OpenMoko spins off, intros new open-source gadget

OpenMoko Inc. has become an independent subsidiary of parent First International Computer Inc. (FIC) in pursuit of a slice of the mobile handset business based on an open-source software platform.
OpenMoko, created last year by the Taiwanese computer giant FIC, will continue to be funded by the publicly traded parent, and FIC will manufacture the handsets developed by its offspring, the companies said yesterday.
The moves will allow OpenMoko to pursue “new business models” as it continues to promote “free and open software” to the mobile industry, according to the two companies.
OpenMoko also announced the pending launch at the International Consumer Electronics Show of the Neo FreeRunner, a device for consumers that evolved from last year’s Neo1973, a device which provided application developers with an open software platform riding on GSM networks.
The company said the FreeRunner will be first be available to developers, then rolled out to consumers later this year. The handset will be available in two versions: an 850 MHz, tri-band phone and a 900 MHz tri-band model. The device will include Wi-Fi and motion sensors that cue up the phone’s functions based on the user’s activity.
The company is being coy in anticipation of the CES event on what markets or distribution channels it is targeting, the devices’ pricing and whether a United States carrier deal is in the offing.