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Nokia's Linux Based Xbox Competitor

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the well-isn't-that-special dept.

Gerhard F writes: "FinancialTimes reports 'Nokia to use Linux system.' 'MediaTerminal will compete against Microsoft's Xbox video game console and UltimateTV digital TV recorder.' 'We have made the hardware an open design so anyone else can make a clone or compatible product,' said Mr Nelger. "We would rather have a small part of a large market than a large part of a small market if we had used proprietary technologies.'" I'll believe it when the vapor dissipates, but here's hopin'.

3 of 158 comments (clear)

  1. Collab.net by Jeffrey+Baker · · Score: 5

    Captain Tacky forgot to mention that Nokia is doing this in partnership with CollabNet, a very cool company based on community development, which also used to operate sourcexchange.

  2. Hypocrites? by infiniti99 · · Score: 5

    I used to be an avid follower of the gnokii project, which was/is an attempt to create open source drivers for various Nokia digital phones. I even wrote a completely portable driver for the 51xx/61xx phones by using gnokii as a reference. As I remember, Nokia would never help the team out with any technical information. The company showed promise at one point, but then never delivered. For the years that the project has been going, not once has Nokia given them any help. And now they are embracing Linux with this set-top box?

    This is just wrong.

    -Justin

  3. Finally, someone with half a brain!! by Arethan · · Score: 5

    This same 'open design' policy is what brought x86 platforms into the mainstream. Everyone cloned it, and a wonderful pricewar of 'who can make the best the cheapest' made owning a computer very affordable. If this goes through, I won't be surprised to see these boxes replacing Nintendos and Playstations within 4-5 years, and box prices around $80 a piece within 8 years.