Koolu Announces Android Support for Openmoko

Koolu has announced its support for the Android (News - Alert) platform on the NEO FreeRunner, the free and open source-based mobile phone from Openmoko.

 

Starting in the first week of December, Koolu’s beta port of Android will be available to existing FreeRunner owners for download. The final release however, is reportedly scheduled for the first quarter of 2009.

 

According to the official announcement, Koolu will offer support to developers and VARs who want the freedom of open source to create and sell customized mobile devices in emerging growth markets such as health care, education and other vertical markets. Koolu's service program, targeted at Google (News - Alert) enterprise professionals in global growth markets, moves a capital expenditure for phones to a low-priced expense item, reducing capital outlays and operating costs, yet giving high-quality support from their local Google Apps integrator.

 

“Openmoko welcomes Koolu’s efforts to optimize the community lead port of Google’s Android platform on the FreeRunner,” said Steven Mosher vice president of marketing, Openmoko. “That’s the benefit of having an open platform. Their market focus complements ours. The Open Source community wants choice and Koolu and Openmoko deliver it,” Mosher added.

 

“We selected Openmoko’s FreeRunner because users can purchase a pre-paid Global System for Mobile Communications SIM card in foreign countries and use that country’s local service as easily as their service at home, and can choose a Voice over Internet Protocol service or various Wireless Fidelity hot-spots around the world,” said Andrew Greig, chief executive officer at Koolu.

 

“It’s their choice. Customers will receive support for the software and hardware, yet be able to choose their own GSM provider and VoIP provider, as well as other independent services,” Greig said.