Open Source -- Engadget

open-source posts

Neuros ships HD-capable OSD 2.0 set-top-box

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 17th 2008 at 8:29AM

Was it really 2006 when Linux lovers were sinking their gums into Neuros Technology's OSD? Two years later, we're finally seeing shipment of the OSD 2.0, which diverts quite significantly from the original in terms of design and ups the ante by adding support for encoding high-definition video at 720p in MPEG-4 and D1 resolution in the H.264 format. It's built around a Texas Instruments Davinci-based CPU module and a mini-ITX motherboard / enclosure, but rather than just being a very hackable consumer product, this one is described as a "super-reference design" by CEO Joe Born. You'll likely remember the WhereverTV, which is of course based on the OSD 2.0, and the firm has already landed another partner for the box in Hupla. For the individuals who just want an undisturbed unit, you can latch on now for $250.

Lenovo stops selling Linux-based PCs via the web

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 13th 2008 at 8:24PM

While Dell seems to be madly and passionately in love with Linux, rival Lenovo is breaking things off... or at least refusing to take things any further via IM. Reportedly, the computer maker has decided it best to stop offering Linux-based machines via its online sales portal, though open-source fanatics can still snap up Linux-infused rigs through Lenovo's own or partner direct sales teams. Ray Gorman, a spokesman for the company, noted that its "commitment to Linux has not changed," and he continued on to say that "what has changed is that customers will no longer be able to order Lenovo ThinkPads and ThinkCentres with pre-installed Linux via the lenovo.com website." Truthfully, there's no bitterness with Linux here -- online sales figures simply didn't justify keeping 'em on there. And you know, money talks.

[Via The Inquirer]

Pandora finally (finally!) gets a ship date and price

by Darren Murph, posted Sep 2nd 2008 at 1:44AM

Be still our hearts! After months upon months (upon months) of waiting, the tight-knit team behind the ultra-potent Pandora gaming handheld has finally divulged the information we've been clamoring for: the ARM Cortex A8-powered device will begin shipping before Christmas 2008 for £199.99 in the UK. The first batch will consist of 3,000 units, and the team is hoping that all of those will be sold out before the first one leaves the dock. There's no word on how costly it'll be for Americans, though we're crossing our fingers that it'll sell for a few bucks less than the $360 we find when simply converting pounds to dollars.

[Thanks, Andri]

El Tunes gives Linux users iTMS playback capabilities

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 26th 2008 at 4:51AM

It has been a solid tick since we've seen a good FairPlay hack, so it's with great pleasure that we pass along El Tunes for Ubuntu 8.04 users everywhere. Tested to work on Hardy Heron using RhythmBox (but assumed to work on any modern Linux Distro with GStreamer and a media player that utilizes GStreamer), said plug-in enables open-source aficionados to play songs purchased from the iTunes Music Store. As for limitations, the current version has no Pause / Seek support and cannot de-authorize a machine for playback, but a future version should hopefully cure those two quirks and add support for purchased video content and audio streaming to an AirTunes device. Give it a shot and let us know how it treats ya.

Dell shows its love for Linux, rolls Ubuntu 8.04 out to systems

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 18th 2008 at 3:08PM

Aw, aren't these two just as cute as a button together? We can almost see Dell gushing at the thought of rolling Ubuntu out in a pair of new machines early next month. Nah, we didn't just fabricate that -- the Ubuntu 8.04-powered XPS M1530N and Studio 15N should be available in a matter of weeks, and in the meantime, you open source aficionados can enjoy Hardy Heron as a pre-installed option on the XPS M1330N, Inspiron 1525N and Inspiron 530N. Hit the read link for purchase options in your country.

[Via TG Daily]

Android Installer simplifies installation on Nokia N810

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 9th 2008 at 8:30AM

Heads-up, hardy hackers. Those of you too timid to put Android on your N810 the hard way now owe somebody a (big) hug, as the Android Installer makes installation a lesson in simplicity. We won't bother rehashing the play-by-play in this space, but suffice to say all the hand-holding you need is just one click away. Just be aware that this method was only tested in Diablo, so you're on your own if starting in anything else.

[Via Pocketables]

Netgear's WGR614L Wireless-G router openly plays nice with Tomato / DD-WRT

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 30th 2008 at 5:54PM

Although Linux-based Tomato and DD-WRT firmwares work with a plethora of routers, Netgear is getting savvy with its marketing by actually aiming its WGR614L at tweakers who just melt upon hearing either term. The so-called open source Wireless-G router features a 240MHz MIPS32 CPU, 4MB of flash memory, 16MB of RAM, an external 2 dBi antenna and a second internal diversity antenna to enhance range. Additionally, the unit will "soon" support OpenWRT, and there's also four 10/100 Ethernet ports in case you're looking for a bit of wired action as well. Potentially best of all, the WGR614L is available as we speak for a very manageable $69.

Canonical makes Ubuntu Netbook Remix official at Computex

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 3rd 2008 at 11:00AM

Not like we weren't totally expecting this or anything, but Canonical has chosen Computex as the expo where it will officially showcase Ubuntu Netbook Remix. Hailed as a "reworked desktop image of Ubuntu built specifically for a new category of portable internet-centric devices," the operating system will probably not be too foreign for those familiar with the standard Ubuntu Desktop Edition. We are told that this flavor will feature a launcher that enables users to "get online more quickly and have faster access to their favorite applications," and that it "leverages Moblin technologies optimized for the Intel Atom processor." Unfortunately, devices pre-loaded with UNR aren't apt to ship until "later in 2008," though OEMs interested in getting in while there is still room on the bandwagon are encouraged to hit up Canonical. Full release waiting after the jump.

Gallery: Canonical makes Ubuntu Netbook Remix official at Computex

Continue reading Canonical makes Ubuntu Netbook Remix official at Computex

Canonical CEO says Ubuntu Netbook Remix build coming in June

by Darren Murph, posted May 25th 2008 at 1:30PM

You never really know what all will emerge from a simple interview, and thanks to a recent sit-down with Canonical chief executive Mark Shuttleworth, we now know that a build of Ubuntu tailored for ultraportables (or subnotes, as it were) is just around the bend. According to Mr. Shuttleworth, the aforesaid software will be announced "in the first week of June," and it'll be called the Netbook Remix. He also noted that the outfit is currently "working with Intel, which produces chips custom-made for this sector." Sadly, it seems we'll have to wait a week or so before finding out more, but those interested in reading the interview in full can certainly give the read link a visit.

[Image courtesy of TurboGadgets, thanks KC Kim]

Open-source OGD1 graphics card up for pre-order

by Darren Murph, posted May 21st 2008 at 10:36PM

Heads-up, open-source gurus -- your next play toy is officially ready to be pre-ordered. The OGD1 is a self-proclaimed "high-end FPGA prototyping kit and hardware engineering platform, equipped with the peripherals needed to develop and test computer graphics architectures." Essentially, it's designed to be used by students of FPGA programming, engineers hunting down a dev platform or hobbyists who just can't stop hacking stuff up. The board itself features twin dual-link DVI outputs, 256MB of RAM, PCI / PCI-X compatibility, a passive cooling system and a 128-bit memory bus. Of course, such a niche product doesn't come without a premium, so don't yell too loudly when reading that this one will cost you $1,500 to take home. Heck, it's only $1,400 if you're one of the first hundred to commit.

[Via Hack-A-Day]

Concordance enables Logitech Harmony programming in Linux

by Darren Murph, posted May 5th 2008 at 10:01AM

As a whole, it's hard to kvetch too much about Logitech's Harmony line of universal remotes, but as a devout hacker once told us, there's always room for improvement. Phil Dibowitz has been pursuing this project for months, and it looks as if a final release is at long last ready for mass distribution. Put simply, Concordance enables the Harmony family to be programmed in UNIX (which Logitech's software doesn't support) as well as in Windows and Linux. Furthermore, Phil states that the goal is to be "cross-platform," so Mac users should keep an eye out for future updates. Currently, the software supports every model save for the 890 and 1000, though both will hopefully be added in soon. Go on, give the read link a tap and get started -- just don't come crying to us if your "Watch TiVo" command starts opening the boss' garage door.

[Via Hack-A-Day]

Eyebeam demonstrating Cubit DIY multitouch table

by Darren Murph, posted May 5th 2008 at 7:21AM

DIY multitouch surfaces may be relatively new to the do-it-yourself library, but we have a feeling they won't be fading anytime soon. Engineering and design firm Eyebeam has spent the weekend demonstrating a kit (Cubit) that enables folks to build their own multitouch tables, and all individuals will need to provide in order to enjoy their very own is an "inexpensive" video camera and projector, among other small pieces of hardware. Unfortunately, details beyond that are pretty scant, but we'd count on hearing a lot more in the coming days now that it has stolen the limelight at Maker Faire.

[Thanks, Duke]

Ubuntu Hardy Heron 8.04 available for download

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 24th 2008 at 8:46AM

Don't act like you didn't have April 24th circled in your day planner -- heck, you probably stayed up all night hoping Hardy Heron 8.04 would be launched as the 24th dawned in Australia. Regardless of your level of fanaticism towards the OS, the latest flavor of Ubuntu is finally ready for mass consumption. You know what's waiting for your torrent manager right down there, so why on Earth are you still reading rather than downloading? Get!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in, image courtesy of doninside]

Ubuntu Mobile and Moblin get investigated

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 9th 2008 at 6:49AM

Still confused about the whole MID thing? Fret not, as you're certainly not alone in nodding your head furiously up and down. About the recent Bossaconference 08, one particular fellow managed to get some quality face time with Ubuntu Mobile and Moblin and break things down in bulleted fashion. Put simply, the former is a handheld (read: not phone / desktop) Linux OS that's optimized for touching and meant to be seen on 4- to 7-inch displays. As for the latter, it's merely a "project site for embedded Linux development," not an operating system in and of itself. Think you're ready to get schooled further? Tap the read link and dust off that Trapper Keeper.

[Via jkOnTheRun]

LiMo Platform Release 1 gets loosed, R2 to come later this year

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 31st 2008 at 3:14PM

Don't look now, but mid-2008 is almost here, and for those waiting intently for the release of a LiMo SDK, you're one step closer to having your dreams realized. Announced today, the LiMo Foundation has made available what it calls the "first globally competitive, Linux-based software platform for mobile devices." According to Morgan Gillis, executive director of LiMo Foundation, the consortium is hoping that R1 will "spur rapid innovation and contributions from all LiMo members," and it's restated that software development kits for Native, WebKit and Java operating environments are set to launch during the second half of this year. Not one to sit idly, the entity has also announced that Release 2 is currently "being specified and developed," and should escape testing and greet the real world in late 2008.

[Via PhoneScoop]