OpenMoko prepping to push sales of Linux-based handset

OpenMoko, a Linux-based open source handset platform developer, is pushing the development of Linux-based smartphone with its open source handset, the Neo 1973, which may be available to the mass-market in the second half of 2008, according to company sources.

OpenMoko, a subsidiary of First International Computer (FIC), is now offering, free of charge, samples of its Neo 1973 to a number of designated software developers in Taiwan to develop or to add new open source applications to the phone, the sources noted.

OpenMoko will sell the Neo 1973 to general developers shortly after the device has being modified according to input by initial participating developers, before pushing the device to the mass-market through retail shops and telecom services providers, possibly by the second half of 2008, the sources indicated.