Since we all know that Android runs a modified version of Linux, you’d think that the creator of Linux, Linus Torvalds, would absolutely love Android handsets. Nope. As a matter of fact, the man hates cell phones. Torvalds says that he got the G1 when it came out but rarely used it because of his distaste for the distracting gadget. So why does he call the Nexus One a winner?
Unlike us phone geeks, Linus Torvalds doesn’t rush out to buy the latest and greatest when it hits the market. The Nexus One has been available for over a month and he has waited until now to take the plunge. Why? The Nexus One finally received a pinch-to-zoom or multitouch update last week. Torvalds says:
What a difference! I no longer feel like I’m dragging a phone with me “just in case” I would need to get in touch with somebody – now I’m having a useful (and admittedly pretty good-looking) gadget instead.
It appears that the addition of pinch-to-zoom, especially in Google Maps, helped Torvalds get over his hatred of cell phones. So there you have it. If you were on the fence about purchasing the Nexus One, the man who made Linux has given it his seal of approval.
[Via Linus' blog]
I was the same way…. 7 years ago, but of course he probably doesn’t use windows, or gotomypc so he’s late to the party, of course if I didn’t have a girlfriend I could just take my laptop with me everywhere and use it instead, so maybe he has finally met someone.
Windows did not have pinch-to-zoom or multitouch seven years ago. In fact, the feature was introduced only in Windows 7, and requires special hardware.
Indeed yes, especially when you see how the Nexus Phone began. From the moment it was conceptualize, until it hits our doorstep. See the amazing videos: http://bit.ly/nexus-one-story-film-review
Were you aware that Robin Wauters wrote up the same story on the Tech side a few hours ago?
Awesome! Now Linus can tether his Linux laptop to the Internet using his Android as the modem.
Here’s how I do it:
http://www.humans-enabled.com/2009/12/how-to-tether-your-verizon-droid-as.html
Shannon VanWagner
Google GPS is so far the winner of most drivers.
Linus Torvalds’ seal of approval for Nexus One ??? Looks fishy but still I believe it. I would like to read reviews regarding Nexus One and then wait for the price to go down too. Only then I will but it. ;)
I’ll wait Nexus 2 also ..
I think I have that exact same shirt. Sure it just looks like your average polo shirt….but it is surprisingly comfortable.