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