OpenMoko developments suspended

The new model from open-source Linux-based mobile phone platform, OpenMoko, was due for launch this year, but has now been shelved while the company refocuses its efforts on its current project, the FreeRunner.

Economic and technical problems (such as no 3G implementation on the next generation of handset) has created significant problems for OpenMoko, and the talk of newer models of phone has apparently had an adverse effect on monetising the company’s current device (also known as the Osborne Effect).

The Android has proven that creating an open-source mobile phone platform is a difficult task  not because of a lack of user interest, but the carrier’s reluctance to share high end technology with competitors.

For the time being, it seems as though OpenMoko will be indefinitely shelving the development of any future handsets, though the small, but loyal, OpenMoko user base will be pleased to hear support for the FreeRunner will become the company’s primary focus.