ACCESS Garnet for maemo - First Look

The ACCESS Garnet VM is the familiar interface for Palm devices, so there are already stacks of applications available for them. When I put up my last post moments ago, I didn't realize the downloads were already available.


For an example of the interface and functionality, take a look at the video above.


Installation was simple: Visit the site, enter in your name and Email address, and submit it. Instantly, an Email is dispatched with the EULA and download link. The download itself is a .deb so it can go right to the tablet. The .deb is about 1.4 MB. Installation reports at 3.9 MB. The package name is garnet-vm and installed on the N810 without errors.


The first thing to remember is that it is a virtual machine. It isn't a simple Garnet OS application base and installer. The Virtual Machine has dedicated storage and does not interact with the rest of the tablet.

Just as I was waiting for the video to finish YouTube's processing, reader "Andrew" posted a comment in the last post on the subject:

Looking at the whitepaper, it seems to be a technology demonstration for their Linux platform; targetting ISVs, OEMs and other third parties.

Selling to end-users seems to be a piffling triviality compared with what their business model actually is.

Andrew has a point. This first release is a good step forward for Internet Tablet enthusiasts and Garnet developers. There is a great deal of potential for improvement in the future. I hope future releases of the VM allow for full screen use and rotating modes as well as the desktop sync client and companion software. For now: It's an interesting toy.

Two reminders: My next live show is this Thursday morning and the video entries to the Nokia N810 Giveaway Contest are due Friday night at midnight.