14 DAY TRIAL // Taiwanese hardware manufacturer FIC brings NEO1973, a new and innovative product, based on the open-source Linux software platform.
The newly developed platform is called OpenMoko, and it was created especially for "wanna be" or experienced programmers. What does it mean? Until now, only the service providers and the manufacturers were able to control what the phone did and how it interacted with the hardware for its interface, microphone and screen. From now on, anyone can do that, thanks to this innovative product from FIC. Users able to write an application compatible with OpenMoko software platform, can share it freely along with the other NEO1973 users.
As Sean Moss-Pultz, architect of OpenMoko and Product Manager of FIC's Mobile Communication Business Unit said: "For the first time, the mobile ecosystem will be as open as the PC, and mobile applications equally as diverse and more easily accessible."
OpenMoko includes phonebook, media player, dialer, unified SyncML-enabled email/text messaging client. Featuring a unique look, the smartphone has a ultra-high 2.8 inch LCD touchscreen display that supports a VGA 640 x 480 pixels resolution, 128 MB of RAM, 64 MB of Flash, plus MicroSD slot card for memory expansion. Moreover, the quadband device includes Bluetooth connectivity and an A-GPS system that can create wonderful maps in high resolution. The FIC Neo1973 connects and charges through USB when synced with a PC.
The smartphone will be available starting September 2007 through AT&T network operator for about $350.