Photos: Greenphone taps Linux know-how

by Bill Detwiler  |  September 8, 2006, 4:31am PDT  |  Image 1 of 4

Trolltech is the company that brought developers the Linux-based mobile application platform Qtopia. In August it also used the LinuxWorld conference to announce the Greenphone, which is thought to be the first fully reprogrammable Linux phone. Trolltech hopes that the Greenphone could help grow the mobile Linux market, by encouraging developers to create applications for Linux-powered devices.

Despite being created purely for developers, the Greenphone is a more attractive device than one might imagine. "We wanted developers to use it as their everyday phone," said Haavard Nord, co-CEO of Trolltech.ZDNet UK met with Nord in central London to see the device, which will go on sale to developers at the end of September.

"It's kind of mind-boggling for developers," he added. "Everybody usually wants to protect the software in their phone, but we want to let the developers experiment and innovate."

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About Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler is Head Technology Editor of TechRepublic. Previously, he worked as a Support Tech and IT Manager in the social research and energy industries.

Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler
Bill Detwiler is Head Technology Editor for TechRepublic. Previously he worked as a Technical Support Associate and Information Technology Manager in the social research and energy industries. Bill is a Microsoft Certified Professional with experience in Windows administration, data management, desktop support, and system security.

Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler
Bill Detwiler has nothing to disclose. He doesn't hold investments in the technology companies he covers.