Openmoko

Openmoko was a project to create a family of open-source mobile phones and a software stack for them. The project aimed to provide a truly open and customizable mobile platform, free from the restrictions imposed by proprietary operating systems and hardware.

The Openmoko project encompassed both hardware and software development. The hardware aspect focused on producing reference devices, notably the Neo FreeRunner and Neo1973 handsets. These devices were designed to be modular and hackable, allowing developers and enthusiasts to modify and extend their functionality.

The software side of Openmoko centered around developing a Linux-based operating system specifically tailored for mobile devices. This software stack included a customizable user interface, middleware components, and a complete software development kit (SDK). The operating system was designed to be highly configurable, enabling users to customize their phone's behavior and appearance.

A key goal of Openmoko was to foster a community of developers and users who could contribute to the platform's evolution. The project encouraged collaboration and open sharing of knowledge, with the aim of creating a vibrant ecosystem of applications and customizations.

While the Openmoko project itself is no longer actively developed, its legacy continues to influence the open-source mobile space. It demonstrated the feasibility of creating truly open and customizable mobile devices and inspired other open-source mobile projects. The project's hardware designs and software components have also been used as a basis for other mobile platforms and embedded systems.