When we covered the WikiReader here, the offline wikipedia device last week, we weren’t sure whether or not it would support software updates.  Well, we had a brief chat with the manufacturers (OpenMoko, the same guys who were behind the FreeRunner linux based mobile phone) and they have confirmed that there are two ways of performing software updates.

• Firstly, and the easiest way; each wikipedia data update will ship on SD card with the latest software / firmware for the device (the SD card delivery option is a chargeable option). For those who download the free 4GB image instead, this will also contain the software update when released (they plan to release wikipedia updates twice a year on SD card and quarterly for download).
• Secondly, if you are really keen, you can actually access their source code and compile it yourself! For those not quite that keen, we believe you can also access a pre-compiled copy of the software providing you access to any new functions / bugfixes from the same website, although for many, it will be easier to stick to the SD card image updates.

This is good news, and we are always supportive of companies who not just produce units, but continue to support them into the future; okay the device may only get 1 or 2 minor software updates, but if the company ever completely gave up on the device, we reckon it wouldn’t be long before an enterprising developer (or community) would step in and help out.  As it is, the device has ongoing support, and apparently takes about 6 days in shipping time between the US and Europe (although watch out for the UK Postal Strikes getting in the way).

We also chatted about the update service, and although they will be producing quarterly updates available to download, the SD card option will be $29  shipping for two updates per year, so, assuming the same $19.20 shipping charge applies, that will be $29 + 2 * $19.20, so still less than $70 all in.

This entry was posted on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 4:45 pm and is filed under Gadgets. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.