GNU/Linux and Enlightenment Running On a Fridge 222
k-s writes "Linux, the GNU userland and Enlightenment and its foundation libraries (EFL) are known for their resource efficiency and flexibility, key components for embedded products. Today it was announced that such features led them to be used in a fridge that runs Linux and X11 with EFL. The Freescale i.MX25 based fridge by Electrolux (Frigidaire) provides the expected bits such as temperature controls and pre-set modes (vacation, party) as well as a special purpose drawer that cools your drinks and food with a beautiful UI. It also ships with handful applications for contacts, calendar, reminder, digital picture frame and even an illustrated recipe book from a famous Brazilian magazine."
Much as I love Linux .... (Score:3, Insightful)
.... really , this is just crazy technology for its own sake. All I want from a fridge is to keep stuff cool. Thats it. I don't need a multitasking operating system to do that or any operating system at all in fact and nor do I need a fridge to tell me when I'm running out of milk - I can usually see that for myself thanks - or re-order stuff for me since I might not want the same things again the following week thanks.
A fridge IMO is one of the white goods in which the KISS principal definately should apply.
Re:Interesting use of Linux (Score:3, Insightful)
We're not "most people".
Re:Much as I love Linux .... (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:Big question (Score:3, Insightful)
Just trolling?
Source code for anything GPL isn't required to be given to anyone other than those who have a product containing it. If you bought a fridge, then you are entitled to the source to it. Seeing as I don't think they are even on sale yet, it'd be difficult for you to obtain the source code you desire. Even then, it'll only be an ARM linux kernel with some desktop widgets and a closed-source application for doing anything interesting - it's a bit pointless to even *ask* for it, to be honest. TomTom do the same - but they are generous enough to post the source for *anyone* to download, which they aren't required to do - and it's basically an ARM kernel and some open-source projects. Nothing vaguely interesting that we don't already have because that's all contained in a closed-source app that actually does the things like read maps and draw them.
Re:Interesting use of Linux (Score:4, Insightful)
A) Many modern fridges do have software, they just don't have much of a GUI. It's cheaper, more durable, and more energy efficient to build real controls instead of thermo-electro-mechanical systems.
B) You have to control the fridge with something. If you don't use software you need to use some equivalent piece of hardware that can break in new and exciting ways and is subject to the same sorts of design flaws. Plus it's really hard to apply a patch to your mechanical thermostat if it does turn out of to be flawed.