OpenMoko, the makers of the Neo 1973 Linux-based open source smartphone is currently taking a new strategy in cell phone design. Now offering a build your own case option. Using the philosophy of, “If you can’t open it, you don’t own it.” they have been very into using open and unlocked software and this new case design option is taking this to a new level.
The catch here, which is really a nice idea is that your creations have to be shared back with the community. OpenMoko is releasing the CAD files under a ShareAlike Creative Commons license.
As an Industrial Designer I felt a little envy of the Open Source community of programmers when I first discovered the Neo 1973. I had just found a new attitude as well as a device that promised to cure all the problems of current handheld communications/computing devices; yet the only way I could be part of this new “ubiquitous computing” frontier would be as an early adopter or beta tester.
Since the CAD files for the first model have become available I now feel I can contribute to the Open Community myself and have as much fun as the programmers have had with the OS and applications, but with the device (I resist to call it just a phone) shape itself!
My first contribution to OpenMoko’s initiative is also possibly what most users would buy right after the phone itself; a flexible skin that fits snugly the Neo’s outer surfaces and provides a rugged feeling to either the Neo 1973 or the upcoming Freerunner (they share the same outer geometry).
I have added a new section to my website where you can view all my future concepts and accessories for any OpenMoko powered device as well as download any 3D CAD files and graphics I used to create the projects themselves under the Creative Commons license. Anyone is welcome to download actual CNC machinable Class “A” surfaces for the NeoSkin project as well as any other accessory or case design I come up for the Neos.
Best Regards,
Guillermo Sureda-Burgos | http://www.sureda.org
i wanna make a cell phone case.
ahhh that's too sweet. I really want my own designed phone. Tired of all those nokias.
Is there anywhere you can design a phone holder on the the internet??