Yesterdays news that Intel want to support two different Ultra Mobile PC markets with two completely different device types was big news. Huge news. It sends the message out that Vista is not good enough for consumer UMPCs. That must have hurt Microsoft yesterday.
Today, there’s another announcement which sends out the message that even the basic personal computing model of local data and processing is not fit for ultra mobile PCs. In an article found on iTnews Australia, there’s an announcement that Glide, the Web2.0 Internet application suite, is to be released in a Linux optimised versions for Intel’s Ultra Mobile PCs.
“Glide provides a user-friendly desktop interface for Linux, a powerful suite of applications and seamless interoperability with Windows, Macs and a wide selection of cell phones,” said TransMedia Chairman and CEO, Donald Leka. “In addition, we are also making available an optimized Linux version of Glide for Intel powered ultra mobile PCs.” [from Antara]
This is obviously an Intel backed project because third party commentary on the product comes from Intel’s Ultra Mobile Ecosystem leader, Pankaj Kedia
Glide is taking an innovative approach in offering web based consumer services for anytime, anywhere access
There’s no detail about whether Glide2.0 will come by default as part of the Linux-based MID package and no detail about when this is going to happen although its already possible to sign up and register a Linux device at GlideDigital.com or GlideMobile.com
There’s a payment model forming here that could allow for a new wave of very cheap UMPCs. If Intel wants WiMax and 3G on every MID then there’s a strong possibility that the cellular carriers could distribute these consumer UMPCs through a subsidised sales channel. The Glide portal can also be branded which makes at even more attractive for carriers. The whole set-up makes it a whole lot easier to imagine the possibility of picking up a free UMPC with a data contract in the not-to-distant future.
