Chumby gets big firmware update, general public now invited to buy

Following a so-called "insider's release" last year that targeted early adopters with beta software running on final-spec hardware, Chumby has finally completed and rolled out a somewhat massive firmware update for the plush lil' buggers that adds significant functionality -- significant enough, in fact, that they're now being sold disclaimer-free to all comers. Besides a long, what's-what list of bug fixes, the real draw in the new firmware is fairly comprehensive support for a variety of internet radio services, a feature that previous builds technically supported but had no user interface for (they are Linux-based, after all, and totally hackable). So yeah, if a cute touchscreen with an open-source platform, Flash player, and integrated speakers is just what the doctor ordered, you can pick one up now without the worry of pre-release software getting in your way for $179.95 in black, white, or "latte."

[Thanks, Kurt]

[Aguiluz @ Feb 15th 2008 11:48PM]

Nice to have as an alarm clock, but might end up as a big splat on the floor when I try to silence it. Pretty good thing though.

[Ant @ Feb 15th 2008 11:53PM]

if it was 100 i might be more interested.

[John @ Feb 16th 2008 12:05AM]

Probably the coolest thing that I have no idea what to do with

[iofthestorm @ Feb 16th 2008 1:37AM]

My sentiments exactly.

[Ian Brennan @ Feb 16th 2008 12:07AM]

i want one

[Joe @ Feb 16th 2008 12:33AM]

WOW, i never heard of this before today, but it seems like a cool idea. And...since the wootoff didnt go as i expected, I am considering dropping the $180 on this...damn you BoC!

[EasySt @ Feb 16th 2008 12:34AM]

I've got one, and it's great!

For $179 it's a powerful linux based, touch screen, motion sensing, squeeze sensing, WiFi enabled, always on, microphone - speakers - headset jack - USB Ports equipped, open source - open schematic - hackable computer, with lots and lots of entertaining, useful and fun widgets to play with and share (All Free, and many user community created).

It plays video and music, shows pictures, runs shockwave files and games, works with RSS feeds and much, much more. (And it makes a nice alarm clock, too...)

[midiwall @ Feb 16th 2008 12:42PM]

Ditto... I've had two since September. I love 'em!

[Broo @ Feb 16th 2008 12:50AM]

i picked up a Chumby a few months ago as I was in the market for an alarm clock that can play MP3s (so I can wake to something I would like to hear) and a digital picture frame; this did both in one and had some extra features. although it is only about a 3.5" display, it is pretty cool as it will catch my Flickr updates...

[Eric B. @ Feb 16th 2008 12:57AM]

Ive had one of these for a few months now and I highly recommend to anyone who has an internet addiction at work. I have all of my favorite blogs set up on it so I dont have to open a browser every few minutes. I also have my home webcam set up on it to keep an eye on my dogs. It really is a neat device. I dont use the touchscreen or motion controls but its definitely a cool device and well worth the money. I cant wait to get to work to update the firmware on Monday.

[d6 @ Feb 16th 2008 1:28AM]

Too bad they won't ship outside the states - as usual ebay vultures win: http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=chumby&category0=

[matt @ Feb 16th 2008 1:34AM]

is it just me or does this thing remind anyone else of the audrey but mini and open source?

[Russ @ Feb 16th 2008 3:12AM]

Considering the cheapest internet radio I can find on Amazon is $177.30 I'd say this is pretty well priced!
http://www.amazon.com/Asus-90ER01WUSDD00-Internet-Radio-Finish/dp/B000Y9TRFQ/

Although I wouldn't be disappointed if it got cheaper! :)

[Coitus @ Feb 16th 2008 4:00AM]

I was excited when I first heard of the project, but when I got the buy-early option the price was equal to Nokia's N800. If it was cheaper or at least had a higher resolution/screen..

[Russ @ Feb 16th 2008 4:07AM]

Attention Chinese knockoff factories: These things have 'open hardware'!!

Please start manufacturing Zhumbies/Brumbies/Chubbies!

[Galley @ Feb 16th 2008 6:48AM]

I've already got a chubby, but the police have warned me that I shouldn't be whipping it out when I want to check the weather.

[!!! @ Feb 16th 2008 4:12AM]

Yeah...Eddie Vedder is sooooo indie, he got all the bloggers swooning.

:vomit:

[telepheedian @ Feb 16th 2008 12:29PM]

The only question that remains is if they left the advertising in, aka the "undeletable channels".

[midiwall @ Feb 16th 2008 12:43PM]

I've never seen an ad on either of mine, but a buddy gets them on his. The ads aren't a real pain, they're a Flash movie that won't do anything unless you touch the screen. They'll sit for a bit and then move on.

[ruindpzzle @ Feb 18th 2008 1:53PM]

I wanted one 'til I found out it can't run without being plugged in, no batteries. When it gets "portable" I'll buy it.

[Bob @ Feb 27th 2008 11:16AM]

This is a total knockoff on the Audrey that 3com produced a few years ago. (search ebay to see one)
The original idea was good as an alarm clock with a lot of extras. Now its trying to be the everything device. Makers should just stick with their original intention - make the alarm clock features priority one and the internet crap second. BUILD A BETTER ALARM CLOCK so we can all replace our crappy led ones that sit on our nightstands.

[badbob001 @ Mar 15th 2008 4:13PM]

All the stations I listen to are in wma streaming (mms) format, so this is useless to me.