An article on ZDNet announces that the Openmoko Neo Freerunner will debut in markets July 4^th. This new phone will run a linux based operating system and is entirely open source. It will include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 3 axis motion sensors. The one thing missing is a camera. It will cost $399 and can be purchased directly from Openmoko.

This is a big step forward in the cell phone industry. Big cell companies like AT&T and Sprint can no longer dictate what applications you can run or how big a dent they will make in your pocket book. Now if you want your phone to do something, you can just design it yourself. The operating system is entirely open source. This means that with a little programming knowledge, you can make your cell phone… beep when it is lost; detect air quality; help you practice your golf swing (this is feasible with the motions sensors on phone). The possibilities are endless. Big cell companies beware: This is the future.

What will you create with your open source phone?