I wrote an update on Moorestown last week over at MIDMoves.com but I want to expand on that here on UMPCPortal today because I really think that the new information we have now is extremely significant for the core audience here. Moorestown is the first computing platform that covers my definition of ultra mobile computing. From high-end smartphones, through targeted, Ultra Mobile ‘desktops’ , super-mobile laptops and the whole range of internet-connected opportunities that exist in the mobile internet space.

Read the full story

This just in from a meeting I had with Intel this evening.

At the Ultra Mobility Event at Computex tomorrow, we’re going to see live demonstrations of 2 or 3 Moorestown devices.

Clearly this is going to affect Menlow but it sounds like Intel have accelerated the Moorestown program. I don’t have any info as to whether Microsoft products will run on the platform so that will be one of my questions tomorrow.

More information over at the MIDMoves project blog that I’m working on this week.

Something a lot of people seem to have missed is that the Linux Foundation’s Moblin 2.0 Beta release is targeted more at Linux distributors rather than end-users. You wouldn’t think so from some of the promotional activities that have been going on but it’s probably the reason that a lot of people are expressing disappointment after testing it out. As we look forward, it’s likely that the Linux Foundation will continue to target distributors rather than end users. We’ll double-check next week at the Moblin keynote in Computex [June 3, 2009, 12:00-13:30] but the fact that Linpus have announced a full release of Linpus Lite based on Moblin 2.0 appears to back this up.

At Computex Linpus, the most popular operating system in the netbook space, will be showing a number of cutting edge new open source consumer products, including: its updated instant-on product, and the first look at its Moblin V2 Linpus Linux Lite with Linpus UI and Intel UI versions.
The Moblin V2 final source code, and, in particular, the user interface was only recently released – because of this the Linpus version is one of the first available on the market.
The new version of Linpus Linux Lite boots in less than 15 seconds and takes the user experience to the next level: our live desktop gives live and instant access to recent and favorite websites, communication tools, applications and multimedia; it adds cutting edge clutter technology allowing more vivid graphics and simulation of real world movement and physicality: actions, instructions, and places are easier to remember and more fun; and it has integrated all the key features and benefits of Moblin V2 including the Intel UI. [Source: Press Release]

Linpus mention a ‘first-look’ in their press release which indicates that the product may not be 100% ready for launch yet but you’ll find some more info and a placeholder on the Linpus website. The download isn’t active yet but it based on this, it looks like more than just a beta. Linpus have worked with Acer and Benq netbooks in the past so if you’re an Acer or Benq netbook owner, the chances are that this distribution will be a good solution for you. Unfortunately, there may not be touchscreen support and there won’t be support for Z-Series and Poulsbo.

Update: We’ve got some screenshots now. Click to enlarge. 

More images in the gallery. 

We’ll be at Computex next week to check this out. 

JKK and myself are struggling to install Moblin V2 Beta on anything at the moment as it looks like the image is corrupt so in the meantime, here’s a new walkthrough video. Thanks to DJore for the tip!

A lot has happened since Intel launched the Moblin project nearly 2 years ago. The market for internet-connected consumer devices is maturing. Intel are pushing into the smartphone market and netbooks are now an established category of devices.

Intel now regard Moblin as a ‘core competency’ (which is significant considering they don’t run it any more!) and consider themselves the 2nd biggest contributor to Linux on the planet. So reports FT today which is in itself significant and shows just how far the Moblin keyword has penetrated.

According to FT, Moblin are just about ready to ship 2.0 Beta which, if it follows the Alpha releases, will target netbook platforms and not Intel’s Menlow platform. The MIDs will be included in a 2010 release which is a shame because with a claimed 7-second startup time, some tempting reports coming in from twitter and the nice image below, is something I really wouldn’t mind seeing on the Viliv S5, UMID or Aigo MIDs.

FT.com

Intel’s IDF in Beijing is nearly over. Yes, it started while most of us slept and because it’s only a one day event, there’s not many announcements. Media coverage on Intel’s website is low-key but I’ve found the press release and press kits and summarise below.

Overview.

The Intel press release includes some items worth mentioning (my emphsasis added:)

Mobility Keynote
During his keynote, titled “Mobility’s Next Wave of Growth,” Chandrasekher demonstrated the first live demo of Intel’s next-generation Atom-based MID platform, codenamed “Moorestown.” Chandrasekher provided a sneak peek into the low-power innovation of the platform by showcasing a greater than 10x idle power reduction compared to today’s Atom-based platform in a side-by-side demo. This dramatic reduction is made possible through a combination of new power management techniques, a new partition optimized for the MID segments and Intel’s Hi-k 45nm manufacturing process.

Due by 2010, the Moorestown platform is comprised of a System on Chip (codenamed “Lincroft”) that integrates a 45nm Intel® Atom™ processor core, graphics, video and memory controller, and a companion input/output (I/O) hub (codenamed “Langwell”). The platform will be accompanied by a new Moblin software version that is optimized to enable the rich, interactive, PC-like Internet experience along with cellular voice capabilities.

Intel also announced two new Atom processors for MIDs: the Z550 and Z515. The Z550 extends the performance of the MID product line to 2GHz with Intel Hyperthreading technology support, setting a new standard for the highest performance processor in the under-3-watt power envelope. The Z515 incorporates the new Intel® Burst Performance Technology (Intel BPT), which enables the processor to run at 1.2GHz when performance is needed in existing small and sleek MID form factors.

These new Atom processors further extend customer choices to enable the best Internet experience in pocketable MIDs. Chandrasekher also announced several new MID designs for the China market.

The 2Ghz Atom processor doesnt surprise me. These step improvements will continue to happen. The Z515 is interesting though. There’s already a 1.1Ghz part and an 800Mhz part, this two-speed 800Mhz/1200Mhz part should allow for some nice ‘turbo’ features but i’m not sure how different this is from speed-stepping on the 1.3Ghz version. More information on the Z515 is available from an Intel fact sheet [PDF].

Intel Atom processor Z515 delivers performance on demand by incorporating the new Intel® Burst Performance Technology (Intel BPT) which enables the processor to run at 1.2GHz when higher performance is needed in existing small form factors. Intel Atom Z515, in conjunction with Intel US15W SCH, supports 533MHz DDR2, 2GB max memory addressing, and HT. This processor also supports Intel UL11L SCH. Intel Atom Z515 delivers high performance while consuming 160mW average power and 80mW idle power.

New MIDs.

Obviously i’ll be looking deeper into this part of the fact-sheet. New devices from Aigo, Compal and Fujitsu will be interesting to watch.

Intel Atom Processor-based MIDs Continue Momentum — Chandrasekher announced a number of new designs targeting the China market including Aigo*, BYD*, CZC*, Dragon*, Eking*, ESL*, Gemsta*, NFS*, and Techfaith*. Additionally, Intel indicated that its customers are expressing strong interest in the two new Z Series SKUs. As examples, Aigo*, BYD*, Compal*, CZC* and Fujitsu* have already committed to building products based on these SKUs.

Windows 7 support.

Support for Windows* 7 and Moblin v2.0 on Intel Atom Processor based MIDs and Netbooks — Intel Atom processor-based MIDs and Netbooks will support Windows* 7 Starter and Basic editions in the second half of this year in addition to support for Windows* XP Home and Windows* Vista Basic. For Linux, Chandrasekher mentioned that both MIDs and netbooks will be moving to Moblin v2.0 from Moblin v1 today.

Does this imply that Windows 7 / Atom support will be restricted to Starter (three concurrent programs) and Home Basic (emerging markets) versions initially?

There are some more notes in the ‘factsheet’ here (PDF) and it looks like information is being updated on the ‘Press Kit’ page. I’ll continue to monitor for more information and report back anything interesting.

As I was reviewing my keyword searches on the social network Twitter this morning (I use Particls.com) I came across a really interesting question. @phabulosa asks: “Really want to know why Moblin can boot that fast and how instant-on Linux works. Someone can tell me?”

We haven’t actually brought you the good news that Moblin 2, Alpha 2 has been released yet so before I dive into the above question, let me give you a brief update on changes over the Alpha 1 release.

Read the full story

Here’s a few more clues to how the voice capability on Moorestown ‘midphones’ will be played out. Open-Plug have announced their 2G and 3G capable ‘ELIPS’ Telephony stack for Moblin, the OS being built for current and future MIDs and netbooks.

This Open-Plug stack is likely to be the one on the LG  ‘midphone’ announced for 2010. We’re expecting to hear a bit mroe about that next week at CeBIT.

“Mobile Internet Devices make it easy for people to stay connected wherever they are,” said Pankaj Kedia, director of global ecosystem programs in Intel Corporation’s Ultra Mobility Group. “Intel’s next generation MID platform, codenamed Moorestown, in combination with Open-Plug’s telephony stack integrated with a Moblin based Linux OS, will set a new threshold for making this connected experience a reality by delivering a compelling Internet experience while supporting voice capabilities on the platform.”

Intel appear to be starting to push their marketing towards smartphones now so expect a lot more talk about Moblin 2 ( release due in a few months) and smartphones/MIDs from Intel over the next 18 months. Can’t wait to see them at MWC in Barcelona next year.

Source Finazenachrichten.de

Filling in one of the obvious gaps on the existing GPS-enabled MIDs is Isreal-based Telmap who have partnered with Intel to bring turn-by-turn, local search, traffic info and pedestrian routing to Moblin.

“As a leading authority in mobile location services, Telmap is embracing the MID category to bring rich navigation and location based services to mobile users. This announcement further highlights Telmap’s multi-platform approach to devices and the addition of Linux to its extensive list of supported OS platforms….Combining its advanced search features, Telmap can provide live, location-aware and real time information to any user in-car or on foot.”

Images from Telmap Navigator

That’s another segment of the Ring of FIE covered then!

Source

Via Pocketables

Highlighting Intel’s ultimate goal for Atom, the growing importance of a high-speed web experience on a smartphone and possibly Intel’s concern about the speed of development of ARM-based smartphones is this Mobile World Congress announcement that LG and Intel are going to work together on a voice-enabled MID. The first smartphone to be based on what is effectively a PC architecture is expected in 2010.

No details of the device are available at the moment but you can be sure that LG will already have prototype designs built around the Atom core (on the Lincroft ’system on chip’) and the Langwell I/O hub. Expect a high-end, big-screen design that, like the recently announced Toshibe LG01, could redefine the size and capability of those leading edge voice communicators called smartphones!

The announcement also re-confirms timescales for Moorestown and Moblin2 for MIDs and LG is expected to be one of the first OEMs out of the door with Moorestown in 2010.

Read the full story

Somehow, somewhere, there seems to be a problem getting quality Linux drivers out for Poulsbo’s GPU. First we hear about the delays with Moblin V2 on MIDs  and now we get this story from an experienced Linux contributor. Adam’s article explains problems with the source code and how difficult it is to get working in a new distribution. Clearly the work on the Poulsbo drivers for Linux is delayed.

Building your own distro is exactly what Moblin is all about. 12 linux distributors have signed up to use Moblin  but if they can’t work with the Poulsbo chipset there’s little hope for any Linux distro on MIDs and Z-series netbooks in the near future. Let’s hope that Intel are working hard behind the scenes and that clean, usable GMA500 drivers will be available soon

AdamW on Linux and more » Intel GMA 500 (Poulsbo) graphics on Linux: a precise and comprehensive summary as to why you’re screwed.

Yesterday’s news that Moblin V2 for MIDs is now delayed until 2010 has me thinking long and hard about what’s going to happen now. Have Intel put their MID plans to one side? Are they confident that Moblin V1 is enough for the current crop of devices? What will the OEMs think? Are they happy to refocus onto netbooks or are they simply waiting for Moorestown? Should I put UMPCPortal on ice and take a year’s holiday?

Moblin V2 is moving forward as planned and as far as I know, it will be ready for OEMs and distributors in Spring. It’s got an extremely high chance of success because most Linux distributors for netbooks have already signed up to use it. Ubuntu, Asianux, Xandros, Linpus. Novell, gOS, Mandriva, Pixart, S2C, Turoblinux have all publicly stated that they will use Moblin and even if only 10% of netbooks are going out of the door with Linux (I suspect it’s between 20 and 30% myself) then there’s a multi-million unit opportunity there. If the predictions are correct and 35 million netbooks ship next year then 3.5 million Linux desktops in one year will be one of the most successful Linux-based roll-outs yet. Given that Intel have hundreds of engineers working on it and have direct access to the people that designed the core hardware, they should be able to squeeze more from it than the average Linux distributor. There’s also a possibility to get that much needed app-store in there too. If Intel can create and manage that then there’s a revenue channel that makes everyone sit up and take notice.

Read the full story

So, Mobiln is now focusing on netbooks. It’s a huge setback for MIDs to learn that Moblin for MIDs won’t be ready until 2010 but clearly there’s a business case there to focus on netbooks first. I tried the build briefly on a Medion Akoya Mini and here’s what happened…

Update: Our worry has been confirmed. Moblin V2 for MIDs is now planned for 2010(See bottom of page.) “Moblin MID is a fully featured platform for next generation smart phone devices built on Moblin Foundations. It is expected for release in 2010.” Where does this leave Linux-based MIDs in 2009. Windows only?

I was pleased to see the announcement of the Moblin V2 Core Alpha Release today but annoyed to see that it’s “initially targeting Intel(r) Atom(tm) based Netbooks.”

Moblin, the Intel-funded core Linux distribution intended for OEMs and end-users is something we’ve been following on UMPCPortal since it’s launch and we’ve been looking forward to V2 for UMPCs and MIDs but the talk about little notebooks has us wondering if they’re going to ignore the touchscreen altogether. To state that it won’t even work with Menlow, the platform used on small UMPCs and MIDs, is a setback.

Known Issues:

• The user interface is under heavy development. The final user interface will look very different than the current user interface and will not be based on XFCE.
• 3D performance is known to be slow.
• Currently, Wifi is not supported on Asus eeePC 901.
• Platforms with GMA-500 Graphics chipset are not supported.

(My emphasis.) Netbooks are slowing down innovation. Obviously netbooks have been on the roadmap for Moblin for a long time and if Intel can provide an efficient core then it’s likely they can get the distributors to standardise. This brings in the possibilities of app stores and unified dev communities but it just turns my stomach to see MIDs pushed to one side in this way. Innovation is important.

If anyone want’s to give this a spin on their netbook, the downloads are available here. It fails to boot on a Samsung Q1P but I’ll give it a shot on a few other devices today.

From the Moblin website:

The Moblin Project is happy to make the Moblin Core Alpha for Netbooks available for testing and taking the bits out for a ride.

Moblin is a community open source project, initially targeting Intel(r) Atom(tm) based Netbooks.

This Alpha release is the first chance for the larger community to start multiple-level testing of:

• The core Linux O/S, boot process, inter-process, and package interactions.
• The new “Fastboot” feature of Moblin, which fundamentally improves boot time and allows for unprecedented speed for a general purpose Linux.
• Connectivity and networking, using the new ConnMan connectivity manager.
• Kernel 2.6.29-rc2.
• The Moblin Core Components (first look at this), including Clutter and all other UI development tools.
• Xserver 1.6 (with DRI2).
• New Moblin Image Creator (MIC2) and installation tool.

System Requirements:

• CPU: Intel Atom or Intel(r) Core(tm) 2 CPU (support for SSSE3)
  (Note: Moblin will not work on non-SSSE3 CPUs)
• Graphics: Integrated Intel graphics (915/945/965)
• Network Adaptors:
• LAN/Wired:
  • Intel e100/e1000/e1000e/iXGB
  • PCNet32 (Vmware)
  • RealTek 8139/8169
  • SIS 900/190
  • Broadcom ATL1/ATL2
• Wireless/Wifi:
  • Intel 3945/4965/5000
  • Atheros 5K/9K
  • Broadcom 4300
  • RealTek 8180/8187
  • Ralink 2400/2500/61/73

Moblin also supports various external, USB-based Wifi devices.

Business Week summarises the current position on Intel-based MIDs nicely and talks about Moblin 2.0 (due to appear in devices later this year,) a new partner announcement that will come at the Mobile World Congress and covers the ever-present discussion about the space between a smartphone and a laptop.

“I’m not sure there’s a third category of device” between a cell phone and a netbook, says Andy Lees, a senior vice-president in Microsoft’s mobile communications business. “The thing that distinguishes a phone is it goes in your pocket or purse. If you have a six-inch screen, that’s no-man’s land.”

I had this question put to me many times last week and i’m quite clear about the answer now.

1) Intel will push Atom-based MID devices so small that they will be smartphones (i.e. will be voice-capable and will be 24/7 pocketable.) You won’t know them as MIDs at this point. (Estimated 2010-2011 timeframe.)

2) People are forgetting about the third, forth, fifth etc. devices we already carry around. PMP’s, Navigation units and Video/photographic cameras are present in many peoples gadget bag and there’s a few upcoming categories too. Ebook readers, full experience web devices and even handheld gaming devices.

No one is saying that MID’s, either from Intel, from ARM or from anyone else are going to take one form and be ‘the winner’ because at the start, it’s going to be about creating devices for specific users and solving specific problems like internet-connected navigation, video streaming, full internet experience and portable HD media playback. Some consolidation of devices will be possible though and when you look at the screen requirements for all these ‘in between’ products, they all fit with the 4-6″ screen range. If someone does it right, there could well be a hit do-it-all device among them (Ipod Plus is one) but even if there isn’t, there’s sill a chance for many successful products in this multi-million unit pre existing market that Andy Lees is calling ‘no mans land.’

Intel Readies Push into Mobile Internet Devices - BusinessWeek.

We’ve been trying to track the announcements over the year but it’s been getting increasingly difficult. In an interview with Intel today I was able to get the definitive list of Linux distribution partners that are working with Intel to distribute Moblin.

Netbook / Nettop OSVs: Ubuntu, Asianux, Xandros, Linpus. Novell, gOS, Mandriva, Pixart, S2C, Turoblinux

MID OSVs: Ubuntu, Asianux, WindRiver

More on the Intel interview soon.

ARM, Sony, ASUSTek, Garmin. These and most of the other 10 companies that have just joined the OHA are big names. The OHA is becoming a must-join, 47-member organisation!

Its difficult to work out what it all means though. Many of these members will be offering code and resource but how many of them are committed to building devices based on OHA code, Android? ARM and Intel for example, will be there because they want their platforms to be used by as many people as possible. Offering code and contact points for developers makes total sense. Vodafone may just be their so they can connect with the OEMs and have a chance to view the ecosystem and possible device in order to make strategic decisions. The entry-ticket for OHA doesn’t appear to be too expensive and the marketing advantages seem to be good so I hope they’re not just in it for the press releases!

[more below]

Read the full story