Moblin 2.0 Beta: An Operating System For Netbooks
The open source project Moblin is mainly focused on creating a Linux-based platform optimized for mobile devices including Netbooks, Mobile Internet Devices, and In-vehicle infotainment systems. The latest version of this operating system, Moblin 2.0 Beta, has a visually rich, interactive user interface designed for Intel Atom based Netbooks. It was released for developer testing, while users will enjoy a new experience through unique ways of Internet browsing or media content management.
Moblin is built based on GNOME Mobile Technologies and provides supports for the existing Linux desktop applications. The core applications included into Moblin 2.0 Beta were made with Clutter animation framework.
These are the new key features and enhancements that will be found in Moblin 2.0 Beta version:
-New, visually rich user experience, optimized for Netbook and Nettops, building on the latest open source graphics technology, such as Clutter, DRI2, and KMS. The user experience is provided mainly through the toolbar and panels, available at the top of the screen.
-The m_zone, acting as the ‘home screen’ panel. It provides instant access to your synchronized calendar, tasks, appointments, recently used files, and real-time updates from your friends on social networking sites.
-Aggregation of your social networking content. This provides you with the ability to see your social networking activities on one screen, easily interact with your friends, and update your status and site information. Twitter and Last.fm are the currently supported social networking sites, with more to come.
-A web browser optimized for the Moblin 2.0 Netbook user interface. Based on the latest Mozilla browser technology revised into a Clutter shell, the browser gives you access to the whole internet, as well as advanced features, such as video embedding and the latest Flash plug-in, while integrating seamlessly into the user interface.
-A ‘Zoomable’ media player. This player brings your media collection to life as you zoom from viewing all media down to focusing on an individual picture, movie, or audio track. The media player can detect and index media on external USB devices, as well as UPnP devices on your network.
-A user interface for connection management and an updated connection manager (ConnMan).
Moblin is provided as Live Image, which can be deployed from a CD or a USB drive. As a consequence, Moblin operating system does not require to be installed in order to test it.
The Moblin images are compatible with any netbook or PC with an Intel graphics chipset and were successfully tested on the following machines: Acer Aspire One, Asus eeePC 901, 1000H, Dell Mini 9, MSI Wind, Lenovo S10, Samsung NC10, HP Mini 1010 and 1120NR.
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