Ubuntu For Embedded

Matt Zimmermann, Ubuntu CTO, announced the Ubuntu Mobile and Embedded Project (via E@zyVG). I am not sure if the EmbeddedUbuntu Project is a part of this, but the rationale is very much in line.

There are over 1 billion mobile phone users worldwide and over 2 billion connections. Such mobile devices, PDAs and new embedded devices such as Internet Tablets could be of more use to a wider population, mostly those who cannot afford to pay high prices to have multimedia applications in their hands. Since the Ubuntu principle is to have Linux for human beings, to embed Ubuntu into such mobile devices is the fundamental basis of having people not only connected but humanly connected.

This is not the first effort in the mobile domain to create open source software. OpenMoko has been active long enough to build a community and make it run on at least one phone. Recently even GNOME announced their Mobile and Embedded initiative. There is also a Embedded Linux Consortium, however there is no information if they are all together in this.

These developments indicate growing acknowledgment of the fact that the mini-computers or portables or handhelds are getting more significant in the everyday life of the common man. Ubuntu, with its passionate community, can cause a surge in mobile software development. Good, interesting developments.