Cosmo Communicator

AppLee

Hi everyone, what do you think about this project ?

I read they recently started shipping to backers.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/cosmo-communicator

Depending how they intend to port Linux distros to it, it can be available for Ubuntu Touch.

I like the physical keyboard as it's way faster to type on those then on touchscreen.

I'm just curious if there are people interested in such device and if a port seems feasible.

Cheers.

poVoq

Since they prominently mention Debian and SailfishOS that would seem like a easy port?

Here is a slightly older video with a short section running SailfishOS in it: https://youtu.be/F2-qKSxNYk4?t=84
(afterwards it shows USB-C video-out on Android)

Edit: Here is a more recent video where they talk about Linux support: https://youtu.be/OZZ3zm3-xr8?t=1204

kaim

So has there being any news I missed? Should we wait for the port - I can use my device for testing...

MonCon

I've just 'upgraded' my Cosmo from Debian to UBPorts using instructions from oesf.org.
Here is the link to the thread https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?topic=36413.0
Seems solid and snappy. I haven't tested telephony yet (sim card in PinePhone, also on UBPorts), but I will be testing soon.
See photo of UBPorts running on both PinePhone and Planet Cosmo, very groovy.

sven

@MonCon Nice! Can you edit (refine) the instructions link to help others (or maybe? write a howto)?

MonCon

@sven
I've revised my post to include a link to the thread on oesf with the instructiion.

Keneda

I made a thread on Astro Slide from same manufacturer, that would be a great convergent device.

Good the Cosmo got ported.

MonCon

I came across this github page via another forum, describing terminal commands to control the LED lighting on the Cosmo (and Gemini), including the keyboard backlighting on the Cosmo.

https://github.com/gemian/gemian/wiki/LEDs

Originally for Debian but seems to work perfectly on UBports, I have only tried the kb element on my Cosmo as the external bells and whistles on mine got damaged in a fall , I thought somebody else might find it useful too. I have absolutely no idea how to turn this into keyboard shortcuts, I'm just an electrical engineer with a groovy mobile, but maybe someone with coding skills would like to have a play?

MonCon

voice calls all good on 2degrees + vodafonenz, sms sending but not receiving, probably an apn setting I need to resolve on the Cosmo, your mileage may vary as they say, based on country and carrier, to be continued.
It basically works, very well. I need to fiddle with a few things, but this is why we are here.
UBports is such a nice place to be.

tac

@moncon got mine working to with the same instructions on Tmobile USA. having the same issues, can send sms but cannot receive them. Cannot send or receive mms either.

TotalRando

@tac I am slowly moving to converging my Nexus 4 but I am already shopping for a new "brain" for it since the Nexus is 3G, not 4G. I see the Cosmo has the mini USB plug. Can it see a slimport monitor and use a bluetooth for larger external keyboard as well etc through the port?

Because then it would be easier to "switch out" into the setup I'm making for this phone

MonCon

@tac said in Cosmo Communicator:

@moncon got mine working to with the same instructions on Tmobile USA. having the same issues, can send sms but cannot receive them. Cannot send or receive mms either.

I've parked my damaged Cosmo so I can't currently tinker, and I can't get it repaired under lockdown
But I've ordered a new one from Planet, so I should be up and running again soon
I'll have a play with the sms settings when I get my new Cosmo, and report back here if or when I get it working.

Update 2021/02/02:
New Cosmo arrived
Still can't get sms receiving
Bummer, to be continued

Update 2021/02/04:
Tried four service providers:
2degrees, skinny, spark, vodafonenz
Still no joy on sms receiving
Not giving up, to be continued

p.s.
The irony of having a Planet Computers keyboard but being unable to communicate by text is very clear.

DillonM

@moncon or @tac have you been able to get SMS working. I am thinking about purchasing a cosmo now after f(x)tec announced today they are having to downgrade the SoC being used in their new phone.

AppLee

Hi @dillonm
I was interest in the Cosmo at first (that's why I created this thread) and I ordered a Pro1-X.
I bet the "downgrade" won't be affecting people running Ubuntu Touch.
UT does not have need for CPU power and older phones with lower specs run very smoothly.

I think UT's experience on the Pro1-X will gain due to the gain in power consumption...
But I'm off topic here

I also hope the cosmo can be well supported

Keneda

@applee
I hope Astro Slide will be supported ^^

Flohack

@keneda I think it will ^^

Keneda

@flohack

MonCon

@DillonM @tac
Still no joy over here on the sms receiving. Sms works both ways on my backup PinePhone, and I've tried every setting I can find on four different service providers sim cards, but still no joy on my Cosmo. I'm out of ideas. My current workaround is to reboot into Debian every now and then to check for messages, not ideal but the best I can think of.
Apart from that, no concerns at all. It works well in landscape with the keyboard, it's very snappy and smooth, rock solid stable, and does everything I need.

Moem

I think it's a super nice looking machine, and in a year or three I'll see if I can get one second hand! A new one is above budget, but I can wait...

sven

@moem Cosmo Communicators are already cheap as second-hand devices (250-300 EUR). But you are probably referring to the Astro Slides, and for these, a one year waiting time (after the release in March?) might be a good guess.