Too bad, the Pandora 2 is becoming less and less an option for me. First the announcement that it will be just another Android device (I know, no one will keep us from putting another OS on it, but if the manufacturer doesn't encourage it, and doesn't spend a dime on development on this, I highly doubt that something really usefull will come out of it).
I haven't wrote anything else, but there is a difference between having the possibilty of installing a Linux based system, and the manufacturer activly working on it.
If you can direct me to "official" statements that back this up I stand corrected (except the horrible ICP 2 key layout, which just sucks), otherwise this is just wishfull thinking in the same line as bobs console (aka nD). Launching apks directly out of a new Version of miniMenu would need a Dalvik VM for the Pandora => highly unlikely
Because it's a step backwards regarding the current Pandoras keyboard layout (meaning the physical layout of the keys):
Partially, even if the ICP2 is a success (which I honestly hope for you) it probably won't generate enough money to enable you to stem Pandora 2 alone. Leaving out the fact, that the success of the ICP2 will decrease the number of potential Pandora 2 buyers. Remember these endless number of posts ?:
lots of more buttons that should be spend to get more "standard" keyboard layout compatibility instead of placing the Pandorabutton in a rather ackward place. Also hard the believe that a audience that mainly focuses on a smartpone would care about a button for a device they won't buy anyway.
well, it was enough space on Pandoras board (which sure has a lot more parts on it than the ICP2), so why not assume that there would be enough space ?
can't argue about that - tried to ask you several times, but you (understandably) did not seem to notice. But holding the Pandora in hands right now, does suggest it was usefull to leave the keys out of that particular area
Having the intend to do something isn't the same as making it real. I did understand that Craig doesn't not force android on "us", but I got the impression that he is fine with Android on the Pandora and does not see the need for anything else on it (in the sense of: "I already have something working good on the Pandora, why should I invest time, money, nerves, hair, etc. on an alternativ)
why wouldn't a smaller one be sufficent (making room for more keys if the needlessly big buttons would vanish) ?
is that set in stone yet? Well, then: reason number three, why Pandora two isn't for me
the things I mentioned ?
master/slave sounds exiting
Is this implying that you will seriously consider a modular setup if the iCP2 kickstarter pulls off?
I meant final decisions. I doubt any aspects of the P2 have really been decided yet.
Idea:
Screen is whatever resolution seems suitable/available at the time
Motherboard has up-to-date ARM SOC, TV out, internal display connection, one SDXC slot, audio out, micro USB AB, analogue volume control, power switch, USB host
Pandora weirdness includes hardware specific stuff that should be separate from the main board (e.g. battery handling)
Daughter board has one SDXC slot, audio line in, GPS, DVB/DAB, one USB host socket, solder pads for internal USB host (instead of second battery), accelerometer, microphone, random external connectors on pcb headers
Model B could be available as an upgrade from model A
The daughter board and motherboard could be improved and also made available as upgrades (or fit-it-yourself)
The motherboard could be available on its own, or in a set-top-box case, etc
I think you're onto something there - but I would count on the 'pandora weirdness' to be 1/2 of the base footprint and then each of the batteries to be just a touch lower in capacity - like 2200mAh. Then allow for 1/2 footprint modules to be stacked onto the bottom of it. Each module would be required to have both the male and female 'surface plug' on them so they can be stacked in any order.
I could see the following module types - and a case for ANYTHING that a module can do being LEFT OUT of the main motherboard/unit. Yes, this means a theoretical Pandora with NO SD slots. It may even be possible that the 'Pandora Weirdness' block above is actually just a 'wireless module'.
The leads going through the 'surface plug' would need to include USB 3.0, power, some sort of 'active battery selector' logic, HDMI leads, etc - it would need to be a high density connector. The mating between the unit and the modules would need to be extremely durable.
1. Battery module. Need piles of battery? Add two more 2200mAh half footprint bases to it = 6600mAh. No real limit here - you could stack 11 batteries on the thing and make it 4" thick with a week and a half of continuous run time if you want.
2. USB and card reader module. Need a USB 3.0 hub/card reader with two ports out the back and two SDXC slots out the front - stack one of those 1/2 footprint jobs onto it. With this as a module and this example, it may make sense to put a microSD card into the pico ITX motherboard layer in the main example.
3. Wireless Connectivity Module. Bluetooth, wifi, IRDA even? All self contained with antenna in the module.
4. Entertainment Center Connectivity Module. HDMI, RCA jacks, Stereo Mic in, Display port, anything else you can jam a plug for on any of the three exposed sides of the module.
5. Wallet Module. With just 0.5cm more depth it could hold credit cards, ID & currency. (OK - so I'm running out of ideas.)
I'm sure the ICP2s key layout/placement will suit the ICP2s usecases very good (well, except that two big buttons, which do not make any sense to me). The problem I see is that the use cases for the ICP2 and the Pandora 2 aren't the same. Having something to control "everything" (PCs, Tablets, Phones, etc.) and having controls tailored to a specific device in the first place are totally different things. It's the old "one size fits all" approach, which will leave the Pandora 2 with a inferior keyboard (compared to the first Pandora) behind.
Very old news, can't find the actual source right now, but Craig stated that the manufacturer of the SoC that is (highly ?) likely to be used in P2 will provide a working Android build with it, so its hard to believe that Craig will invest any time/work/money/etc. in a real Linux system. He always wanted a more iOS like OS (in terms of usability) for the Pandora, which he simply hadn't the resources for to make it back then, Leaving ED as the sole manufacturer supporting it, but ED is no developer. I'd say it all comes down to notaz - if notaz has no interest in supporting P2, there will be only some half supported builds of some Limux flavours for the Pandora, but nothing really substantial. I know, there are others who do a lot of "grunts" work on the OS behind the scenes, but notaz is the most active one, and is the one who weaves everything together in a usable form.
Using the iCP2 as base would only allow a 4inch screen. It was stated that P2 will have at least HD resolution. And a 4 inch screen with HD? That wouldn't make any sence. For many reasons they almost "have" to use a 5inch display if not more. As you can see, using die iCP will never fit (Galaxy note - 5.3inch screen). So they would have to redesin it. Ok, hopefully they won't just take the iCP2 board and make a bigger casing. In that case I'd have to try the iCP2 keyboard mayself to give final judgement.
Using the iCP2 as base would only allow a 4inch screen. It was stated that P2 will have at least HD resolution. And a 4 inch screen with HD? That wouldn't make any sence. For many reasons they almost "have" to use a 5inch display if not more. As you can see, using die iCP will never fit (Galaxy note - 5.3inch screen). So they would have to redesin it. Ok, hopefully they won't just take the iCP2 board and make a bigger casing. In that case I'd have to try the iCP2 keyboard mayself to give final judgement.
regarding Android,
Craig also needs to find people with Android knowladge to get it running, to fix bugs, to maintain, to provide Android updates. I doubt he'll find them in this community. I do not know of anyone who works on Android for Pandora even after Notaz provided a "just for "fun"" port.
