Linux-based Samsung i800 gets canned

Back in February, we all had high hopes that the Linux-based Samsung i800 would be a real winner when it launched on Orange this fall. Unfortunately, the i900 is apt to be out and about before the i800 can even have a proper funeral. According to Edelman, Orange's PR firm, the "i800 has been withdrawn in order to... prepare a more competitive Linux mobile." In all honesty, we don't suspect that many folks will miss it, but those holding out on picking up a new cellie can safely move on to courting other handsets.

[Image courtesy of SmartphonesOfToday]

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 30th 2008 2:09PM]

Crap. I was really wishing for an Access phone from a reliable manufacturer.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 31st 2008 8:14AM]

The story should have noted that, not only is the ALP phone being dropped, but the "more competitive Linux mobile" is going to be based on LiMo.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 9th 2008 1:32AM]

Actually, ALP is part of LiMo, so saying LiMo doesn't necessarily exclude ALP. Asked an Access rep at SF LinuxWorld and he remarked (with the usual disclaimer that the OEMs don't tell them anything) that Samsung is still pinging them with dev-related ALP questions. Perhaps not time to abandon all hope just yet.

My own guess, and that's all it is, is that Samsung is spooked by the iPhone's traction and wants something that provides a little more marketing ammo. Doesn't exclude ALP, but probably means that the UI which was demo'd a year ago needs a few tweaks. btw, saw touch-scrolling work on ALP at the recent LinuxWorld, very pretty.

Time to sit back and practice the zen of new handset non-anticipation. :-)