Moblin 2.0 beta impressively demoed on video

We'll admit, we were pretty skeptical that Moblin would ever amount to much after seeing the 1.0 build, but it looks like the elves at Intel have been plenty busy: the 2.0 beta is now available, and it's looking pretty sharp. Unlike the first build's more traditional Linux interface, 2.0 drops you into an attractive unified application shell reminiscent of HP's MIE that also allows you to run regular Linux apps. Apps are grouped into "zones," which function like virtual desktops, and switching between zones is handled by a taskbar-like interface. Of course, even Intel isn't immune to sticking widgets all over everything, and the main screen (called the m_zone) has plenty of 'em, from calendars to Twitter to browser history thumbnails. All in all, it's really slick stuff -- check a quick video after the break.

[Via Hylke's Home; thanks Joey-Elijah]

Read - Ars Technica hands-on
Read - Moblin.org

[(Unverified) Posted May 20th 2009 2:50PM]

Linux is the best.

[NeoDarkSaver Posted May 20th 2009 2:54PM]

so this is for touch screen only? it seems like i have to click a lot a lot a lot more than usual...

[ddhboy Posted May 20th 2009 3:05PM]

No, its supposed to be for atom processor netbooks/MIDs only. If you get an MID that has a touch screen you could load linux onto, then it'll work provided it has an atom processor.

[puelocesar Posted May 20th 2009 3:39PM]

Dammit! I love it but I can't run on my EeePC 701, it doesn't work with Celerons! Very nice, a netbook OS that I can't use on my netbook!

[EpsilonNot Posted May 20th 2009 9:21PM]

I thought the same thing, I'd love to try this out on my Eee 2G Surf...

[drkmstr6 Posted May 20th 2009 3:42PM]

lol

[Stanely Posted May 20th 2009 3:54PM]

All the intriguing and innovative operating system development these days appears to be taking place on mobile platforms. Environments like Moblin, webOS, Android, and iPhone OS reveal refreshingly new ways of thinking about data management and modern communication.

[MarcusMaximus Posted May 20th 2009 4:45PM]

What's even more amazing to me is that 3 out of the 4 OS's you mentioned are linux based and open source. Times, they be a changin'.

[vs8 Posted May 20th 2009 4:05PM]

I wish Intel the best! I was very skeptical about Moblin, but this sure looks perfect for a netbook.

[X3HaloEd Posted May 20th 2009 4:47PM]

Wow. That was a VERY gay advertisement. The OS doesn't look bad for netbooks, although I still think I would stick with Ubuntu for the forseeable future.

[(Unverified) Posted May 20th 2009 8:02PM]

Does anyone else find the fact that the .img file is 666mb frightening? Inthell?

[(Unverified) Posted May 21st 2009 2:34AM]

Although this looks like a very pretty, and easy to use layout, it seems to greatly hinder the power of the OS, and the person using the OS by over simplifying everything, making it too easy makes people lazy, lazy+computers is bad for the entire technology, in my own opinion.

[(Unverified) Posted May 21st 2009 11:05AM]

Got it to boot on my dell tower. UI was a little slow, but everything seemed to work. I may actually consider a netbook a viable option now.

[phearme Posted May 27th 2009 8:22AM]

is there a virtual keyboard available ? I am asking this because I am sure this would be ideal for eee top with touchscreen...