OpenMoko at Work on Android Handset

We’ve got a juicy one for you today… and kids remember where you heard it first! OpenMoko is working with the Android platform as we speak and look to have something soon. Soon like maybe November. You know who OpenMoko is, right? The Neo1973 and FreeRunner guys. Thanks to one of our readers, we’ve got some nice gems to share with the class. Our source for this information has already proven themselves with previous tips that have panned out rather big so we feel pretty good about this one. Not only is OpenMoko doing some Android prep, but another company called Koolu is working on their own project which incorporates the handset. Reading through their site, it looks like they are expecting to start offering an Android device using OpenMoko’s design as early as November. They also mention a free Beta port of Android for existing FreeRunner customers. There’s already a wiki page set up for OpenMoko and in it is a reference to the port as well. Our source indicates a code/project name called GTA02 for this whole deal, so we’ve loosed the hounds on its scent. You can read the extensive entry from their wiki page for all the extra stuff, but we’ve gathered a little bit here. 400/500 MHz Samsung 2442B Processor/SOC (400 minimum, ARM920T core, ARMv4T) 128 MB SDRAM total, 64 MB CPU internal, 64 MB external 256MB NAND Flash MCP package. Topploy VGA, 16 bit color depth, 480 x 640 pixels, 2.84″ diagonal screen size WiFi 802.11 b/g A-GPS or GPS GSM/GPRS 3 axis sensing accelerometer Touch screen over LCD is primary data entry mechanism Two “hard” buttons Internal Li-Ion or Li-Polymer battery included. Indicators: an LED indicator visible from the side of the unit will illuminate when charging or have missing incoming call 850/1800/1900 and 900/1800/1900 MHz bands must be supported Bluetooth (CSR BC4 or later solutions) Weight: ~133 grams with battery. 4-in-1 laser pen 512MB microSD Card (SanDisk/Transcend) 1x USB cable Standard A to mini-B connector 120.7 x 62.0 x 18.5 mm (4.752 x 2.441 x 0.728 inch) Four-ring 2.5mm stereo jack Stay tuned to AndroidGuys for more on this as it develops! This could be disruptive to the industry if executed properly. OpenMoko could offer a device at a much lower price than other, bigger brands and try to grab market share. On, the other hand they have their work cut out for them. Ask your buddy if they’ve ever heard of OpenMoko, or even Android for that matter.

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