They were relatively inexpensive Linux appliances, with a touch screen, that acted as a clock, Internet radio, and feed reader. They launched in the mid-2000’s before we all had smartphones, and was meant as a high-tech alternative to the bedside clock radio.
The company went belly up around 2012, although there was some functionality remaining (the original device needs to connect to the Chumby network to function) thanks to one of the founders and now, for a subscription fee, you can still keep your Chumby operating.
However, Doug Brown bought one with the goal of using it for his own applications. But the 2.6.28 kernel is showing its age. So he decided to push a new kernel on the device.
If you are a Chumby enthusiast, don’t get too excited. The goal isn’t to provide the existing Chumby apps with a new kernel, [Doug] says that’s probably impossible. Instead, he wants a modern booting infrastructure and kernel on the device for his own software.
I can still see my original Chumby sitting on the top of the book case in front of my computer. I suppose it could be re-purposed actually, as it runs on Linux.
See https://hackaday.com/2022/12/21/chumby-gets-new-kernel-soon/
#technology #Chumby #chumbylives #gadget