Many thanks to Thoughtfix who, on my behalf, recorded an interview with Len Kawell, CEO of Pepper Computer while he was at CES 2007. Pepper Computer are responsible for the software architecture and user interface on the PepperPad 3 and a number of other optimised Web devices.
In the audio interview, Len explains why the Pepper Pad exists, the differences between a Pepper Pad and a UMPC and how the first Pepper Pad was initially developed for kids. Parallels with the OLPC project there and one of the reasons they also demonstrated the Pepper experience on the OLPC. Thoughtfix asks a great question – What features do you want that didn’t make it to the current version of the Pepper software? I know what I would like on my PP3. BT DUN so that I can break it free of its WiFi hotspot shackles.
Finally, Len talks a little about the Nokia Internet tablet which, in software architecture terms, is very similar – Linux Kernel, tailored distro and optimised GUI.
I couldn’t agree more with Lens line ‘Some of the most interesting application development is on the web.’ Thin-client web computing is important for mobility right now. There are still physical heat and size issues associated with creating a UMPC device with enough processing power to run a full desktop operating system. Like we saw yesterday with the Google Switch rumor, thin client computing is one answer and it gets easier every day with Web2.0 applications.
Interview. Mp3 download.
Thanks again to Thoughtfix who runs the UltraMobileGeek and ThoughtFix on Nokia Internet Tablets blogs.
Steve.
