I have recently become an advisor to a mobile handset OEM. They are willing to support
genode efforts and since they are about a USD 1B in revenue, do have some clout with
the OEMs (Mediatek and Qualcomm).
Qualcomm is also willing to support us directly but the problem is that while they are willing to
release all data to support genode, it is under NDA. So cannot open source it.
I guess the next best option is to have a closed binary module. Kind of what
Nvidia did with its graphics drivers. Not a great option but better than nothing.
I have been debating this
with Qualcomm for a year now ! The good news is that OEM is willing to sell
Genode based phones (with Android virtualized on top).
To overcome this issue, we at IIT-Madras have just finished development of a Freescale i.MX6
based tablet. This is currently under testing (first 5 protos have come). I hope to
start giving out samples (to be procured directly from vendor, we do not charge any royalties
or file any patents)
in about 3-4 months. Cost will be around 350-400 USD (10 in IP screen, dual core, weighs about 480-520 g)
This is a fully open system system. Next year we will replace the Cortex A9 with the
i.MX8 (Cortex A-53). Will not be state of art but definitely a more than adequate tablet.
Cortex A9 does not support full HW virtualization.
The PCB comes with tamper detect signals brought out but case unfortunately has no
reed switches yet, will have to do some mechanical work later. Secure, high assurance boot is
fully enabled.