The penguin is one step closer to becoming BFFs with the iPhone. Recently members of the iPhoneDevTeam ported a working Linux 2.6 kernel to the Apple iPhone. It was thought to be impossible, but using slick reverse engineering, the developers made Linux geeks the world over giddy with delight.
Using a system boot software, OpeniBoot, and a Busybox toolkit, they were able to port the Linux kernel to a jailbroken iPhone. Openiboot allows the iPhone to be booted into more than one operating system. The developers managed to port the Linux Kernal to the iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPod touch. The port has limited ability at the moment, it can only be utilized when the iPhone is connect via USB to a computer, there is no touch screen ability, and don't even think about making a phone call. It's all command line for now.
The iPhoneDevTeam is currently looking for developers to expand driver support to make the touchscreen, wireless networking, sound and other features operational. This is a working proof that Linux can be ported, and given a couple months we will begin to see open-source programming invading our popular mobile device.
This is just the beginning of the many possibilities, "If you're experienced with hacking/porting Linux and especially if you're experienced with porting Android, I'd definitely like to hear from you" said team leader, planetbeing.
If you think you have the chops to try the install, you can check out the instructions. Video of Linux in action on the iPhone is below.
bryan1884
December 02, 2008 at 11:20am
who would ever acually use this? It just seems so...well not that that exciting.....
Roberto Baldwin
December 02, 2008 at 11:54am
Right now, it's pretty lame.
But once they get the OS filled with delicious apps and the ability to use all the iPhone's features, it could be a nice alternative.
Or, you're going to have to use the Command Line for everything. Typing for 5 minutes just to make a call. Yeah, that would suck.
