Nokia has unveiled its plans to launch Media Terminal, a new Linux based console
designed to compete against Xbox, UltimateTV digital TV recorder. Although the
details are scares, Nokia has signed a deal with US-based CollabNet, which offers
consulting services and technology that facilitate the development of software
for Linux and other open source software. According to the company, MediaTerminal
will launch in Sweden in late summer and in the UK and Germany later in the year.
A US launch is planned for late 2001 or early 2002. Nokia plans to demonstrate
Media Terminal at the upcoming E3 exhibition in Los Angeles. "We have made the
hardware an open design so anyone else can make a clone or compatible product,"
said Mr Nelger. "We would rather have a small part of a large market than a large
part of a small market if we had used proprietary technologies."