While Google is still working at its controversial Android platform and the gPhone proved to be nothing else than a myth, a new tough player appeared on stage: its name is OpenMoko and it represents a project aiming to develop a software platform for smart mobile phones, using free software! But this is in fact Google’s Android mobile phone platform’s target too, isn’t it?

However, the big difference between Android and OpenMoko is the fact that OpenMoko’s developers have already launched the world’s first totally open mobile phone. So, while OpenMoko has already created and sold Neo 1973, the first open mobile phone ever, Google is still working on Android.

Furthermore, OpenMoko announced recently that it would soon launch an updated version of its phone, called the Neo FreeRunner. This version is based on the same free and open source principles as the Neo 1973, which was launched in July 2007 and sold out in just three days.

Compared to Neo 1973, Neo FreeRunner will feature a faster processor (500 Mhz), 802.11 b/g WiFi, 2 3D accelerometers and 2D/3D graphics accelerations.

“FreeRunner’s a significantly improved device from the Neo 1973. Our developers gave us great feedback as they explored the first version of the device. We added Wi-Fi, motion sensors, faster processing, and improved graphics, creating a compelling mass market device for open source development. The open source community was key in achieving that goal. Without them this remix of the Neo would not have been possible,” said Steven Mosher, the vice president of marketing at OpenMoko, which was formed in 2006 by its founders, First International Computer (FIC).

The Neo FreeRunner mobile phone will be previewed at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show from Las Vegas, and it will first target developers and then end users.