Chumby is a consumer electronics product previously created by Chumby Industries, Inc. This is an embedded computer that provides Internet and LAN access via a Wi-Fi connection. Through this connection, Chumby runs various widget software. In 2010 Sony introduced a single product based on Chumby's branch version, Sony Dash.
Video Chumby
Device
Roughly like a small clock radio, the original Chumby has a small resistive touch screen placed on the exterior of leather and plastic with six color choices. Power to the original Chumby and Chumby 8 is supplied through the AC adapter. The newer model, Chumby One, also offers 9v battery backup option. Related devices, Infocast 3.5 and Infocast 8, devices manufactured by Best Buy based on Chumby software, are also powered only AC. This device is designed to be customizable by the user: upon approval of the Chumby HDK License, users can download schemes and other hardware information. Wired magazine named Chumby one of its main gadgets for 2008. The software is mostly open source, running on Linux.
In 2012, Chumby ceased operations and was liquidated, with assets purchased by Duane Maxwell, former Chief Technology Officer of Chumby Industries, who formed Blue Octy, LLC. The servers that are required to keep the device remain online are stored in full service by Blue Octy. LLC until March 2013. At that point, the server becomes offline and all devices display only one widget, called "Space Clock". Blue Octy, LLC launches a full Chumby service on July 1, 2014 as a paid subscription service, currently charging $ 3 USD per month. Open source firmware is available for free which allows existing devices some paid service functionality at no cost. Unsubscribed devices still accept the Clock Space widget.
Maps Chumby
History
Andrew "bunnie" Huang is the main hardware engineer at Chumby. The Chumby premiered on August 25, 2006 at Foo Camp and released to about 100 alpha release testers at the event.
Shortly after Foo Camp, Chumby announced a free offer, in which applicants will receive the same Chumby alpha level previously given. Applicants propose ideas for software applications or hardware modifications. One of the goals for a free offer is to have Chumbys in the hands of developers who are willing to start building apps.
In July 2007, First 50 was released to 50 random applicants, who received the next generation of Chumbys. This was followed, in September, with Insiders Release . Interested parties can send an e-mail to Chumby requesting release information, and are given the opportunity to join in the Insider section . Finally, in February 2008, a commercial release was published on the Chumby Store. In May 2008, it cost $ 179.95 for one of three colors, a latte, a black base, and a pearl. In Japan, Chumby is available through Zyyx, Inc. as www.chumby.jp since October 23, 2008. In Australia, Chumby is available through ISP Internode.
In November 2009, Chumby One was released: the same version, all-original plastic in white with a blue trim. The main difference is that hard plastic cases replace the soft skin. Other changes include a slightly faster processor, just one USB port on the back of the device, and inclusion of FM tuner and physical volume keys. The hard plastic case allows Chumby Industries to offer Chumby One at a cheaper price of $ 119.95.
In April 2012, Chumby announced the suspension of hardware sales, after stopping their own hardware manufacture the previous year and running out of their inventory. On April 20 it is certain that the company itself is being dissolved. Dedicated fans managed to keep the service running for a period after the company's death, but on February 20, 2013 Chumby shut down his server, leaving the user with a simple clock that shows the time, calendar, and date. A short message appeared on the Chumby site, explaining the suspension of the service. An alternative open source firmware prepared for such an event becomes available at this point.
In January 2013, Blue Octy is in the process of reviving the chumby technology, with one of the original chumby developers working on the project. Visiting www.chumby.com shows details.
Toward the end of March 2014, Blue Octy started beta testing immediately to revive chumby service.
On July 1, 2014, Blue Octy relaunched the chumby service as a sustainable subscription-based platform.
In July 2017, Blue Octy and Chumby made an effort to save Sony Dash after Sony discontinued support for it.
In August 2017, Blue Octy and Chumby released patches for the Sony Dash HID-C10 model to allow them to connect to the Chumby servers, extending their useful life.
Features
Hardware
The Chumby is designed to be modified by the user, with schematics, layout of printed circuit boards and available packaging/outerware designs. Hardware specifications are as follows
The Original Chumby
- 350Ã, MHz ARM9 based Freescale i.MX21 controller
- 64 MB SDRAM
- 64 MB NAND flash ROM
- 320ÃÆ'â € "240 touch screen 3.5 inch TFT LCD running at 12 frames per second
- 2-watt speaker stereo, audio output, integrated microphone
- two USB 2.0 ports
- integrated Wi-Fi
- bend sensor for feature-based user interface
- motion sensor (accelerometer).
The Chumby One
- Freescale Processor iMX233 454Ã, MHz ARM926EJ-S
- 64 MB DDR SDRAM
- 2 GB internal microSD card (capacity depends on production date)
- 320x240 3.5 "touch screen TFT color
- 2W mono speakers
- Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11 b/g)
- FM radio tuner
- Using a rechargeable lithium ion battery (not included); about an hour with a full charge
- 4 "wide x 4" high x 3.5 "in
- 1 high-speed USB 2.0 port
- Stereo headphone output
- Volume knob
- Accelerometer (motion sensor)
- Plastic housing ABS
- The AC adapter is included
- USB Ethernet compatible
- Backlight is dimmed
Comparison table
Hacks
Hacking Chumby hardware is driven by the manufacturer. Schematic and other hardware information can be downloaded once the user has approved the Chumby HDK License. For example, users at the Chumby Forum have experimented and documented several battery hacks, allowing Chumby to operate without AC power for a short time.
There is also Chumby Hacker Board that mostly resembles Chumby One motherboard. There are some differences in hardware connectivity. Chumby Industries does not officially support the board.
Software
The Chumby Unit runs a modified Linux kernel. The software originally installed on the device is designed to play a set of user-customizable widgets, a small Adobe Flash animation that provides real-time information. This is possible, because the embedded version of Adobe Flash Player is installed. Animation has the ability to control and interact with low-level hardware, allowing functionality such as intelligent alarm clocks that make sleeping hardware, Web-based image viewer, Web-based camera, online RSS feed, and physical user interface features, such as movement recognition with pressing soft housing.
The software for Chumby is updated automatically when something new is available. The update comes from free access to the Chumby network, and the modified BitTorrent client is used to upgrade the open-source part of its firmware.
Multimedia restrictions
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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