Openmoko Unveils Neo FreeRunner


New  subsidiary of FIC previews  consumer version of its highly acclaimed

open source Neo mobile phone


TAIPEI, TAIWAN, January 3, 2008 - Openmoko, originators of the Neo 1973, the world's first totally open mobile phone that continues to receive critical acclaim from the Free and Open Source (FOSS) developer community, will unveil the Neo FreeRunner, a version of the phone tailored for  mass market consumers.  Neo FreeRunner,  based on the same free and open source principles as the Neo 1973, will be previewed at the press-only Lunch @ Piero's technology showcase event during CES 2008.


Maintaining  the overall  look and feel of the developers'  Neo 1973, the Neo FreeRunner features hardware improvements  such as 2D/3D graphics and a faster 500MHz processor that boosts performance to enable  video and audio processing, as well as a new generation of mobile applications emerging  from the open source community.  Designed for worldwide use, FreeRunner will come in two versions: a 850MHz tri- band and a 900Mhz tri-band.   Neo FreeRunner will also integrate WiFi (802.11 b/g) for online access anywhere, and will include motion sensors that will cue functions based on detected user activity.


The original Neo 1973 sold out within three days of its introduction in July 2007, giving open source developers and hackers a hardware and software platform to build a completely new mobile device for both vertical markets and consumers. Neo FreeRunner builds on and expands  that success.


"FreeRunner 's a significantly  improved device from  the Neo 1973. Our developers gave us great feedback as they explored the first version of the device," said Steven Mosher, VP marketing, Openmoko.  "We added WiFi, motion sensors, faster processing, and improved graphics, creating  a compelling  mass market device for open source development.  The open source community was key in achieving that goal. Without them this remix of the Neo would not have been possible"


Developers who bought the Neo 1973 have been eagerly awaiting  announcement  of the latest Neo sequel.


To foster FreeRunner development for  mainstream Java applications and Java developers, Openmoko partnered  with Jalimo, the open source project driven by the German software development company Tarent GmbH.


Hanno Wendt, Partner Manager and spokesman  for Jalimo: " the Neo 1973 was a great launch vehicle for us. We got the device and  had our Java Virtual Machine ( JVM) running in no time.  We are confident our bring up on FreeRunner will go just as smoothly."


The FreeRunner will be previewed at CES and ship later this spring-- first to developers and then to end users as software for the new hardware features becomes available.


 

About Openmoko


Openmoko is a worldwide innovator in the creation of open mobile products,


Openmoko, Inc. manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Neo devices.  Since 2006, Openmoko has been the commercial and community effort empowering developers and consumers to personalize their mobile devices, much like a computer, in any way they see fit.


For the latest information on Openmoko visit www.Openmoko.com.


About Lunch@Piero's


Known for debuts of technologies that change the market, Lunch@Piero's brings innovators and the media together in a private daytime demo event during CES.  Media may request an invitation until Friday, January 4, 2008 at www.lunchat.com/mediaregistration.html.


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Company Contact:


Steven Mosher

Vice President Marketing

steve@Openmoko.com

408 313 9284


Public Relations Contact


Pat Meier-Johnson

Pat Meier Associates Public Relations

patmeier@patmeier.com

415.389.1700

415.717.9677 (mobile)

 

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For Immediate Release

Contact:

Pat Meier-Johnson

415.389.1700

Pat Meier Associates PR