Ubuntu Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs): Still Coming Soon?
Jan. 20th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
When Canonical announced plans to develop Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) with Intel back in mid-2007, I expected to test — or perhaps even buy — an Ubuntu MID sometime in 2008. But we’re now into early 2009, and the MID effort doesn’t appear to be paying dividends yet for Canonical. Here’s why.
MIDs are expected to resemble smart phones. Many of the devices are anticipated to include touch screens and a heavy reliance on WiFi. But as of this writing, Ubuntu-based MIDs remain mostly vaporware.
In Canonical’s defense, the company does have its hands full expanding ISV (independent software vendor) and OEM support for Ubuntu on PCs, notebooks and netbooks. Still, I think the MID effort is proving far more challenging than Canonical originally expected.
Consider the project timeline so far:
- In a June 2007 press release, Canonical stated: “The first full release of the software will be available in October 2007 corresponding with the normal release cycle of the Ubuntu operating system. Working collaboratively with Intel, Canonical is working to deliver software on actual devices from system manufacturers in 2008.”
- By July 2008, there were clear signals from Canonical that the Ubuntu Netbook Remix edition was gaining momentum far faster than the Ubuntu for MIDs.
I asked Canonical Marketing Manager Gerry Carr for a MID update via email last week, and he replied January 6 with this perspective:
“I think you will see on the Intel stand at CES a significant focus on MIDs with many new machines running a variety of operating systems which will be in market in 2009.
We continue to maintain and improve the version of Ubuntu specifically for MIDs. It is a different category to netbooks, it requires more customisation of the OS and has consequently been slower to get into market but I think with Moblin 2.0 accelerating the number of applications available and providing a common compelling software stack for all players there will be many more MID success stories in 2009 for Ubuntu, Intel the OEM device manufacturers and network carriers. More news when we have it Joe.”
Still, Moblin has been a mixed bag for Canonical’s MID efforts. A January 19 SeekingAlpha blog entry describes how Moblin 1.0 didn’t gain much traction, and describes why Moblin 2.0′s architecture and delivery remain the focus of much debate.
I’m still in the market for an Ubuntu MID. Anybody willing to sell — or rent — me one?
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From my perspective the answer to why we haven’t seen MIDs is obvious. It’s a complete none starter as a form factor.
A smart phone that fits in your pocket makes sense.
A small laptop that can fit in a handbag makes sense.
A device somewhere between the two just doesn’t.
Look at the freaking size of the thing in the picture. Who would carry something that big around and not just get a netbook instead? It’s a complete none starter.
MIDs will not be useful until they are the size of a smartphone, have a GSM+LTE modem, and decent battery life. The Moorestown concept shown off by Intel is what they ought to be, and I am wondering if those guys in marketing who pushed ‘MIDs’ out as clunky useless bricks with no keyboards still have their job.
Jimbo: I agree with you a bit. But here’s a riddle: If MIDs are a non-starter how do you explain the iPod Touch? that’s basically a MID.
I do want an MID. Not a phone, and not a netbook. Something that requires no sitting, can be used “on the go”, and still have capability to more or less perform the common tasks fine.
Doesn’t HP have a convertible netbook/mini tablet? That’s basically a MID. Microsofts Origami form factor was basically a MID. It generated a lot of interest. But failed because the machines were underpowered and XP Tablet edition made a poor choice as a MID OS.
A MID needs to have more power than a phone or netbook in my opinion. I see them being used for watching videos, playing games and browsing the web as well as filling other functions. Like those filled by small tablets in the health care industry.
There are a lot of potential applications. But the hardware needs to be powerful enough and the OS needs to be designed as a MID OS.
Joe Panettieri says:
I agree with you a bit. But here’s a riddle: If MIDs are a non-starter how do you explain the iPod Touch? that’s basically a MID.
————–
Simple, it fits in your pocket.
Jimbo: If/when some Ubuntu MIDs fit in a pocket, I’ll give you a shout.
If and when that happens can you please buy me one? I promise to be good and stop taunting the Microsofties.
p
The Pandora is a neat little device that should be coming out in a couple months. People are working on getting Ubuntu running. It’s about the size of a Nintendo DS. It has a keyboard, wifi, 3d proc, and dual schc slots.
Check it
http://openpandora.org/
Ubuntu Mobile Internet Device coming soon?…
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