Jolicloud’s next version to get Intel Poulsbo support; Spotify app now live

Up until now, Jolicloud has not been able to run on netbooks that come with Intel’s Poulsbo (US15W) chipset. This chipset includes GMA500 graphics that doesn’t have the best driver support. However, Jolicloud has confirmed that the next version will have support for GMA500. The picture to the right shows it working on an UMID M1 MBook.

This opens up Jolicloud, the Linux-based operating system, to netbook users of the Dell Mini 10, Asus Eee PC 1101HA & T91 and Acer Aspire 751. They have also announced the next round of supported apps. One of these that will be important to us Europeans is a one-click install of Spotify.

Via Netbooked.

Jolicloud Alpha 2c out now; ‘Atom super-optimized kernel’ for next release

Jolicloud has released the latest version (Alpha 2c) of its operating system. Improvements to this version include the latest stable version of the Linux kernel, which should result in faster operation and system boots. It also includes quite a number of bug fixes for various netbooks that you can find here.

The new release also includes a new applet that allows you to manage battery life along with CPU performance (pictured above). A Firefox patch is also included to improve browser performance.

The next major release from the Jolicloud team will be the “Atom super optimized Linux kernel”. As the name suggests the release will look to optimise performance for netbooks powered by Intel Atom processors (i.e. the majority of netbooks out there). This means better battery life, faster boot times and better graphic support.

Jolicloud OS adds latest apps including MobileMe

Jolicloud has added a whole host of new applications to its netbook-targeted operating system. This includes MobileMe, the popular Apple service that allows you to sync your iPhone, Mac and PC as well as pushing new emails and calendar events. To show that Jolicloud is staying contemporary, it also now supports Almost.at, which allows you to follow events in real time.

In recent weeks, Jolicloud has also added access to Google Chrome, Picasa, Vimeo and OpenOffice Impress. Many more applications are promised over the coming weeks. For those that are interested in testing out the Private Alpha ‘Robby’ release, then you’ll be pleased to hear that Jolicloud is about to send out a new batch of invitations shortly. You can register for an invitation here.

Via Portable Monkey.

Video: Jolicloud demoed on touchscreen netbook

Jolicloud is already looking like an accomplished netbook OS, even in this early Alpha stage. The OS has been built with the netbook in mind from the ground up, taking note of the smaller screen sizes and also utilising cloud computing. Netbook Italia has also shown how well the OS works via a touchscreen, just in time for a wave of touchscreen netbooks expected to arrive in the second half of the year.

They do this on an 8.9-inch Acer Aspire One A150 netbook that has been modded with a touchscreen display. The video below shows this in action on the alpha ‘Robby’ release and you can see them using both finger and pen stylus input. TechCrunch also has a hands-on review of Jolicloud that is worth checking out. Read more

Jolicloud website now live, private alpha to launch imminently

The Jolicloud website is now live. There’s not too much on there right now, you’ll find a new Blog page where you’ll find continuous updates along with Jolicloud’s twitter feed. There is also a list of supported hardware, it’s only an initial list and will be added to as time goes on. I found the most useful part the ‘First Look’ section, which gives you a number of screenshots which are annotated to give you an idea of what to expect.

It all looks very user friendly and invites for the Alpha will start to be sent out in the next couple of days. Due to some bug-squashing and server issues it may take some time before invites start to arrive though. On the site you’ll also find the Jolicloud Manifesto which lays out the ideas behind the operating system. Read more

Jolicloud Alpha OS Video Demo

There are a number of Linux-based operating systems that are being tailored for the netbook experience. Ubuntu Netbook Remix 9.04 and Moblin have recently shown off their OS’, and it looks like Jolicloud will be just as impressive, if this video demonstration by NetbookNews is anything to go by. Jolicloud is based on Ubuntu with touted faster boot times and improved internet surfing.

As you can tell by the ‘cloud’ part of the name, Jolicloud has been customised for cloud computing, to get Jolicloud you must register for an account. The bulk of Jolicloud is run from the Internet, rather than being installed locally on your netbook. The creators describe it as a ‘Social OS’. This means that it has support for services like Facebook, Twitter and Skype built-in. Any updates are seen on the front page of the OS screen.

The new Jolicloud website and private Alpha should be launching very soon, so keep your eyes peeled if you want to try it yourself. Check out the video after the jump. Read more

Jolicloud Alpha to launch early June + netbook compatibility list

Jolicloud has been developing a new Linux-based operating system targeted to netbooks for a while now. For those of you who have been eagerly awaiting further news, you’ll be pleased to hear that the invite-only Alpha will be launching on June 1st along with the new website.

There are now a number of Linux based netbook operating systems that are starting to shape up very well. Along with Ubuntu Netbook Remix, Moblin recently highlighted a completely revamped UI to much acclaim. We are waiting to see how Jolicloud differentiates itself, but there’s not too long to wait now.

The first private alpha release will be codenamed Robby (after Robby the Robot) and if you are interested you should stick your email down on the official site now. We also have a confirmed netbook compatibility list for Jolicloud, which we have attached after the break. Unfortunately. Jolicloud will not work on the Dell Mini 10, although the 10v will work. Read more

Presto ‘instant-on’ operating system enters beta

Another competitor has thrown its hat into the ‘instant-on’ OS arena. Xandros has announced that ‘Presto’ has entered beta stage and is being offered as a free download until its retail release on April 13th at which point it will cost $19.95. The OEM version of Presto has already been out for a while, but this is the first time the consumer version has been released for beta. Read more