Open source phone company OpenMoko will ship a new version of its user-modifiable Linux-based mobile phone next year. The "Neo FreeRunner" resembles OpenMoko's original Neo1973 model, but with WiFi, 3D accelerometers, and a faster processor, as well as a consumer market focus, according to the company.

A Q&A with OpenMoko on its upcoming Neo 1973, called a hacker's answer to the iPhone. The Neo 1973, the first phone to use the open-source, Linux-based OpenMoko mobile operating system, has techies abuzz in anticipation of its October consumer release.

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Openmoko has begun shipping its Linux-based, open source Neo Freerunner phone to five newly announced distributors, in Germany, France, and India, says the company. The Neo Freerunner features an open hardware design, and a Linux-based operating system that users are free to modify.

With the slogan "The clean form fits your fist. The open system frees your mind," the NEO has been optimistically punted by some as a potential iPhone killer. However, it is unlikely to compete with iPhone's popularity and trendy image... More realistically, it could be seen as an iPhone injurer.

Mobile phone design company Openmoko has posted industrial design source CAD files for its Linux-based, open source Neo 1973 phone (pictured at left). Openmoko has also committed to providing open source access to the mechanicals for its upcoming Neo Freerunner phone design.

OpenMoko will start selling its Linux-based Neo FreeRunner phone online on July 4th, says the company. Billed as a completely open source, hackable hardware platform, the Neo FreeRunner will receive updated software with new location-based applications in August, says OpenMoko.

OpenMoko develops completely open Linux-based mobile phones that can be modified and improved in the spirit of open source. OpenMoko's developer-oriented Neo1973 was released last year and the consumer model, called the FreeRunner, is expected to move into the mass production stage next month.