Re: Build our own device
 

If so, I've a list of flippin hundreds of handsets I can have customised costing about $50 each. :D

Re: Build our own device
 

They're speccing an entire phone platform from scratch and not using libhybris so the choices they have are quite narrow. I was thinking more along the lines of finding an existing phone model and running with that and modifying it to match.

Which is exactly what I want to use and abuse. It's exactly what Jolla did and what Intex did. You start with a known working Android phone where all/most of the R&D has been done. That's how you get a cheap, rapidly developed, modern phone.

But, what needs to be carefully done is working out what the base "donor" device spec is so that ports aren't going to see red boxes in the Mer port table.

Re: Build our own device
 

The blobs is the issue.
You won't get the sources of those.
This is what is blocking this kind of development.
Qualcomm et al will deliver the binary blobs for what your need is (currently, updates will cost), given payment, but never the sources.

Re: Build our own device
 

Theres lots of available devices if you look on Alibaba.

But they will be running android, and of course the kernel sources wont match the blobs they give you and then theres all the porting work.

Whilst its not that hard to imagine something like the turing phone but without all the weird stuff, i honestly think we're much better off with the Xperia XC and using the rather nice information that sony provides to get a good port together.

Re: Build our own device
 

By the way, what's wrong with the fairphone? Why do we need another device? For me official support and alien dalvik would be enough.

Re: Build our own device
 

It's extremely expensive (and also too big).

Re: Build our own device
 

And you think building your own device is less expensive? At least there is a very good reason for this high price.

I'm with you, in respect of the size. But I think many others not. I don't think you will find a device that fits the needs of all community members. We want a smaller devices others a large screen. I want a hardware keyboard others not. Some people think the camera is really important others not.

So I know it sounds disenchanted. But building the perfect community device is an illusionary dream.

Re: Build our own device
 

The FP2 is a highly customised device, taking an OEM offering with zero modifications would definitely be cheaper.

I agree that getting everyone to agree on specs is nigh on impossible, but not everyone has to agree for it to be a worthwhile venture. The point of this would be to provide something that the industry at large isn't already providing, so if you want a >=5" screen then you already have lots to choose from, some of which already have working Sailfish Ports.

The hardware keyboard is a sticking point for a lot of people, and I really wonder whether you can get an OEM device with such a thing without it costing Neo900 level prices.

Re: Build our own device
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eaiNsFhtI8

Would be interesting to see a project like this done with a raspberry pi zero and a nice 3d printed case.

Re: Build our own device
 

Don't expect devices like a N900 or N950 in the near future.