Chumby’s software could be used in other gizmos and gadgets

Chumby is a computer system designed to perform a few dedicated functions. It can provide access to Internet or an Intranet by using a Wi-Fi connection in order to run some software widgets with different purposes such as browsing pictures, playing streaming audio, working as an alarm clock, among others. Its software is a really interesting system that controls and allows to run all these functions.

Actually, this software is the component that Chumby Industries, Inc. (the company that makes the Chumby) would like to see included in other digital gadgets intended to be used in our houses.

Chumby Industries representatives are in conversations with major makers such as Samsung and Sony in order to define the terms of some agreements. Those agreements would allow to use Chumby’s software in different devices including TVs, audio systems, and portable players. In this way, the applications and features of the original Chumby would be present in those devices.

The Chumby maker have admitted that the company are not interested in developing new hardware lines. Instead, they want to be focused on making software applications, especially mini-applications and widgets, which nowadays have a growing demand from the consumer electronic industry. And honestly, Chumby Industries have demonstrated that it can be a good provider of useful and complementary applications (judging by the features and utility of its star product).

Apparently, a digital photo frame is the first product based on Chumby’s software that will be launched to the market. Some remarkable features of this new gadget would be: Data synchronization with social websites like Twitter or Facebook and an user-friendly way to access other online places (websites, directories, etc.) where the users have stored their photos. Other features include the possibility of enjoying online radio stations or getting weather and traffic reports. Definitely, it might be a very attractive photo frame! And, of course, we hope the original Chumby concept will be preserved: In that way, the users will be able to create and distribute their own applications to expand the features of the new gadgets that will be launched. That would be great! We’ll see.