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Re: [Sheflug] Free software and the future
> Not directly on it, because it might break. Just a bit to the side.
*grin*
> Unlikely. Although there is a trend toward small devices, the trend _in_
> small devices is more towards general computing. No longer restrained by
> processor power or storage space to the same degree in the past, it
> makes no sense to continue the Ebeneezer-type operating systems which
> offer poor functionality but small footprint.
Mobile phones are slowly evolving into mobile PCs, I mean hell they even
come with sound chips now. But for the next few years there is still going
to be a clear distinction I believe. A mobile phone is a window to a
mobile phone network, where as a pda is window to a PC desktop. Here
GNU/Linux, MS pocket PC et al has a market. The desired end result and the
way it has to be delivered is not very different to their other
incarnations. A mobile phone although it shares similar Hardware with a
pda has a different end application and it must be delivered in a very
different way.
I believe the complexity and current speed of development means
there's no chance of anyone writing a free protocol stack from scratch. A
vendor may create some nokia communicator esque product with a GNU/Linux
based pda bolted onto a phone. I think however that the inards will remain
non-free for a long time.
My crystal balls says that RMS will be without a mobile for quite some
time. I also think that he may soon have to do without a car.
As I'm told Audi have been trying to build a car like the new BMW 7er for
years, but they just haven't managed it yet. I reckon we're even less
likely to see a cars source code than we are that of a phone.
Though I imagine alot of the user facing side of incar entertainment could
be done using GNU or MS SW. All of the engine management/"clever" stuff
will never see the public light of day.
what do you reckon Alex, is my crystal ball in need of a clean?
Simon
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