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Company Solicits Feedback on Next-Gen Recorder

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the consumer-feedback-a-novel-concept dept.

An anonymous reader writes "According to LinuxDevices.com a multimedia device vendor has asked the open-source community to help define its next product, a Linux-based handheld portable media player/recorder (PMP/R) featuring audiophile-quality sound. The new product is a successor to the popular Neuros 442 PMP/R. Neuros has published the specs for a development board it calls the first prototype, and has asked hackers, open-source software authors, and others to review and weigh in on the design, which is expected to be finalized in the near future."

4 of 157 comments (clear)

  1. Needs one or two things .. by torpor · · Score: 5, Interesting

    {disclaimer: i work for a pro digital audio company.}

    as a long-time linux hacker, musician, synthesist, and audio geek, this device screams out for one thing: MIDI.

    yes, thats right, MIDI. give me a way to control it from a MIDI keyboard, give me a compiler onboard, stand back and watch the new softsynth plugin realm expand beyond that of VST et al..

    course, i've got my own plans for such things too, but i'll save that for a future /. thread ..

    --
    ; -- the corruption of government starts with its secrets. a truly free people keep no secrets. --
  2. What I want by onyxruby · · Score: 4, Interesting
    What I want to see:

    USB 2.0 port - full size please!

    Infrared

    Color!

    4 GB hard disk

    Flash card reader

    Scratch resistant coating

    Volume knob

    Mini joystick similiar to gamepad

    Make sure I can plug it in as a mass media drive without special drivers etc

    Line in for audio

    Rubber bumbers for shock protection

    Rubber back for good grip

    Built in modem for dial up when traveling

  3. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  4. Re:Scratch my back...? by killmenow · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I think the point you're missing is they plan to release enough (all?) specs and firmware for this device. You can build your own.

    It appears to me the plan is hindered only by TI being stingy about releasing key bits about its chips. Neuros will have to make what amounts to an API to a binary driver to keep TI happy and still release the firmware as open source.

    It's a fine line to walk but I give Neuros kudos for at least daring to walk it. I've been on their mailing list for a while now, participated in some of their IRC meetings, and am impressed overall with their desire to do it right.

    Right, both in terms of making a superb audio device and in terms of keeping it open and free as in libre. They are relative newbs at the open source thing, though, imho...so cut them some slack if they mis-step here or there.