The W.E. Phone -- OpenMoko-based Android device?

We're not too sure what to make of Koolu's Works Everywhere (W.E.) phone, but if the company actually manages to deliver on its spec sheet, we'll be duly impressed. It looks like the W.E. will run Android on top of a newer rev of OpenMoko's Neo1973 / FreeRunner hardware, with a VGA screen, 400Mhz processor, tri-band cell radio, WiFi, 256MB of flash, GPS, and MicroSD expansion, but we're not buying it when the company promises compatibility with 700MHz networks in the future -- Verizon hasn't really said what system it's going to deploy on its new spectrum. What's more, the website says the W.E. Phone will only be made available to Google Apps customers through wireless ISPs in the summer of 2008 -- totally fishy. Considering the day, we called and confirmed that it's real, but we'll wait for some more details before we give in to that sweet Debian tartan weave.

[Thanks, Stephen]

[holycow @ Apr 1st 2008 4:07PM]

W.E Phone = WhatEver Phone

[danny @ Apr 1st 2008 6:00PM]

That doesn't sound like a "Whatever" phone. Android, check. GPS, check. Multiple networks, check.

I guess the VGA aspect kinda blows. ;)

-D
http://www.androidboards.com

[holycow @ Apr 1st 2008 6:10PM]

for me it is kind off Whatever as it's quite ugly imho..

[Aguiluz @ Apr 1st 2008 4:13PM]

Yes it works everywhere*







*May not work on 700Mhz networks

[Jeremy S @ Apr 1st 2008 4:14PM]

Android looks so cool.

[Eric M. @ Apr 1st 2008 4:16PM]

"FreeRunner hardware" - Yeah they are free to run with your cash after you realize that it doesn't work. Next thing you know the price tag will only be $50.

[phanbouy @ Apr 1st 2008 4:17PM]

now made out of Rodney Dangerfield's pants!

[World's Most Beautiful @ Apr 1st 2008 4:17PM]

I don't know about the phone - but that design is simply irresistible.

Would really like to meet the designer and discover how the origin of that idea.

How creative and unique!

[Ubuntu 7.10 WindowsXP @ Apr 1st 2008 4:18PM]

I am just going to get the FreeRunner with OpenMoko on it when it is goes on sale. On that note, this is what you get when everything is completely open source, so I welcome Google as FOSS family....sorta.

[ethana2 @ Apr 1st 2008 5:47PM]

You're the guy that's supposed to ask if it can dual boot windows mobile ^_^

[Ubuntu 7.10 WindowsXP @ Apr 2nd 2008 4:13PM]

Well I don't need to ask, I already know it can. The FreeRunner can be bought with a Developers kit which is everything you need to reprogram it. If Windows Mobile 6.1 is what you want, then by all means go for it.

Warning: Microsoft hates you and will steal you money whenever possible. I can not be held responsible for Microsoft selling you sub par crap at twice the price and then thinking you should thank them for it.

[Todd @ Apr 1st 2008 4:18PM]

The Rick Roll of phones - Pre pay $399.99, claims to work on a frequency spectrum that has not been defined, published koolu specs do not match OpenMoko specs, atrocious photoshopping.

[Christ-ian @ Apr 1st 2008 4:18PM]

This the the T-Mobile homepage, right?

[Craig @ Apr 1st 2008 4:37PM]

Wait...you actually CALLED them?

I don't know...if you guys start acting like an actual news reporting site, I may not be able to trust you any more.

[Zorque @ Apr 1st 2008 4:45PM]

April... fools?

[PhilxBefore @ Apr 1st 2008 4:50PM]

Brought to you by the makers of Burberry.

[robotrock @ Apr 1st 2008 5:42PM]

Moco means booger :o

[PhilxBefore @ Apr 2nd 2008 12:47PM]

Haven't seen many other Spanish speakers on this site but yes, I bet this phone will not go over well in Spanish speaking markets.

Mocos locos mi amigo.

[Nilay Patel @ Apr 2nd 2008 12:53PM]

That's why we have Engadget Spanish! es.engadget.com

[ethana2 @ Apr 1st 2008 5:54PM]

"that sweet Debian"

...engadget, I didn't know you had it in you.

[murray @ Apr 1st 2008 5:57PM]

Works in Scotland.

[erislover @ Apr 1st 2008 6:11PM]

FTA: 400Mhz processor, ... 256MB of flash, ...

But all the Vista fanboys tell me this is outdated hardware. Clearly this product cannot exist.

[kyle @ Apr 30th 2008 10:38PM]

...
end your life

[txdude @ Apr 2nd 2008 12:11AM]

how do I buy?

[HuwSy @ Apr 2nd 2008 1:34AM]

surely as long as the radio can physically send and receive on 700mhz then it should be compatible with the new system as the rest is software on some level.