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Two New Linux Phones to Ship in Japan
An anonymous reader writes "Japan's largest mobile carrier has announced two new Linux phones with support for push-to-talk, multiple numbers, and other advanced features. Of the six models models in NTT DoCoMo's new 902i-series, the two running embedded Linux are made by NEC and Panasonic, who have been collaborating on a Linux-based software platform for 3G mobile phones. The NEC-manufactured N902i boasts a four megapixel camera, while the Panasonic-made P902i aims to appeal to music lovers, with music jukebox software and an available 1GB MiniSD card. Between these and Motorola's Linux mobile phones, Linux seems to be doing well in Asia, in the rapidly growing feature-phone space, which is projected to comprise the majority of global mobile phone shipments by 2010."
I'm really happy that the technology is progressing, but I wished they'd progress some in making these expensive phones out of expensive less breakable materials. Maybe some of that aluminum glass over the LCD? In the past couple of years I've bought two expensive phones that both had LCD damage that warranty didn't cover once shipped back.
Freedom is fragile and must be protected. To sacrifice it, even as a temporary measure, is to betray it.
Disclaimer: this is NOT a flamebait, I'm a Linux user and Opensource fan! :) which of course costs license fee but on the other hand is a very customised plattform for mobile phone devices.
I was wondering why they actually use Linux on a mobilephone. Linux is open - which is great - but isn't the GNU license pretty unattractive for something as closed as a mobile phone? I mean the mobile phone companies and providers probably have no interest in opening the source and thus making it available to the competition and allowing people to easily hack the phone.
I would be really interested why a mobile phone company should choose Linux over something like Symbian (or even Windows Mobile