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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!

5 of 87 comments (clear)

  1. Converging SuperPhones by marko123 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Is it just me, or is it that the best thing about uber-powerful phone appliances is that they can now run my perl spam-filter scripts on my email account during the busy cyberwarrior workday so that when I get home I have less spam in my inbox?

    --
    http://pcblues.com - Digits and Wood
  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. Don't hold your breath about creating apps.... by (H)elix1 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    While the phones may run linux/java ... I would not expect the phone companies to let you create your own apps and upload them to the phone.

    A more than a few years back, JavaOne (has it been that long?) it seamed every session was in a lather about the micro edition or kvm running on cell phones and their ilk. Session after session and after hours at the bar, the general consensus was 'we love the platform, but we want to control the entire revenue stream'. Expect some serious license / formal development kits if you want to code for these things. I don't think they have hobbyist in mind. If I end up being wrong, I'll be racing to the store - but uploading apps to phones (not pda's) still seems pretty limited.

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    +++ UGUCAUCGUAUUUCU
    1. 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.

  4. Can I call you back? by eap · · Score: 5, Funny

    The garbage collector is running.