Motorola Launches First Linux Smartphone

[Robert Levy]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.mobiletracker.net/archives/2003/08/22/motorola_launch.php' target='_blank'>http://www.mobiletracker.net/archives/2003/08/22/motorola_launch.php</a><br /><br /></div>"Motorola launched its first Linux-based smartphone yesterday. While the desktop Linux world is in turmoil over a lawsuit from the US based SCO, there has been big progress in embedded Linux systems.<br /><br />The A760 sports a personal information management suite, music player, video player, IM and more. It uses Java on top of Linux to power its applications. To communicate with the rest of your toys it includes Bluetooth, IR, and a USB transfer cable. It’s also got a camera, though its resolution is unknown at this time."<br /><br />Click the link above to see a photo and more info. So what do you think? Is Linux a threat to Microsoft's Smartphone plans?

[rbrome]

It's worth noting that this device is dual-band, so it will not work in North America. It was originally announced as tri-band, then the spec was changed to quad-band, but the final version is unfortunately dual-band. I can attest to this from personal experience.

Other than that, it's a great phone. The display is amazing, Bluetooth works great, the form factor is small and very thin, and the Linux OS is pretty slick. It can record video until you fill up the memory, and video is in standard 3gp format that can be sent via IR or Bluetooth to other devices. I was able to record a long video on the A760, send it to my Nokia 3650 via BT, and play it. Neat!

[markpmc]

I've been waiting for this one. Not that I intend to buy it, but it's a move in the right direction by Motorola. Frankly the Treo 600 has most of my attention right now.

But if an updated A760 comes to the US w/ a card slot. Then I'm onboard!

markpmc