OpenMoko and Ubiquitous Computing

One definition of Ubiquitous Computing might be those cases where the computer disappears. Cell phones are anything but invisible, yet I will argue that OpenMoko, an open source cellphone project, has the potential to substantially further the advancement of Ubiquitous Computing. With completely unrestricted access to the source code and the CAD files for the case, and a very active and involved user and developer community, OpenMoko brings together the creativity and imagination of the open source community, the manufacturing ability of OpenMoko’s parent company (FIC), and a powerful mobile computing platform, thus allowing true innovation to occur.

A final piece of the cycle is that OpenMoko takes input from the community as to what hardware to build next. Thus, innovative applications that require additional hardware are possible.

This talk will include a discussion of the layers and components of the OpenMoko Linux distribution, the Neo branded handsets, and how applications and in fact any software can be developed in this environment.