Linux running on iPhone [Archive]

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NightLord

Jan 14, 2007, 09:16 PM

clevin

Jan 14, 2007, 09:20 PM

it won't happen, no market, and nobody cares. :D

compuwar

Jan 14, 2007, 09:31 PM

it won't happen, no market, and nobody cares. :D

Neither of those have been detrimental to porting Linux in the past :D

kalisphoenix

Jan 14, 2007, 09:37 PM

no market, and nobody cares. :D

You do know what Linux is, right?

clevin

Jan 14, 2007, 09:39 PM

You do know what Linux is, right?

oh, i think so, if the SuSE on my compaq and 15Ubuntu CD i ordered is linux.

wozzlewoozle

Jan 14, 2007, 09:43 PM

it won't happen, no market, and nobody cares. :D

No market? Ya we know Linux is all about the money.....:confused:

Maxwell Smart

Jan 14, 2007, 10:31 PM

I think it would be pretty tough, as you'd have to get the special touch screen working too.

Warbrain

Jan 14, 2007, 10:38 PM

I think it would be pretty tough, as you'd have to get the special touch screen working too.

That would most likely be the main thing holding it back from ever happening. And personally, I don't want it to ever happen.

product26

Jan 15, 2007, 12:40 AM

it won't happen, no market, and nobody cares. :D

i better take linux off my iPod... apparently it doesn't exist.

bousozoku

Jan 15, 2007, 01:43 AM

it won't happen, no market, and nobody cares. :D

Someone will care and that someone will be porting Linux to the iPhone. As for anyone else, I don't believe they will. It'll be a trophy, no more than that.

I don't see Linux on the iPod as being terribly useful but it was a victory to get it running.

iW00t

Jan 15, 2007, 02:10 AM

It'd be a waste.

Doubt anybody can make a linux alternative that looks as good as the stock iPhone firmware.

thewhitehart

Jan 15, 2007, 02:20 AM

It would be an interesting nerd project, and I'd love to see it done by someone else for the 'wow' factor. That's it, basically. For $500, I expect extreme functionality and ease of use for a telephony / PDA device. I want it to smack of proprietary software. Linux can play tinker-toy on my 2001 year old Dell, thank you very much! :D

trapperjohn117

Jan 15, 2007, 05:49 AM

The first thing i thought of when i heard a version of mac os x runs on the iphone was "I wonder how long it'll be untill theres a linux port?"

clevin

Jan 15, 2007, 08:32 AM

i better take linux off my iPod... apparently it doesn't exist.
oops. i didn't say so, and frankly, that sounds impressive.;)

The General

Jan 15, 2007, 02:37 PM

Doubt anybody can make a linux alternative that looks as good as the stock iPhone firmware.

Why not? Apple did it... :rolleyes:

Teh Don Ditty

Jan 16, 2007, 12:37 AM

I give it 2 months. But as somebody already mentioned the real challenge will be getting the touch screen interface to work. If they do that, I will be impressed.

- The Don Ditty (aka Mike)

mrkramer

Jan 16, 2007, 12:40 AM

it won't happen, no market, and nobody cares. :D

Someone will care enough to get it to work I'm guessing it will take about a month.

Nermal

Jan 16, 2007, 01:04 AM

And personally, I don't want it to ever happen.

You don't want choice? :eek:

Prom1

Jan 16, 2007, 02:56 AM

Neither of those have been detrimental to porting Linux in the past :D

Depends what you define as Detrimental?

Mine are:

1) it costs more for developing Linux OS to be a fully stable (with GUI not just command line) for a smartphone than a server implementation. Remember you still gotta pay knowledgeable ppl Radio's that are compatible and research for your target/mass market. Motorola has been doing it for over 5 years and still its a crippled OS that even the underground developers are struggling with because of the limitations that are hardware without open source knowledge and open source accessibility to that knowledge - proprietory licensing in full effect. Access also has already delayed the Palm OS on LInux a few months even though they too have had 2+ (just over) to work with this.

2) Imatating a GUI is one thing; making it perform just as good or better functionality than what its performing or to enhance user experience is a whole new path. I dont see how Linux can improve on complex tasks that even power users will covet from what those iPhone skins for PPC-PE do for the XDA Neo device > very capable and sheek looking but still not my taste for a powerphone.

3) Cheaper device & development resources doesnt equate to growing coffers or higher profit margin or larger profits. Just ask Sharp over that Zaurus lineup that evolve into the Linux OS devices' very powerful and incredible design ... do you see those evolving and making profits ? No.

Nicolasdec

Jan 21, 2007, 11:49 AM

i say 10 days

zane

Jan 21, 2007, 02:59 PM

I give it 3 hours.

Nicolasdec

Jan 21, 2007, 03:58 PM

I give it 3 hours.
haha that whould be funny

OnceInaLifetime

Nov 29, 2008, 02:58 AM

well regardless of your thoughts now...

http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/linux-hits-the-iphone/

only a matter of time to they get full support now!

oh yeah, and if you do not understand why linux on the iphone will be so useful, dont worry about it, it won't matter to you anyway ;)

Aurial

Nov 29, 2008, 06:10 AM

This will be really good if they can get Android up and running on the iPhone.

People will finaly be able to get MMS, Copy/Paste and probably a few other things they've been complaining about.

scaredpoet

Nov 29, 2008, 11:20 AM

well regardless of your thoughts now...

http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/linux-hits-the-iphone/

only a matter of time to they get full support now!

Uhm, let's see here.... no touch screen drivers... no Wifi drivers... no sound... no cell radio... hmm, so they managed to make the iPhone a paperweight that displays a bootloader. I don't count this as a "win," and if even basic functions aren't, well, functional, then I'm not even sure it's "only a matter of time."

oh yeah, and if you do not understand why linux on the iphone will be so useful, dont worry about it, it won't matter to you anyway ;)

This reasoning is exactly why linux continues to have such a paltry user base compared to other platforms. It continually astounds me how linux advocates complain about being marginalized in one breath, and in the next they make statements like this that effectively promote that marginalization.

abijnk

Nov 29, 2008, 11:46 AM

so they managed to make the iPhone a paperweight that displays a bootloader. I don't count this as a "win,"

You don't? Well then, lets see you do it. ;)

It is a big deal. You have to stand before you can walk, and this is clearly Linux standing on an iPhone.

mkrishnan

Nov 29, 2008, 11:52 AM

It is a big deal. You have to stand before you can walk, and this is clearly Linux standing on an iPhone.

It'll be interesting to see... in several years, iPodLinux didn't really go anywhere after it was initially put together. But the iPhone and iPod touch are much more tempting targets than earlier iPods.

Between OpenMoko (http://www.openmoko.com/) and Google Android, there are some compelling alternatives that could possibly run on the iPhone (and cough, I guess, for that matter, WM also can be made to run on it).

It may also spur development that extends to benefits in Linux software development outside the iPhone. Certainly, if this generates good multi-touch codebase for the Linux community, that in itself will be a major investment in Linux's future on consumer devices.

As iTunes protected music is one aspect of the iPhone I appreciate, and my core important feature set (trouble-free syncing of PIM functions, for instance, and simple, highly functional, but elegant interfacing / HIG) has never been a priority to the Linux community, I somehow doubt I would actually run Linux on my iPhone (even though I am typing from Linux right now).

But I still think it's a good development, and they deserve a round of cheers for what they've been able to do.

scaredpoet

Nov 29, 2008, 11:55 AM

You don't? Well then, lets see you do it. ;)

I don't care to. :)

It is a big deal. You have to stand before you can walk, and this is clearly Linux standing on an iPhone.

Laying down, more like.

abijnk

Nov 29, 2008, 11:59 AM

It'll be interesting to see... in several years, iPodLinux didn't really go anywhere after it was initially put together. But the iPhone and iPod touch are much more tempting targets than earlier iPods.

Between OpenMoko (http://www.openmoko.com/) and Google Android, there are some compelling alternatives that could possibly run on the iPhone (and cough, I guess, for that matter, WM also can be made to run on it).

It may also spur development that extends to benefits in Linux software development outside the iPhone. Certainly, if this generates good multi-touch codebase for the Linux community, that in itself will be a major investment in Linux's future on consumer devices.

As iTunes protected music is one aspect of the iPhone I appreciate, and my core important feature set (trouble-free syncing of PIM functions, for instance, and simple, highly functional, but elegant interfacing / HIG) has never been a priority to the Linux community, I somehow doubt I would actually run Linux on my iPhone (even though I am typing from Linux right now).

But I still think it's a good development, and they deserve a round of cheers for what they've been able to do.

I think its got a lot of potential. Sure, it is going to take a fairly long time before anyone really gets this thing moving with an major gusto, but the devices will also be changing during this time. The dynamic element is obviously another hurdle, but by the time we do have a nice codebase for multi-touch and the like (which I hope comes out of this) things like the iPhone will be able to do one heck of a lot with it.

But then again I am just a lowly code junkie who likes to mess with stuff just to mess with stuff, so I'd like it either way. :o

Lindsay Russell

Nov 29, 2008, 05:07 PM

A while ago I found this super post: the iPhone Dev team has running Linux successfully on the iPhone and iPod Touch. This is the original article ... http://applediario.com/en/

NotFound

Nov 29, 2008, 05:10 PM

It's actually just command line stuff, a shell. Nothing graphical yet but soon hopefully!

jmann

Nov 29, 2008, 05:12 PM

This has already been posted. Also I believe the news was officially release here (http://blog.iphone-dev.org/) on the dev team's blog.

jav6454

Nov 29, 2008, 06:22 PM

We all know that there are people, who as soon as they get an iPhone are gonna be messing about with the firmware and such. How long do you think it'll take for linux for iPhone to appear?

I give it 2 weeks after launch.

It already appeared. There is no touch, sound, GSM or Wi-Fi support, but the kernel is working.

All we need now is a more user friendly Shell with a good GUI.

iPhone Dev Team member planetbeing has been able to even upload a set of instructions and a video of an iPhone running Linux kernel

sUGArDawg

Nov 30, 2008, 10:07 AM

Meh...the reason I love the iPhone is basically the OS. I don't want it dirtied up w/ anything else....damaged goods

Winni

Nov 30, 2008, 11:04 AM

Meh...the reason I love the iPhone is basically the OS. I don't want it dirtied up w/ anything else....damaged goods

It's good for you that you're happy with the one or two things the completely closed down OS X iPhone let's you do. Others are not happy with it, and I'm very happy that they managed to get the Linux kernel running on the iPod Touch; now there's a chance that this thing can be put to more use than just playing mp3 files and videos.

With Linux, the iPod Touch has the chance of becoming what Apple denies it to be: A real PDA.

Bear Hunter

Nov 30, 2008, 11:53 AM

It's good for you that you're happy with the one or two things the completely closed down OS X iPhone let's you do. Others are not happy with it, and I'm very happy that they managed to get the Linux kernel running on the iPod Touch; now there's a chance that this thing can be put to more use than just playing mp3 files and videos.

With Linux, the iPod Touch has the chance of becoming what Apple denies it to be: A real PDA.

I don't know much about Linux, and my bet is not very many people who browse these boards do either. That being said please provide a specific list of things you could do on the iPhone running Linux that is above and beyond current jailbroken capabilities. I'm not looking for generalities like "a real PDA"..that doesn't tell me anything. I'm looking for specifics.

Bear Hunter

Nov 30, 2008, 02:22 PM

Gee Whiz factor? Just like a new theme, everyone wants it because it's new?

The lack of response isn't very convincing.

bradenwh

Nov 30, 2008, 03:18 PM

If you don't like technological advances, then leave. And Linux on the iPhone is definitely an technological advance.

If you couldn't care less about Linux on the iPhone, then why post in a thread about Linux on the iPhone?

iPhone Linux is a big deal. More than what most of you could accomplish. Could you even begin to reverse engineer Apple's hardware drivers? Doubt it.

So stop ruining the success of others, because you're not fond of what they accomplished.

sUGArDawg

Nov 30, 2008, 03:31 PM

Bear Hunter

Nov 30, 2008, 03:32 PM

OnceInaLifetime

Nov 30, 2008, 06:01 PM

Uhm, let's see here.... no touch screen drivers... no Wifi drivers... no sound... no cell radio... hmm, so they managed to make the iPhone a paperweight that displays a bootloader. I don't count this as a "win," and if even basic functions aren't, well, functional, then I'm not even sure it's "only a matter of time."

This reasoning is exactly why linux continues to have such a paltry user base compared to other platforms. It continually astounds me how linux advocates complain about being marginalized in one breath, and in the next they make statements like this that effectively promote that marginalization.

well it only makes sense you would attempt to discredit it, seeing as you have little idea what you are talking about, but no problem. firstly, The majority of the functions are missing because the hardware is not only completely unique to the iphone (and ipod touch) but also there is no documentation for it, (apple's attempt to discourage tinkering). the hardest part, reverse engineering and bypassing firmware security measures then booting the unsigned code, is over; now the dev team can focus on writing device drivers for all the missing features. secondly, why linux on the iphone? because with linux, developers are allowed the freedom to do anything and everything with the iphone, no restrictions plus since its linux, linux-based apps are a port away, and who says linux is marginalized? if you like it great, if you dont there's two major companies you can choose from, MS or apple, take your pick. as for linux, its versatility is boundless; kernals have been compiled for desktops, laptops, servers, phones, security hardware, and even watches! and because of its reliability it really excels on the server front, as of august 2008, of the top 500 servers in the world, 423 (84.6%) use linux. 8/10 of the most reliable net hosting companies use linux. whatever marginalization you are talking about, linux isn't feeling it.

'Paltry' user base? hmm.. you may be right.
http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_os.asp

sUGArDawg

Nov 30, 2008, 07:54 PM

Nerd fight! Nerd fight!

OnceInaLifetime

Dec 8, 2008, 11:15 PM

I love technological advances. I am asking for specifics since I don't know much about Linux. So far I have not heard anything. Tell me specifically why it is a big deal.

some people can come across a bit too defensive before they listen, but i will most certainly oblige you. On the public side of things, linux on the iphone is just more ammunition in favor of the argument that is telling the world ''linux can be run on anything even remotely resembling circuitry, and no measure you take to secure your hardware will stop us.'' the iphone was massively secured, the hardware was totally unique and no information describing how the stuff inside the iphone went about doings was ever officially published (AKA, hardware documentation.) which means they had to:
1) figure how the iphone harware functioned
2) compile a Linux kernel designed run on that hardware
3) bypass the firmware security, access restrictions, code authorization etc in order actually boot into linux (on the iphone, of course)

now with the hardest part over they have to create device drivers for all the features (GPS, accelerometer, wifi, touchscreen etc) to get them working and then bascially they can make it do anything they want. the have full access to the device and its features. before you did not have full access and now you do with linux installed. for example, the normal iphone's bluetooth can only connected to headsets, but with linux on it and no security protecting the blue tooth device inside the iphone from executing external code you can now make that blue tooth hookup to anything.
so bascially you can do anything you want when its linux (because linux is open source). and its says to apple they can't stop linux. of course neither can any other company on the planet.
want to hear the project leader's reason for hacking the iphone?

http://linuxoniphone.blogspot.com/2008/06/why-iphone-linux.html