In the middle of 2007, OpenMoko made a splash by unveiling developer kits for its Neo 1973 mobile phone. The Linux-based Neo mobile phone platform is based on free and open source technologies, and shipped with the Linux kernel, the X window system, the GNU C library, the GTK+ toolkit and an OpenMoko GUI framework. Although the mobile platform world has seen a few significant developments in the meantime—like Google Android and open network pronouncments from Verizon and (sort of) AT&T, OpenMoko hasn’t been sitting still either: today, OpenMoko announced it has set itself up as its own company, separate from motherboard maker FIC, and revealed the Internet-connected Dash Express GPS unit runs OpenMoko’s Neo platform.
Launching as a separate company, OpenMoko is able to establish a separate cost center and operations from FIC, and is bringing on top-level execs, including Creative Lab’s Steven Mosher to handle marketing, Dataviz’s Wolfgang Spraul to as VP of engineering, and Enlightenment creator Carsten Haitzler as Lead Graphics Architect.
“By making OpenMoko a company in its own right, we are giving what started as a highly important project the status and budget to break new ground by making open source a viable business for software as well as hardware developers,” said FIC president Charlene Chen, in a statement.
OpenMoko also announced that the Dash Express is based on the OpenMoko GTA0X reference design, featuring applications developed by Dash using the OpenMoko kernel and bootloader. OpenMoko and FIC Mobility designed the Dash Express’s GPS hardware to Dash’s specs, and the device will be manufactured by FIC Mobility.
“Dash’s support of open standards allows consumers to get the content they want into their cars,” said Rob Currie, Dash Navigation’s president and CEO. “OpenMoko and FIC are technology leaders that have been great partners for us, and they continue to be important contributors to the development of diverse and accessible consumer mobile applications.”
