In addition, Google is expected to develop mobile versions of its applications that go well beyond the mobile search and map software it offers today. Those applications may include a Web browser to run on cellphones.

While Google has built phone prototypes to test its software and show off its technology to manufacturers, the company is not likely to make the phones itself, according to analysts.

In short, Google is not creating a gadget to rival the iPhone, but rather creating software that will be an alternative to Windows Mobile from Microsoft and other operating systems, which are built into phones sold by many manufacturers. And unlike Microsoft, Google is not expected to charge phone makers a licensing fee for the software.

The most recent success has been with "Cocoboot" version 4, released on 18 July. A Palm bootloader, Cocoboot will start the boot process, halt Palm (garnet), and start loading Linux from your SD card.

The most amazing part is "Opie." "Opie" stands for Open Palm Integrated Environment and is a completely Open Source based graphical user environment for PDA's and other devices running Linux. According to the Opie website, highlights include:

(Click to Enlarge)

• Sophisticated PIM framework (including an easy to use access API) with addressbook, todolist, today, mail, drawpad, datebook, texteditor and search-all-facility
• Today application featuring plugins for dates, todos, mail, birthdays, weather and stock values
• Multimedia capabilities provided by the xine based based opieplayer2 (featuring streaming audio and video) and image viewer
• Palmdoc compatible opie-reader for ebook reading and, in cooperation with eg. jpluckx (http://jpluck.sourceforge.net) daily news coverage
• Linux shell/terminal providing access to the operating system (for those who care)
• Network based installation and setup management
• PDF reader based on xpdf
• IRC client, konqueror web browser an mail reader
• Multiple input plugins to ease data input
• Network time support and time correction capabilities
• Full network setup support through plugins (wlan, ethernet, ppp, irda)
• adaptive backlight settings and calibration (for devices light sensors)
• Advanced security supporting Linux security services
• Syncable with KDE PIM/Kolab, MS Outlook and Qtopia Desktop (3rd party tools necessary)
• Voice memos
• Backup and Restore capabilities to CF/SD cards
• Data exchange with Palms, PocketPC, mobile phones and other bluetooth/IrDa capable devices
• Fully localized
• Binary compatibility with Sharp Zaurus applications
• Themes and styles to adapt look and feel to your personal flavor

Perhaps we will enjoy the Palm device operating system we have been waiting for sooner than we expected!

Related Links

OPIE home

Linux4Palm section at Hack&Dev site

Download Cocoboot

BUGbase is the foundation of your BUG device. It's a fully programmable and "hackable" Linux computer, equipped with a fast CPU, 128MB RAM, built-in WiFi, rechargeable battery, USB, Ethernet, and a small LCD with button controls. It also has a tripod mount because, well, why not? Each BUGbase houses four connectors for users to combine any assortment of BUGmodules to create their ultimate gadget.

Technical Specifications

• ARM1136JF-S-based microprocessor
• 1 USB 2.0 HS host interface/4 hub port connections
• 1 USB OTG HS interface
• 4 UART serial links
• 4 channel SPI interface
• I2C (400 kbits) interface/4 channels
• I2S interface/2 channels
• Smart LCD interface
• Camera sensor interface
• Micro memory card interface
• MPEG4 hardware encoding/decoding
• Hardware graphic acceleration
• 10/100 Ethernet MAC
• 802.11b/g

• Base unit LCD module interface
• Base unit onboard memory (FLASH/DDR SDRAM)
• JTAG/ICE support
• Serial debug port
• Power system
• AC operation
• Battery operation/up to 4 external batteries
• Fast battery charging/simultaneous of internal and external batteries
• Smart power management support
• Battery-backed real-time clock
• Audio out via onboard piezo speaker