The Linux-powered FreeRunner from OpenMoko that we’ve been looking forward to for so very long has been discontinued in favour of a second device dubbed “Plan B”, according to Executive Director Sean Moss-Pulz. Sad times for open source enthusiasts who aren’t sold on Android, but OpenMoko is still enthusiastic about getting into the smartphone game someday. There have actually been talks about OpenMoko going Android for the FreeRunner, but we’ll have to wait to see if that actually takes off. The idea of a smartphone with both open software and hardware had quite the appeal, but clearly the series of delays and rough budget issues were too much for FreeRunner to handle. Moss-Pulz still encouraged the community to have a go at the platform and support it until OpenMoko can take another stab at the handset game.
[BernerZeitung via PhoneNews]