The BUG is ready to ship, attempts for a Lego-like development experience
Word is out that Bug Labs will be shipping it’s BugBase product, together with it’s modules, starting next week.
The BUG attempts to enable a Lego-like experience to developing devices and gadgets. This is quite a cool idea. What is offered is a base machine (BugBase), which is effectively an ARM-based Linux board in a casing with a small LCD screen and four extension ports where to plug modules. Available modules as of now include an LCD screen, a GPS receiver, a motion detector/accelerometer and a 2 megapixel camera. A much-awaited WiFi module is said to be in the works.
The version of BUG now shipping is said to be based on LTIB, but it has already been announced the BUG will be switching to Poky Linux. These things mean effectively that it is indeed a completely Linux-based device.
The approach of Bug Labs is to build the device into an application development platform, wherein the device is shipped with a base OS and a Java VM, partnered with an Eclipse plugin for the PC wherein one can develop Java-based apps for the machine.
A detailed review of this device has also been posted.
For me, the downside is that the device is a little bit on the expensive side. According to the Bug Labs website, the base device is $349, but with all the modules it becomes $629. Other than that, I would be thrilled to see Igelle OS running on this machine. I don’t know, though, if Bug Labs is supportive of those of us developing alternative operating systems for their devices.
Regardless, best of luck for yet another exciting Linux device!
Leave a Comment