NewsArchive2003

= 29.11.03 Opie version 1.0.3 released =

The Opie Team is proud to announce the release of version 1.0.3.

The Opie 1.0.x branch is now closed (really - even for bugfixes) and all development goes into the HEAD - which will eventually become Opie 1.2. Since 1.0.0, a number of important things went into Opie:


 * Lots of bugfixes and improved i18n (various contributors)
 * Drastically reduced application startup times (TrollTech,zecke,harlekin)
 * The Documents Tab now is optional (mickeyl)
 * Basic support for HP iPAQ 54xx and the Jornada 5xx (chicken)

For Opie 1.2, there is also a lot of interesting stuff in the pipeline - however the Opie Team is seriously lacking personnel resources, so don't expect any releases soon.

We are however glad to have found a new packager for both the Ipaq and the Zaurus (OpenZaurus), but we are still lacking a dedicated packager for the SharpROM. Currently no one on the Opie team uses the SharpROM, so if you want to see further support, now is the time become an active participant.

Some of the planned features and capabilities for the future as well as a roadmap draft can be found on the Opie Wiki. Also under construction is a major redesign of the Opie website - we are glad to welcome our new Opie Webmaster who will introduce himself later.

The Feeds will be updated later this week. Updated images for devices running the OpenZaurus Linux distribution are soon available from the OpenZaurus website. See also the first OpenEmbedded / OpenZaurus / Opie newsletter.

= 24.08.03 Calling all developers! =

Now that version 1.0 is out the door, we have exciting plans for the future versions of Opie. However, we need help making those plans into reality.

If you are interested, please join us on IRC (freenode.net, channel #opie) or join the mailing list (opie@handhelds.org). Also, visit the Developers page for more information about where Opie is going and what tasks are available.

= 04.08.03 Opie version 1.0 released =

Finally the wait is over.

The Open Palmtop Integrated Environment Opie is pleased to announce its first 1.0 release. Having been forked from TrollTechs(tm) Qtopia(tm) environment Opie has emerged into the most sophisticated free and open graphical user interface for Linux based embedded devices and PDAs.

Opie features a sophisticated personal information (PIM) framework as well as several other productivity apps, extended multimedia capabilities and document model, networking and communication tools as well as multi language support for more than a dozen languages. Based on common industry standards like XML, Obex, IrDa et. al. Opies is capable to interact with lots of devices ranging from cell phones to server backends. Opie is highly optimzed for mobile devices and tries to support the user with shortcuts and ease of use.

No matter whether one would like to organize life issues, keep up to date reading daily news or requires a mobile internet accessing terminal, Opie provides all capabilities necessary for daily usage.

Key highlights of Opie:


 * Binary compatibility with Sharp Zaurus applications
 * Sophisticated PIM framework (including an easy to use access API) with addressbook, todolist, today, mail, drawpad, datebook, texteditor and search-all-facility
 * Today application featuring plugins for dates, todos, mail, birthdays, weather and stock values
 * Multimedia capabilities provided by the xine based based opieplayer2 (featuring streaming audio and video) and image viewer
 * Palmdoc compatible opie-reader for ebook reading and, in cooperation with eg. jpluckx (http://jpluck.sourceforge.net) daily news coverage
 * Linux shell/terminal providing access to the operating system (for those who care)
 * Network based installation and setup management
 * PDF reader based on xpdf
 * IRC client, konqueror web browser an mail reader
 * Multiple input plugins to ease data input
 * Network time support and time correction capabilities
 * Full network setup support through plugins (wlan, ethernet, ppp, irda)
 * adaptive backlight settings and calibration (for devices light sensors)
 * Advanced security supporting Linux security services
 * Syncable with KDE PIM/Kolab, MS Outlook and Qtopia Desktop (3rd party tools necessary)
 * Voice memos
 * Backup and Restore capabilities to CF/SD cards
 * Data exchange with Palms, PocketPC, mobile phones and other bluetooth/IrDa capable devices
 * Fully localized
 * Themes and styles to adapt look and feel to your personal flavor

Opie is designed to run on all Linux based devices. Images and packgages are currently available for HP iPAQs, Sharp Zauri and SimPad. The platform has also proven to be running on Psion5, Ramses, Tuxphone, Simputer and lots of other embedded Linux devices.

We as the Opie team believe in the strengths of the software as an open productivity and business platform and will be continue to develop it any further- new and exciting features are already in the queue. We would also like to thank our supporters and developers for making this 1.0 version possible.