| Ubuntu's mobile and embedded project advances |
Jun. 07, 2007
 Following two months of planning, Canonical Ltd. has updated the Ubuntu Mobile and Embedded (UME) project's architecture roadmap. UME aims to create a version of the popular Ubuntu desktop Linux OS tailored to the requirements of Intel-based "mobile Internet devices" (MIDs), expected in 2008.
MIDs, based on a product concept unveiled by Intel in April, are small handheld, battery-powered mobile devices that connect to the Internet via various wireless technologies. They will be powered by processors derived from Intel's forthcoming lpia (low-power on Intel architecture) silicon platform. Intel floated the MID initiative about the same time it began leaking plans to produce an SoC (system-on-chip) that would integrate northbridge and southbridge functions together with a Pentium M-based core. More details about Intel's low-power processor roadmap were leaked several months later.
Ubuntu unveiled UME a month after Intel's announcement of the MID initiative, saying it would work closely with Intel to support low-powered Intel chips -- and, presumably, with Intel customers building Linux-based MIDs and other devices utilizing the lpia architecture. Thus, UME is working to port Ubuntu to lpia, starting with an lpia bootloader and a port of the Hildon application framework, best known for its use in the Nokia 770 and N800 Internet tablets.
At the Computex show in Taipei today, Canonical issued a press release suggesting that UME has already received a "great response" from the developer community, and that target specifications and technical milestones have been set. UME goals apparently include outstanding multimedia playback and web browsing, along wtih fast boot and resume times, and small memory and disk footprints.
UME's specific technical goals are listed on the newly updated project roadmap. More general information about the project can be found on the UME Wiki.
In a statement, Canonical director of operations Jane Silber commented, "[We have] a clear roadmap, an active developer community, and a date for release."
Intel's GM of system software, Doug Fisher, added, "We look forward to collaborating with Canonical to optimize Ubuntu for MIDs based on Intel low power technologies, and working with our customers to bring these devices to market."
Availability
The first pre-alpha release of UME is expected to accompany the 7.10 ("Gutsy Gibbon") release of Ubuntu in October. Commercial availability of MID hardware, meanwhile, is slated for 2008.
Related Stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.
Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.
Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.
Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.
Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.
Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.
Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.
Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.
|
|
|
|
|
news feed