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In an effort to be a truly open source cell phone maker, Openmoko will release the schematics for both it’s newly announced Neo FreeRunner and 1973 phones.  Previously, the CAD files were available for both phones under a Creative Commons license.  So now, in a addition to programmers being able to create open source apps for the Linux-based phone, engineers will be able to add external devices to the phones.

The specs on the Neo FreeRunner are fairly impressive for an open source phone as well.  With 2 3-axis motion sensors, bluetooth 2.0, 2D/3D graphics acceleration, and a 2.8” touch screen.  It can connect to the internet with WiFi and GPRS (2.5G) and track location with GPS.

Apps listed in the Openmoko.org wiki include a sketchbook, IM client, music/media players and even a guitar tuner.

The Neo FreeRunner runs on GSM networks, which makes it usable on T-Mobile and AT&T networks.

Read [Electronista]

• OpenMoko FreeRunner coming in early July
• OpenMoko FreeRunner available for order July 4
• OpenMoko gets anxious, offers FreeRunner a day early

According to some chatter on the openmokolists, it looks like the OpenMoko FreeRunner will be available for purchase in early July, and possibly as early as July 1.

Based on the message, which comes from Steve who is the VP of marketing, the phones have been assembled and are due to begin shipping today. OpenMoko estimates that they phones should arrive in the US and clear customs by July 1. After which they should hopefully begin arriving in actual buyers hands within a week or so.

The OpenMoko FreeRunner is the follow up to the Neo1973 and will feature a 400 MHz Samsung CPU, 264MB ROM, 128MB RAM, Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi (802.11n), a microSD card and a three-axis accelerometer. The FreeRunner is expected to retail for $399.

Read [OpenMoko] Via [Engadget]

• Openmoko to release phone schematics
• OpenMoko FreeRunner available for order July 4
• OpenMoko gets anxious, offers FreeRunner a day early

It looks like we will be seeing the OpenMoko Neo Freerunner hitting the open market sooner that later. Some recent, albeit still not complete information has just begun to be released from OpenMoko. We are still waiting to see a release date announced, which we can only hope will be soon. However, the good news is that we now know the phone itself will retail for either $399 if purchased individually or $3,690 for a ten pack, and OpenMoko is thinking about “throwing in a few free things” for those “early customers” but of course those details are still to come at a later time.

Via [OpenMoko] Image [zumo.com.br]

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