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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]

OpenMoko has released some details for the follow up to the sweet looking, and well spec’d Neo1973. We first heard some rumblings of a follow up device back in mid-February and it seems that OpenMoko has begun showing it off. Being called the Freerunner, its slightly disappointing to look at, sporting a very similar style as the current Neo1973 (as shown above), but the specs should not be as disappointing.

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OpenMoko, the makers of the Neo 1973 Linux-based open source smartphone is currently taking a new strategy in cell phone design. Now offering a build your own case option. Using the philosophy of, “If you can’t open it, you don’t own it.” they have been very into using open and unlocked software and this new case design option is taking this to a new level.

The catch here, which is really a nice idea is that your creations have to be shared back with the community. OpenMoko is releasing the CAD files under a ShareAlike Creative Commons license.

Read [OpenMoko] Via [Gizmodo]

The Chumby is now available for purchase. For those unfamiliar with this cool little gadget, the Chumby is a small open-source Linux-based device that features a 3.5-inch LCD screen, has two USB 2.0 ports, 64MB of SDRAM, and accelerometer, built-in speakers, Wi-Fi and is powered by a 350 Mhz ARM processor.

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OpenMoko is expected to be adding another handset to their current lineup. The new version of the Neo is expected to be available around March or April 2008. Details on the new release are still light, but will most likely make a nice addition to the current Neo1973 handset. OpenMoko also plan to begin working with device vendors in an effort to increase their production, they have already began to work with Dash on the new Dash Express navigation device.

Read [DigiTimes] Via [CrunchGear]

Until OpenMoko stepped up, the wireless industry had been a completely closed platform.  Sean Moss-Pultz of OpenMoko describes how his company’s new open source phone, the FIC Neo1973, will change the industry.  The FIC Neo1973 has a 2.8 inch touchscreen display, 128MB RAM, 64MB flash memory (which is tiny for nowadays), and a microSD slot.  No information on pricing or availability, but still a video worth checking out.

Video [YouTube] Via [TechEBlog]

Microsoft and Novell had signed a deal the other day with a promise not to sue clients of either party, even if the Linux software from both signatories violate patents of the other company. Pretty sleek arrangement the way I see it. 

The agreement with Novell is referring to some of the Linux technology that Microsoft claimed it has patents right to, even though the details of which patents involved were not disclosed.

I am not sure what to call of this kind of agreement, but Microsoft agreed to pay Novell $348 million, while Novell pays Microsoft $40 million, on the basis that Novell has fewer customers. 

The supporters of Linux are said to be preparing a challenge to the deal, but the details of the counter measure are still not available.

The prospect of a drawn-out legal battle with Microsoft, an experienced litigator, could push users of Linux into the hands of Novell (Nasdaq:NOVL - news) and away from dominant Linux provider, Red Hat (Nasdaq:RHAT - news), which does not have such a deal with Microsoft.

Read [Yahoo News]

We’re all about lists here at Gadgetell.  That’s why Wikipedia’s new list of open-source games tickles our fancy.  It looks like the list was started back in August of 2003 when Frozen Bubble and KDE were the only games included.  Since then, the whole open-source thing has kind of taken off.  Without actually counting how many games are listed, I’d say there’s about 152.  If I’m right, just call me rainmain.

Read [Wikipedia] Via [CNET Gadgets Blog]