| New Linux based OS for handhelds touts ease of use |
Jan. 30, 2004
Updated Jan. 31 --  Lycoris will ship a version of its desktop Linux operating system (OS) designed specifically for handheld devices in Q2, 2004. The OS, dubbed Desktop/LX Pocket PC Edition (DL-PPC), will provide a "commercial-ready" and user-friendly OS that Lycoris hopes to license to device designers as well as market directly to consumers.
DL-PPC applications
DL-PPC will initially support ARM-based PDAs such as the Sharp Zaurus and HP iPaq. However, it uses a standard Linux kernel -- version 2.4.18 initially, with updates planned soon -- making it relatively easy to port to other architectures, according to Lycoris Founder Joseph Cheek.
According to Cheek, DL-PPC adds customizations to the OpenZaurus, Opie, and other open source project code bases that improve usability. Cheek has worked to improve Linux usability on the desktop since founding the Redmond Linux project -- which later became Lycoris -- in 1999.
DL-PPC's Opie-based PIM
DL-PPC will include the Samba-based Lycoris "Network Browser," enabling it to share files and printers with Windows networks via wired, wireless, USB, and infrared networks. Its Opie-based PIMs will support synchronization with Lycoris's Desktop operating systems, including Desktop/LX Personal, Professional, and Tablet Editions.
DL-PPC will support a variety of text-input methods, including gesture-based handwriting recognition, on-screen keyboard, pickboard, built-in touchscreen, and, on select devices, a physical keyboard.
DL-PPC's "today" screen
The OS will also come equipped to play back popular audio, video, and streaming media formats, and will include a Web browser and email reader supporting HTML, CSS4, and POP3.
The Microsoft connection
Joseph Cheek, a former Microsoft employee, says Lycoris performed extensive trademark research before choosing the "Pocket PC" name. "We couldn't find anything at the Office of Patents and Trademarks, and we couldn't find anything at Microsoft," he said.
Cheek, who formerly worked for Microsoft, says that he renamed his Redmond Linux Project "pre-emptively," and was not put under any legal pressure to do so by Microsoft, which, being based in Redmond, Wash., is sometimes referred to metaphorically as "Redmond."
More details about Desktop/LX Pocket PC Edition will be available at the Lycoris Website when the OS is officially launched on Monday, February 2.
Related Stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.
Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.
Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.
Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.
Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.
Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.
Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.
Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.
|
|
|
|
|
news feed