Task:Open Source Proof Points
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After youtube’s madness, I wouldn’t ever underestimate the creativity of the kids anymore. After wikipedia, the Linux kernel, KDE, GNOME, Webkit and Firefox, I wouldn’t ever underestimate the energy of volunteer experts anymore.
All we know open source is great, but in addition of the aim and the theory it is good to collect real cases. Those proof points should be based on the Maemo platform and showcase examples of open source contribution goodness. Examples on how community contributions are helping Nokia building a better platform and shipping commercial products with it.
Contents |
Application Manager
The open Application Manager has allowed community developers to step in and begin improving it without waiting for Nokia.
Patches
Community members have submitted many patches to Maemo thanks to its open nature.
Applications
Some of the best community contributions are simply applications!
Maemo Mapper
Maemo Mapper has been here since OS2006 on the 770, and is a community-built, open source mapping application with GPS support. It's an excellent alternative to the default Map application included with OS2008/Diablo.
Canola
Possibly a jewel of open-source on the tablets, Canola (again, since OS2006) is a (soon to be?) open-source media center for the tablet. It's got plug-ins for last.fm, YouTube, and has a built-in podcast downloader and photo-viewer. It can download cover-art automatically (again, with a plug-in) and do plenty of neat tricks.
MPlayer
Why wasn't this included by default in OS2008, or at least Diablo? It supports every bloody format you can throw at it, and is a massive improvement over the default. There are also frontends that increase usability.
Ports
Many ports of other operating systems have been done and can be installed with little trouble, thanks to a great deal of community support and documentation.
NITdroid
Android was first ported onto the tablets by b-man and Penguinbait, and like any first try, it had it's share of problems. It broke video for many programs and didn't support many apps. A fix was released, but unlike the original , it was much more diffucult to do. Then came NITdroid. Ported by Solca, this is the most recent port available and is being constantly updated and tested. It is fairly easy to install, and there is even an install script for those who use Ubuntu!
Ubuntu
Interestingly enough, b-man was able to make Ubuntu Jaunty run on the tablet and has released it onto the Internet Tablet Talk forums.
Mer
A reincarnation (of sorts) of Maemo, Mer is a totally open-source operating system for the internet tablets that has great potential.
KDE
Ported by penguinbait, KDE is a powerful window manager for unix-based systems. It also functions as a chroot for booting additional applications.