Archive for June 25th, 2008

Ubuntu Mobile Internet Device (MID) Edition


An ultra-portable version of Ubuntu is one step closer to fruition today with the release of a full developmental release of an Ubuntu Mobile Internet Device (MID) edition.

According to a post yesterday on the Canonical Blog, Ubuntu MID “has been built by the Ubuntu Mobile and Embedded community that is sponsored by Canonical and in co-operation with Intel Moblin.org community…” and is based upon the highly successful desktop version.

In the product description, Canonical indicates this release is “redefining what can be done in mobile computing” with supported functionality including “Web browsing, email, media, camera, VoIP, instant messaging, GPS, blogging, digital TV, games, contacts, dates/calendar, simple software updates… and lots more.”

Given its beginnings in the Ubuntu Desktop framework and importantly within the FOSS community, the offering is going to be highly customisable, with the Canonical Blog indicating:

“Developers may want to hack their favorite application from Ubuntu Desktop Edition onto Ubuntu MID to match screen size and touchscreen requirements so that they and other owners can use it. Developers are encouraged to share and have their work reviewed within the UM&E and Moblin.org communities.”

Given its early status not much information is currently available on the realities of the project, however the Ubuntu wiki indicates the Preliminary Roadmap for the project includes:

  • A focus on “mobile devices which tend to have a touch screen, generous amounts of flash storage and RAM, and wireless Internet connectivity.”
  • Use of “existing open source applications where it is feasible to do so, packaging them for Ubuntu where necessary. We will fill in some of the gaps by developing new applications if nothing suitable exists.”
  • Development of a suitable kernel build by the Ubuntu kernel team, with additional drivers incorporated “where necessary”

The Canonical blog post indicates there “are two installable images, and one runnable KVM image”, adding the easiest way to familiarise yourself with Ubuntu MID is via the KVM image.

I’m downloading the KVM image as we speak and will report back on anything interesting.  In the meantime I recommend visiting the following links for more information.

References:

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008

computers, open source No Comments