02-29-2008, 10:40 AM | #31 | |
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It seems to me that it's rather unreasonable to hold someone responsible for something that they have no control over; if Bookeen are using the hardware and its associated o/s under the terms of a legally arranged contract, it's not Bookeen's "fault" if their supplier hasn't done everything that THEY should have done, is it? For them to "lose out" in a situation in which they are themselves completely blameless is rather an unreasonable thing to suggest, IMHO. Are you going to stop using your CyBook as a result of this? |
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02-29-2008, 10:46 AM | #32 |
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What Bookeen could do is take a version of Linux and modify it to work with the Gen3 and then they'd have all the code for it and could distribute the code via the GPL.
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02-29-2008, 11:22 AM | #33 |
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Which would take time away from them fixing the bugs in the current software.
I'd much rather see them make a statement saying 'We'll release the code once the majority of bugs are patched, thus making it safe for release'. I believe, though I could be wrong, that such an act is acceptable. |
02-29-2008, 11:26 AM | #34 |
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By the way, one of the consequences of GPL is that you're allowed to redistribute the binaries. So any firmware update can be shared freely as it includes the Linux kernel.
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02-29-2008, 02:05 PM | #35 | |
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Let's say their hardware suppliers embedded not only Linux in the system, but also the latest Shrek movie in divx (without license, of course)... Bookeen wouldn't been responsible for what the suppliers do, but they would be responsible for what they do if they sell this illegal content. Being realistic, I don't think tompe is asking Bookeen to just drop the Cybook or quit business, but they should try (harder?) to solve this issue either by pressing their suppliers to release the source code or by embedding the OS themselves (and releasing the source code if it's a GPL OS). Until then, they are morally, and probably legally, doing wrong. |
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02-29-2008, 02:15 PM | #36 |
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Before we get all bent out of shape accusing Bookeen...
Has anyone taken their purchased Cybook apart? If so, have they found information as to the manufacturer? Perhaps it is the same manufacturer who creates the Hanlin or the STAReBOOK and perhaps we can then go directly to the manufacturer and ASK them if they are willing to abide by GPL. I don't have a spare Cybook, or I'd do the dirty deed, sacrificing it on the altar of Information.
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02-29-2008, 02:19 PM | #37 | |
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Yes, it is Bookeen's responsibility, now that units are hitting store shelves and customers' hands, to work to get the manufacturer to live up to it's GPL obligations, but under the scenario I described, Bookeen has done nothing wrong - and I'm quite willing to accept the notion Bookeen worked under these assumptions. Derek |
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02-29-2008, 02:53 PM | #38 | ||
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But this only covers code that links against GPL code. Code that simply runs under Linux does not become GPL, and can be closed source and proprietary. The question is exactly what was covered by the NDA Bookeen signed. Quote:
______ Dennis |
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02-29-2008, 02:55 PM | #39 | |
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My guess is no to both questions. ______ Dennis |
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02-29-2008, 03:01 PM | #40 | |
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Derek |
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02-29-2008, 03:06 PM | #41 | |
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I don't see Bookeen ceasing sales of the Cybook because of a GPL violation -- it is how they make their living -- and I'm not sure what Bookeen can do to compel their supplier to comply with the terms of the GPL. They are probably buying Cybooks from an unnamed Chinese manufacturer. Go ahead. Take the supplier to court in China over GPL violations. See how far you get. ______ Dennis |
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02-29-2008, 03:15 PM | #42 | ||
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Same question: does Bookeen have that someone, or can they pay someone who does? An available embedded Linux kernel for the processor helps, but isn't a full solution. Drivers will likely be a much larger concern. Quote:
Dennis |
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02-29-2008, 03:27 PM | #43 |
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... all I really want is an SDK
Last edited by ashalan; 02-29-2008 at 03:29 PM. |
02-29-2008, 03:29 PM | #44 |
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... all I really want is an SDK
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02-29-2008, 03:48 PM | #45 | |
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I feel pretty strongly that you should respect the GPL since I think the goal of it is very good. In this thread I just got irritaded that the same persons that complains about distributing copyrighted material suddenly think that it is not such a big problem. Protecting companies possibility to earn money seems to be more important than protecting the free distribution of knowledge and information. I realized that if you only care about strict legality you might sell you Cybook where you have erased the firmware. |
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