone (brand name; Palmi) that incorporates the functions of both cellular phone and PDA, also provides strong multimedia functionalities including animation, MP3, video communication, to name a few.
Mmhh, in view of the RIAA article earlier today, this baby is a fine definition of a portable crime tool. Video, MP3's, everything you could ever need...the only thing it needs is a CD-writer.
People replying to my sig annoy me. That's why I change it all the time.
Heh. That's exactly the point.
If your definition of easy is PHP and perl, then yes, C is more or less easy. I can't talk about PHP, but I would say that perl isn't very easy. Perl is easy to program in if you already know it, but the complex syntax makes it a pain.
C isn't easy for two very important reasons: pointers and manual memory allocation/deallocation.
Working toward a usable PDA environment in the spirit of Newton OS: Dynapad
Heh :) They should port Linux to my toaster, or maybe my washing machine... Maytag Linux OS (TM)... Hell, if all my appliances ran Linux, i could cluster them together and maybe make a kick ass seti@home machine or something... That will be the day... Yes sir, I would like the 10 processor Washer/Dryer set... I just outlived my quad processor set...
Sarcasm is the recourse of a weak mind...
--
I vote for machine guns on the front of our vehicles!
--
Wooden armaments to battle your imaginary foes!
After being /.'d
-p4
(c) All Rights Released.
Im sorry - but my money is clearly on the success of PocketLinux. What seems to be the best 'idea' is that we pair down Linux, build a GUI (why Xwindows? maybe XWindows is not 'appropriate' for Handhelds).
PocketLinux currently runs on Casio's E100, Compaq's iPaq & the VTech Helio. I think the 'real future' of pocket PC's, and if success for Linux will play out in this space is if a 'distro' is developed that is not to closely tied to one device - why not use Linux as the operating system to move the Handheld PC market away from the 'Apple' desktop idea to the 'IBM Clone' idea - where people install whatever (PocketLinux) OS on their current INSERT YOUR PDA HERE?
Have a look at all the PDA's that were @ Comdex 2000 - here at PDABuzz Look at all those beauty little PDAs, the question is are these obscure electronics companies from Asia going to build and 'market' a completely new OS for each of these devices? -OR- Would they be better off selling the device like a standard PC, with the attitude that users can find a OS to run on it. Wouldnt you rather buy a handheld for its hardware (the reason I bought the E100 10 months ago) or would you rather be forced to buy a OS/Hardware combo - where buying one may force you to compromise on the other.
Casio's E100 is a far better piece of hardware than anything fielded by Palm (even today - only advantage palm may have is size.. but its not that great an issue)
Palm's are small but their capabilities, speed, screens, audio(?) are less than optimal.
What I want is the PalmComputer market to move in the direction of the PC market - that way we can have our cake (hardware) and eat it too (PocketLinux).
What I would like to see: Both Palm and PocketPC get caught with their pants down (ala Apple in the 80s) while each of these "I have a wonder Palm PC but no 'marketing' or 'OS' to sell with it" (ala IBM Clone shops in the 80s) brings their product to market and aids Transvirtual in building PocketLinux. This basic change is bound to occur in the handheld space - Ill bet PocketLinux makes it happen...
Gorkman
Will be another "Troll" from me about QT sucking. Well... maybe. It'd be nice to see GTK+ widgets in such a low-end system.... we'll see
Non-networked? This is hardly the first networked PDA! I IRCed and surfed the net on my trusty Psion 3a back in 1995 and I think just about every PDA since that has had network support. There's even a port of Opera for the current Psion models that should also run on the upcoming Epoc PDA/phones such as the Nokia 9210 that uses Epoc Crystal as it's OS. Windows CE's, now known as Pocket PC's have just about every network tool imaginable available for them, including a pretty good web browser, email apps etc.
I just installed the Palm Mobile Internet Kit on my Palm IIIx today and I've run pdqSuite on it forever, surfed the net and read my email with Eudora while driving home from work.
Compaq iPaqs also run a port of Linux if memory serves, so it's not a first in that arena either.
While definitely cool, I'm not totally convinced that Linux is the right OS for a PDA tho. A modern OS like Epoc that is designed specifically for small devices seems like a much better choice and the SDK's are pretty good. (http://www.symbian.com/)
There's a lot of backing for Epoc from Ericsson and Nokia - and Psion, obviously and Palm OS is also looking strong with just about every PDA & phone maker from Nokia to Sony coming out with models running it in the near future. The common denominator on all of these seems to be that they all run Java. The next version of the ARM cpu runs Java bytecode, Siemens, Nokia and Motorola have announced that they will support Java in their phones and virtual machines already exist for Windows CE and Linux.. The future will definitely be interesting in the PDA arena. It shouldn't be as black and white as the consumer PC market with Microsoft having 90% of the marketshare.
I read the "sodding article". Those pictures were not there when I read the "sodding article". But thank you for assuming I didn't read the "sodding article", and contributing with a condescending reply.
Anyone see how much it costs, or what it looks like? I didn't see anything on there site, but I could have missed it.
If the thing costs $2000, and is as big as a lunch box, and looks like a 50's style toaster, is it of any use?
While this company looks more legitimate than the airheads selling the "Delux DVD" mentioned a few articles back, with a name like "PalmPalm", how serious is this?
Oh well, I guess only time will tell.
Linux is a fine OS, guys.. But isn't using Linux for a cellular phone a bit like using a cannon to kill a flea? I mean, it's not like I can port Quake III for Linux to my PalmPalm cellphone.
And oh yes.. You can BET there's a lawsuit coming from THAT company name name.
Polymorphism -- It's what you make of it.
"Plays MP3 and video, has bluetooth, and runs embedded Qt. And has net functionality."
damn.. does it slice, dice, mince, chop, and frappe' as well?
anyhoo, it sounds like the cel phone i've been waiting for. now i can get a niftee-tron celphone-o-matic with MP3, a linux interface and bluetooth that will ring really loud in the middle of a movie. or, better yet, i can tap tap tap on the little embedded Qt interface trying to find a phone number while i'm driving and kill a schoolbus full of kids!
no no no.. wait. i can play MP3s on the thing and look like the complete idiot in the commercials... with linux!
- Entertaining Bits from the Ancient Kernel Tree
I can see it now...
"No, I didn't hang up, it was a core dump"
or
"Sorry, I would have called sooner, but I had to recompile my phone's kernel to support cigarette lighter adapters"
Martee
~~~~~~~~~~
Martee
Seems like they are trying to bundle too much together in one device, so much that this thing would be realistic to use. Case in point: I use my mp3 player at the gym....its great because its tiny and can hold a substantial amount of music. I don't want to carry around a phone/pda/camera/mp3/coffee maker to the gym with me. Its small inconveniences like this that will kill the market for devices such as these.
"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." - Jack Nicholson
They need to make it a more Engrish-sounding product like "Happy Cow Luck PDA" with a cute little cartoon character(like Hello Kitty!) giving you the peace sign to REALLY market it
Even all concerns about the proprietary nature of Qt/Embedded aside, this simply doesn't make any business sense. At those prices, Palm would never have taken off and developed a market in small, useful applications.
Still, it seems to be a fairly interesting product. It would be interesting to see how reliable the Linux-based system is, given the complex list of supported features. Personally, I would be suspicious that the company is just cramming in features to make headlines without ironing out a lot of the details.
Don't get me wrong, I like MP3s, but I don't feel that I need them in a PDA.
So long as I can get a speaker to play some midi files (for alarms), I'm a happy camper.
If I'm going to be using my PDA, I'm most likely looking up data for work, what my schedule is, or (if it's got net access) looking up data at some website. The last thing I'll be doing is listening to music on it. That's why I have a CD player.