FIC Neo1973 Smartphone |
The Neo1973 from FIC is the first mobile phone available to consumers which will run on the open-source Linux based OpenMoko software platform. This new platform means that for the first time anyone, not just the manufacturer and service provider, can control what the phone does and how it interacts with the hardware for its interface, microphone and screen.
The idea is that any Joe-Programmer will be able to write a unique application to run on the OpenMoko platform and then make it available for any users to download onto their own Neo1973 or any other device in the future that runs on OpenMoko through an easy-to-use interface.
The FIC Neo1973 can connect to a PC via USB which also charges the device, and the device supports Quad-band, GSM/GPRS and Bluetooth. A SIM card from AT&T or T-Mobile will get you mobile service and $350 will get you the phone. Developer models are currently available to start spec-ing out your own apps, and “consumer-targeted” versions should be available for sale in September of this year exclusively at OpenMoko.org.
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This is great! I think one of the problems with the cell phone market right now is that when you move from one phone to another you can’t take your paid for apps with you. That’s annoying. As a developer you have to develop your app for all of the many different OSes out there. While this won’t fix it right off. After the openmoko os pickup momentum developers will be able to code for openmoko only and chose to support the other oses if they want. Looking forward to a cool new phone with the world of possibulities opened up.
Has anyone used a Neo1973 with Verizon’s service yet, or will that not be possible? I’m stuck with them for the next few months, but this phone looks amazing!
Verizon does not use GSM. So nope you won’t be able to use the Neo1973.
Apparently swapping out hardware to make it CDMA compatible isn’t that hard. So future versions would let you use the Neo with Verizon.