Blog Update 11/23/08

[adamorjames]

Check out the new blog update. http://openpandora.org/blog.php
Thoughts?

Complete post by EvilDragon, for quoting and linking purposes:

Hi folks!

The last weeks have been crazy. There's so much we learnt: Worldwide Financial crisis' are not good - banks go crazy, which lead to the huge 'refund and repay'-issue (which is still going on...). It's also not good for all the part manufactures - as they tend to become very cautious which leads to delays. And state-of-the-art products are complicated to produce (the mass production companies are still optimizing to be able to produce the Pandora without having too many broken boards!)
Yep, we learnt a lot and it is already much we achieved. But there's still some things to do.

You've all been waiting for a status update, eh? Well, here it comes:

1. Almost ALL drivers have been finished and work fine so far!
2. 20 MK2 devboards have been produced and have been sent out to some devs!
3. PXML Fileformat definition is finished.
4. Prototype keypad and case have been ordered (nope, we don't know yet exactly when they're finished)
5. Chip from the gp32x.de boards is now officially helping us with tiny news and informations. Thanks a bunch and welcome to the team!

So, as you might've guessed, we can't deliver the final units end of November. It might even take until 2009 - but we won't say any date yet. With all those delays the various manufacturers had, it's nigh impossible to give out a date. But we're really working hard to make it as soon as possible! Promised!
We're really sorry about that - but because of that financial crise, everything in the world seems to have gone crazy (heck, even my Pandora-Poloshirts have been delayed for over a week already!). Without that, we had a very good chance to finish in-time - but that crisis was something we didn't expect. Nobody did, I guess. We also like to THANK YOU VERY MUCH for supporting us! We won't let you down - and this is another promise!

Now, to show you guys we've been working on some stuff:
The most recent kernel source can be downloaded using our GIT server:
git://git.openpandora.org/pandora-kernel.git
Use the pandora-27-omap1 branch for the moment, there will soon be a 2.6.28.

Get the latest definition of the PXML format here.

IPB Image
Here is also a picture that shows that Bluetooth is working.

Oh, and if you need a subdomain, webspace or GIT Server for any Pandora-Project, be sure to send me (EvilDragon) an eMail (EvilDragon_at_openpandora.org). We will host it for free!

Now, back to work for me... and sorry again about any delays. I know how you feel... I had to wait for my PSP, eeePC, mobile phone... hmm. Is there ANY device today that is being released the day it has been announced for? Hmmm...

 

[Vorporeal]

It's quite interesting. It's very nice to know that everything would have been completed if it wasn't for the financial crisis - it means that the dev team's really on top of things.

 

[joseluisjazz]

Nice to hear some words from the guys

 

[jbr]

Uhhhh... I'm practically ill with anticipation!
ED, I hold your sentiments exactly when it comes to the idea that most cutting edge devices see many delays before their release. And most of those are made by huge companies with billions of dollars invested in the thing!
I mean, think, if even Sony can't get a device out on time, I can't imagine how difficult it must be for an independent group to do it, and during a financial crisis to boot!

One thing, though. Even though the ongoing delays are understandable, some people are going to be very upset. I think the devs need to keep in mind that speed is of the utmost importance if they don't want this delay issue to go down in history as the "Great Pandora First-Adopters Fiasco" (like the 1st batch gp2x issues).

 

[Chip]

Complete post by EvilDragon, for quoting and linking purposes:

Hi folks!

The last weeks have been crazy. There's so much we learnt: Worldwide Financial crisis' are not good - banks go crazy, which lead to the huge 'refund and repay'-issue (which is still going on...). It's also not good for all the part manufactures - as they tend to become very cautious which leads to delays. And state-of-the-art products are complicated to produce (the mass production companies are still optimizing to be able to produce the Pandora without having too many broken boards!)
Yep, we learnt a lot and it is already much we achieved. But there's still some things to do.

You've all been waiting for a status update, eh? Well, here it comes:

1. Almost ALL drivers have been finished and work fine so far!
2. 20 MK2 devboards have been produced and have been sent out to some devs!
3. PXML Fileformat definition is finished.
4. Prototype keypad and case have been ordered (nope, we don't know yet exactly when they're finished)
5. Chip from the gp32x.de boards is now officially helping us with tiny news and informations. Thanks a bunch and welcome to the team!

So, as you might've guessed, we can't deliver the final units end of November. It might even take until 2009 - but we won't say any date yet. With all those delays the various manufacturers had, it's nigh impossible to give out a date. But we're really working hard to make it as soon as possible! Promised!
We're really sorry about that - but because of that financial crise, everything in the world seems to have gone crazy (heck, even my Pandora-Poloshirts have been delayed for over a week already!). Without that, we had a very good chance to finish in-time - but that crisis was something we didn't expect. Nobody did, I guess. We also like to THANK YOU VERY MUCH for supporting us! We won't let you down - and this is another promise!

Now, to show you guys we've been working on some stuff:
The most recent kernel source can be downloaded using our GIT server:
git://git.openpandora.org/pandora-kernel.git
Use the pandora-27-omap1 branch for the moment, there will soon be a 2.6.28.

Get the latest definition of the PXML format here.

Here is also a picture that shows that Bluetooth is working.

Oh, and if you need a subdomain, webspace or GIT Server for any Pandora-Project, be sure to send me (EvilDragon) an eMail (EvilDragon_at_openpandora.org). We will host it for free!

Now, back to work for me... and sorry again about any delays. I know how you feel... I had to wait for my PSP, eeePC, mobile phone... hmm. Is there ANY device today that is being released the day it has been announced for? Hmmm...

 

[White Demon]

Nice to see anothe informative update, this time from ED. Wow, this means in the past week all the major devs have provided us with Pandora updates. Very nice.

Good to see things are all starting to come together.
Hopefully pictures of a finished Pandora aren't too far away now.

 

[EvilDragon]

Well, we ARE working as fast as possible already. But you also don't want Pandoras that break, when they fall 10cm to the ground, right?
Don't worry. We're at it - and barely sleeping (it's 4:30 am already here in Germany... and tomorrow is a normal workday for me, yeeha).

 

[Klepto]

The team's hard work is appreciated and I for one will wait patiently until the glorious day my Pandora arrives. In the mean time can we start a sweepstake on the date they start to ship? I'd like to put my money on Jan 21st 2009 please

As for the financial crisis: there's a reason the phrase "merchant banker" is used as rhyming slang

 

[devhace]

ED, your guys' attitude is amazing. I'd have given up ages ago if I was in your position. Even though some people are frustrated (including me) it's awesome to see that you're still as optimistic as when you started.

 

[EvilDragon]

ED, your guys' attitude is amazing. I'd have given up ages ago if I was in your position. Even though some people are frustrated (including me) it's awesome to see that you're still as optimistic as when you started.

Giving up is a no-go!
Firstly, we don't want to let you all down.. secondly, well, there's a lot of money in it.
If I would give up... I'd have serious money problems. Which would definately mean the end of all the file archives.... and basically additionally destroy my life

So... no chance this won't happen

 

[gaterooze]

Good stuff, guys. While I really wanted this gizmo for an Xmas trip, I'm completely happy to wait until the new year to have a quality assured Pandora. Sounds like there will be a bit more software available then anyway.

Keep on keepin' on.

 

[Lorkile]

Rats, I was really hoping to have this to show off this xmas (relatives and such that I see maybe once a year) but am more then willing to wait.

Thanks for the great update on news, this does really re-assure me that the wait will be worth it (too many people I've met online I trust have told me they back this for me not to have supported it) and the wait. Hope my new PSP holds me over until then.

 

[Mjlink]

Me & my GP2X get more quality time.
Peace & Danks for the update.

Link

 

[Joshwaan2k]

Thanks Evil for update.

Really happy with all the updates. Can't wait to try the unit.

Thanks

Josh

 

[CronoTriggerfan]

Ugh, 2009 for sure? It'd be nice to know all this shit before I threw $400 at some prototype boards and concept art. Oh well, I guess now it's just time to wait. The only worry I have at this point is that people will be so jaded by the time it took to get here that it won't be able to satisfy the incredible demand. Then again, looking around at some of the mindless fanboys foaming at the mouth here, they'd probably be happy if they got a rock in the mail tomorrow...

Shit happens, I guess. Hopefully the team keeps working as hard as they are and this all eventually pays off for them. Until then, we shall see!

 

[nightwheel]

Nice to see the Bluetooth on the Pandora working.

I may have not ordered on the First Batch. But I sure as heck will try to order on the Second batch!

 

[TyBO!]

Thanks for the status update ED!

I really don't mind waiting, so long as those buying the Pandora are kept informed on the status of things. There was a while recently where it felt like we were all in the dark on the Pandora and that it could possibly be (dare I say it?) vaporware. Glad that's not the case!

Oh, and curse the banks for ruining the world economy.

 

[TrevorBradley]

I'm also in the "Don't mind waiting. Very happy to see updates" camp. We're very content waiting as long as we get updates, even if that means more delays.

One recommendation: Get some more sleep! The product will come out better and sooner (yes, sooner!) that way. Be methodical, take your time, get it right.

Thanks for keeping us informed, ED...

 

[-knowledge123]

I'm also in the "Don't mind waiting. Very happy to see updates" camp. We're very content waiting as long as we get updates, even if that means more delays.

One recommendation: Get some more sleep! The product will come out better and sooner (yes, sooner!) that way. Be methodical, take your time, get it right.

Thanks for keeping us informed, ED...

Wise words Mirroring my thoughts exactly. With all of the team's commitment and enthusiasm, it raises my belief that this is going to be one butt-kicking product.

Keep on rolling guys! The crises you face now will be more than worth it when the final product is in our hands.

 

[chaoskid42]

This means the LCD issue was resolved too I hope...?...since he said the bank issue was the only issue holding them back. I really was holding my breath for end of November, and although it's sad they were delayed, I can at least breathe easy now that I know the delivery is a ways off.