Intel plans to launch a Linux based UMPC

As you probably already know, Intel is keeping touch with its partners trough IDF Forums, the next one being planned for this week, in Beijing. Here Intel plans to announce its next generation UMPC, called MID (Mobile Internet Device).

What makes it special is the new operation system used, which is Linux based. As the name suggests MID will try to offer end-users a complete Internet experience.

This is how the user interface might look

Key features of the Mobile Internet Device are screens that range from 4.5 to 6 inches with resolutions from 800 x 480 to 1024 x 600 pixels, lower RAM usage (256 MB is reported as running smoothly) and under 500 MB disk space required for system files. MID will boot in under 20 seconds and will resume stand-by in 5 seconds. Wireless interfaces include WiFi, Bluetooth, WWAN, GPS and Mobile TV.

…and this is another possibility

The Linux versions MID will be running utilises foundation leverages Gnome, GTK+, DBUS and GConf, Hildon Application framework and Matchbox window management. The desktop equivalent will be called ”Master User Interface“. With its Mobile Internet Device Intel is trying to improve all of the things that annoy us in current UMPCs: battery life, price, performance and usability. If they go anything near what we’ve seen last days surely they have a winning concept. More info can be found here.

Prototype in action

Source: Engadget