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Motorola To Release Linux and Java-based Phone/PDA

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the annoying-essentials dept.

clapton_fan writes "Motorola will release a combination phone / PDA this year in Asia using the Linux operating system and Java software. No U.S. release date set." It also packs a camera, Bluetooth, and a media player. Looks pretty sharp too. Update: 02/15 15:25 GMT by CN : Whoops. We mentioned this a couple days ago, but this time around there's pictures!

8 of 87 comments (clear)

  1. Sony Ericsson and Nokia.. by MosesJones · · Score: 3, Interesting


    Now I know its not cool on Slashdot to mentioned products based on Symbian rather than uber-trendy linux. But how is this impressive when both Nokia and Sony Ericsson have launched products, and will continue to launch products that are PDAs/Phones/Cameras etc etc and include bluetooth, IR etc etc.

    Okay, I know that Motorola are a US company and there for its much more impressive when they are only 12 months behind the crowd, but having something like this in Asia NOW is about 18+ months behind. The reason Motorola use Linux here is because they don't want to use Symbian, why I have no idea. And before someone says "cost" please get a clue about corporations and the actual cost of OSes.

    Why not support a solid, reliable, proven OS that is making it nearly impossible for MS to get inroads rather than raving about yet another "linux on a X" product.

    --
    An Eye for an Eye will make the whole world blind - Gandhi
    1. Re:Sony Ericsson and Nokia.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      And before someone says "cost" please get a clue about corporations and the actual cost of OSes.

      I must admit, I'm clueless about corporations and the actual cost of OSes. Perhaps you could tell us? How much do Symbian and Linux cost per phone?

  2. Re:jesus by hey! · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Moto sells LOTS of phones to organizations that used to have proviate radio networks. This happens to be the kind of market I work in; organizations like this often provide moto phones for there iDen DirectConnect (walkie-talkie) feature; usually they don't even provide regular phone service.

    We use this capability along with java based PDA apps for data collection in the field (we're very interested in bluetooth for instrument telemetry and interfacing with GPS). This phone, although it rather looks like a businessman's toy, could be a pretty good combination for us, although from my point of view it would be better if it were blocky and rugged looking rather than sleek.

    --
    Post may contain irony: discontinue use if experiencing mood swings, nausea or elevated blood pressure.
  3. While we wait for the site to be /.ed by WegianWarrior · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Motorola has announced the A760, a flip form factor that looks like a hip Treo 300. It's packed with features like: digital camera, video player, MP3 player, speakerphone, advanced messaging, instant Internet access and Bluetooth(TM) wireless technology.
    picture
    "This handset is special because it features one of the most open and flexible software platforms that exists," said Rob Shaddock, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the GSM/TDMA Product Line in Motorola's Personal Communications Sector. "By supporting the open source Linux OS and Java technology, Motorola is creating the most open and flexible environment possible to help drive the development of compelling applications for rich, customized mobile experiences."
    another picture
    I'm pretty excited about this unit. It's stacked with options and has the marketing power and connections of Moto to help it reach mass distribution. My main concern, same with the P800, is the unpopular OS - in US terms. I hope software support for Linux and Symbian accelerates so we can get past these hangups. These alternative OS's are not only viewed as better by many, they tend to be less resource intense and are cheaper than the Microsoft and Palm options.

    I know.. I'm whoring for karma

    --
    Everything in the world is controlled by a small, evil group to which, unfortunately, no one you know belongs.
  4. Re:unpopular OS? by eswan · · Score: 2, Interesting

    >How do their enterprise servers relate to a PDA?
    Don't know, but you can emulate the S/370 on one.

  5. Re:Don't hold your breath about creating apps.... by dattaway · · Score: 4, Interesting

    What's wrong with assembly language and programmable logic gates these days? I'd like to keep things quick and easy on the batteries. I like higher level languages, but are minimalistic systems now taboo?

    Nothing like pressing a key and waiting a second for the phone's database to be accessed while a dialing digit shows up on the screen. I'm talking about my Ericsson T28.

  6. Java support is key by MarkWatson · · Score: 2, Interesting
    Yeah, go ahead and bash Java for being slow and a memory hog....

    Now that we have that out of the way: Java ME/MIDP is very cool because it makes it so very easy to write code for portable devices.

    A month ago, I did a little work for a company using MIDP (and my last J2EE book had a MIDP example) - so I am biased.

    I think that the point is that MIDP opens up the verticle market for custom applications with MIDP devices talking to web services.

    Last month, I used XML over HTTP and Apache Jakarta Tomcat on the server side - really a great combination.

    -Mark

  7. What ? by MosesJones · · Score: 2, Interesting


    So lets compare....

    Symbian, aim is to enable the partners (major phone manufacturers) to gain the sort of dominance on Phones and SmartPhones that MS have on the desktop.

    Linux, free, very little support in the mobile market.

    Its 1980 and you've been asked to join the board of Microsoft or the board of Commodore, who do you choose ?

    --
    An Eye for an Eye will make the whole world blind - Gandhi