Motorola Readies Music-oriented Linux Mobile Phone

An anonymous reader writes "Motorola has announced several new multimedia-enabled mobile phones supporting music and video playback, including one new device based on embedded Linux, according to LinuxDevices.com. The Linux-based Motorola E680 could see US distribution, making it the first of Motorola's Linux-based mobile phones available outside the far East. The E680 will include multimedia playback software supporting a variety of formats, including MP3 audio, MPEG4 video, and RealPlayer multimedia content." The article notes: "Motorola's previous Linux-based phones have been based on MontaVista Linux, and have used the Qt/Embedded graphical application framework."

Comments

Re:Replacement for iPod?

[jetfuel]

Apple will replace your iPod battery for free if it's under warranty. If not they charge $99. If you want to install it yourself, you can buy one and do so.

Changing my mind on all-in-one devices..

[xxx_Birdman_xxx]

I used to be a little against devices trying to do everything, due to poor battery life, size etc... But now that battery life is much better than it used to be, a device similar to this one could end up being perfect for someone like me:
A uni student who does a lot of travelling, listens to tons of music, and normally walks around with a diskman in one pocket, a backpack with a large diary and a mobile on my belt.

Running for the bus with crap flying out of your pockets or flinging around, hitting you in the privates is not a good way to start the day..
-Ryan

Small problem with this phone

[wyeap]

How do you dial '1' with it?

http://www.linuxdevices.com/files/misc/mot-e680- bi g.jpg

Great, so where is the source?

[andersen]

I'm happy to see Linux being used on all sorts of devices, but I am also very concerned that they fulfil their obligations for the GPL'd source in their device. So where is the source? I grow tired of getting at least 1-2 emails per week about some new router or wireless access point or whatever that is violating the GPL distributing BusyBox with no source and no offer for source. So I truly hope Motorola is behaving itself and doing what it is legally obligated to do. I've searched their site but I see nothing but press releases. Has anyone obtained one of these phones? If you have, can you confirm whether Motorola is fulfilling their obligations per the GPL?