Gadgets

Peek Creators Have Linux Envy, Reach Out To Hackers

By John Herrman on July 10, 2009 at 1:20 AM

The point of—and in a way, problem with—Peek messaging devices is just how simple they are: their software does email, sorta, and that’s it. Now Peek is reaching out to users to port Linux to the device.

But wait, doesn’t the Peek already run some kind of stripped-down Linux? You’d think so, but no: it’s a variant on TI’s in-house Nucleus operating system, designed specifically for the OMAP processor used in the Peek. It’s called “Peekux:”

TI’s underlying real-time OS is Nucleus (by Mentor). Its a widely-used RTOS. TI has compiled in device drivers, and other stacks and turned it into their own platform. We then wrap it with our own proprietary GUI and network libraries to create Peekux, and then our email app sits on top of it. All of it is built together as a single image, so there is no distinct OS vs app on our device.

So that’s the software situation, which Peek understandably wants to change to something a bit more versatile. In trade for a successful port, they’re offering a “mini-consulting gig,” the terms of which are unclear, so successful candidates may or may not be paid in piles of Peeks. [Geekypeek via BoingBoing Gadgets]

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Comments (AU Comments | US Comments)

  • chefgon
    July 10, 2009 at 6:36 AM
    I got one of these things at Target for $15 just out of curiosity (no contract = win) and it's a pretty reasonable device that just needs slightly more functionality in order to really be worth it. What it really needs, above all else, is Twitter integration. If I could send and receive Tweets on this thing, as well as being able to search the site, it would suddenly be a really cool device. There are currently email hacks in place where you can send an email to a third party server and it'll post your tweet for you, but it just isn't quite good enough for daily use. Other than that, the obvious IM clients would be a nice touch. There are currently some actual worthwhile hacks in place, like an email address set up that you can email a search term and it returns you the relevant wikipedia article in under a minute. If they could take those kinds of services and build an actual UI around them instead of forcing you to remember text commands for email subjects, then this thing could really be genuinely useful for people who don't pay for smartphone data plans.

    chefgon

  • bradly2795
    July 10, 2009 at 3:44 AM
    Maybe now that they have set the hackers free on the thing (if any even like/use the device) then we may finally see some untapped potential come forth.

    bradly2795

  • computerwiz3491
    July 10, 2009 at 3:13 AM
    I never quite understood Peek. Why would I pay the same amount a month for this device as I pay for my BB's data plan? And apparently the email is quite stripped down for a device that does only email.

    computerwiz3491

  • dragon:ONE
    July 10, 2009 at 3:11 AM
    Yeah, I had one of those things... needless to say it wouldn't work where I live (as the only networks T-Mobile roams on up here are international, and Peek doesn't support international roaming). ... and this commenting system is laggy when I type something.
  • SuppleMonkey
    July 10, 2009 at 2:54 AM
    Wouldn't expanding the device's functionality violate its purpose for being? Kind of like TiVo plastering advertisements all over its UI?
  • TellarHK
    July 10, 2009 at 2:22 AM

    @Kris Aubuchon: Same here. I want to justify a Peek device somehow, but my iPhone makes it useless.

    TellarHK

  • mdmadph
    July 10, 2009 at 1:58 AM

    @WillDenham: Can you get me any of those devices for $20, with a monthly fee of $15 a month?

    That's what the Peek's market is.

  • monkichi
    July 10, 2009 at 1:55 AM

    @orphic1: named his desktop ThunderPrincess.:

    Hehehehehhehehe... You made my belly tingle.

  • Nick
    July 10, 2009 at 1:54 AM

    @orphic1: named his desktop ThunderPrincess.: yeah, what ever happened to the good ol' days with huffing glue and eating lead paint? i can't believe i am saying this, but i would give me good left eye to see my kid sprawled on the floor with propellant-less whip cream cans strewn about over him zombied out in front of those darn interwebs.

    Nick

  • tex210
    July 10, 2009 at 1:48 AM

    @WillDenham: At the end of this month, I will be moving to peek. I have already purchased the device, a steal at target for 14.95, and gotten the free upgrade to pronto. My monthly payment will be under $17.00 (50 every three months) Unlimited text and email... ichat at home to speak with and see my out of town mother (with my 24.95 timewarner internet.)

  • orphic1: named his desktop Thund
    July 10, 2009 at 1:39 AM

    @Nick: Can you believe kids these days? With their my-books and their face-spaces, getting all smacked out on tweets. Damn interweb junkies.

  • Kris Aubuchon
    July 10, 2009 at 1:37 AM

    I really like this device and the company, but I have no idea why.

    Kris Aubuchon

  • Nick
    July 10, 2009 at 1:31 AM

    i don't even think my three year old niece would use this thing. she had grown tired of peek-a-boo and has moved on to hard drugs.

    good luck with your endeavor, boys.

    Nick

  • WillDenham
    July 10, 2009 at 1:30 AM

    What is the point of this thing? Is it super cheap? There's tons of tablet pcs or phones with QWERTY keyboard layouts that could do more then this thing.

    WillDenham

  • Nick2
    July 10, 2009 at 3:02 AM
    @TellarHK: If this was web, email, and tethering, there might have been a use.

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