It looks like OpenMoko is going to reach its natural destination and join the Android platform. AndroidGuys has a tip that details the OpenMoko device for Android. Supposedly, it’s slated for a November release. Yeah, you read that right…NOVEMBER. Here are the rumored specs:
- 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
Taking a look at the specs it looks like a fairly solid device. We’re actually surprised with the lack of a QWERTY keyboard considering Android doesn’t have a soft virtual keyboard quite yet. Also, a 2.5mm stereo jack? Are we ever going to sniff 3.5mm?
Is this big news? Well, it depends on who you ask. OpenMoko was always expected to join the Android party but no one expected it to be this soon. The problem with OpenMoko is that the average consumer just doesn’t know what it is, let alone what it stands for. It’s cool that you can rig the OS and software stack but how is that better for Jane Doe who sees a G1 for $148.88 at Wal-Mart? Let’s be honest, it’s mostly tech savvy folks who love the OpenMoko initiative and truthfully, not everyone is like that .
The impact that OpenMoko will have depends on if and how other phone makers react to it. Do we support OpenMoko on Android? Undoubtedly. But do we expect it to be a sweeping success? We’re not crossing our fingers.
[AndroidGuys]