Several readers have noted IBM's announcement that they will be releasing a PowerPC-Linux based reference platform.
IBM says it will make its blueprint easily accessible to a wider range of developers by charging a low price for it--allowing the company to pit its PowerPC-Linux combination as an alternative to operating systems like the Palm OS and Motorola's processors or Microsoft's Pocket PC software and Intel's Xscale processors.
Of interest, the reference platform will not seem to have very strict requirements (no logo is required, no specific screen size). According to the article, IBM hopes to encourage small businesses and even individuals to be able to purchase the design for use.
The significance of this announcement in the relatively small PDA world could be remarkable, and will certainly spawn discussion and speculation about future Apple involvement. No hints at official Apple involvement have surfaced... though even without Apple's involvement, the emergance of a relatively "open" platform may be very interesting.
Thursday August 6, 2026 7:03 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
It is now August, and that means the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are just a month away. The devices are expected to look similar to the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, but there will still be many year-over-year changes, with rumored features including a smaller Dynamic Island, 5G via satellite, and more.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a...
Apple has expanded support for the Apple Account Card in the Wallet app to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Malta.
The Apple Account Card option for Wallet started rolling out in 2022, and Apple has been gradually expanding to more countries since then.
The card displays the balance associated with a user's Apple Account and can be used to make purchases in the Apple Store, online, or for...
Apple is going to announce at least five new devices next month at its annual iPhone-centric event, though it's possible we'll also get devices that were waiting on Siri AI. Here's what's coming.
iPhone 18 Pro
Rumors suggest the iPhone 18 Pro is going to look a lot like the iPhone 17 Pro, but with a smaller Dynamic Island. It's getting a new Wide camera with a variable aperture for more...
Apple's first foldable iPhone, with a book-style design featuring a ~5.5-inch outer display and a ~7.8-inch inner display with a minimal crease down the middle.
