Pyxis OS demo video sports high production values despite DIY Arduino hardware

We're absolutely loving what all the cool kids are doing with Arduino hardware -- the robots, the instruments, the fashion -- but when it comes to getting stuff done, well, let's just say we're not giving up our smartphones yet. A new project from Skewworks could change that, an Ardiuno-based operating system called Pyxis. It provides a UI for launching applications, easy access to microSD storage, and graphics routines that make creation of apps and games much more simple. If you want to code in anything other than assembly you'll need to pay up for the professional edition of Pyxis Studio, but we're thinking you can scrounge up the $10 to make that happen. There's a quality video demonstration after the break, but we'd recommend turning down those speakers before clicking through -- unless you're really ready to rock out.

[jonny6pak Posted Feb 2nd 2010 9:54AM]

I wonder how the Pyxis corporation will feel about this name usage.

[Toratohora Posted Feb 2nd 2010 10:05AM]

$10? No trial period?
Consider other platforms giving it for free, this sure is a bold move.

[thom holtquist Posted Feb 4th 2010 12:18PM]

@Toratohora a free trial version of Pyxis Studio will be available within the next few days.

[blland Posted Feb 2nd 2010 10:10AM]

bars to application development?
you're going to die, pyxis.

[HypnoticSilence Posted Feb 2nd 2010 10:13AM]

Damn impressive, though I smell possible lawsuit with the name.

[thom holtquist Posted Feb 4th 2010 12:21PM]

@HypnoticSilence & @jonny6pak: While the possibility of a disagreement over the name is possible I'd take the following into consideration: CareFusion has a product named Pyxis, there is also a company named PyxisTech, Pyxis OS is a unique name (owing to the OS) and is unrelated in type of product to either company so the chance of confusion is low and the threat of legal action unlikely. I'd reference the case of SPARK vs Sparkfun.

[peetuhr Posted Feb 2nd 2010 10:13AM]

am I the only one who thinks the hardware looks bad aaaaaassssssssss.

[MClassPlanet Posted Feb 2nd 2010 10:56AM]

It's always great to see people developing alternative operating systems and the video demo looks impressive, although it is relatively easy to draw those shapes using low level commands that are provided by many modern graphic display controllers.

[scotttherobot Posted Feb 2nd 2010 11:18AM]

I love the Windows NT icons.

[thom holtquist Posted Feb 4th 2010 12:24PM]

Thanks for the great feedback everyone! The coverage Pyxis OS has gotten over the past few days has been way more than expected and I'm working hard to fulfill everyone's requests. New documentation is already starting to go up on the site, free trials will be available soon, and you can get Pyxis OS preloaded on a MegaPalm from Liquidware.com.

[Hazdaz Posted Feb 4th 2010 1:01PM]

I am very intrigued by this device... anyone have more info that they can post up about it.

[thom holtquist Posted Feb 4th 2010 1:49PM]

@Hazdaz What specifically would you like to know?