OLPC XO-1.5 software updated

Sugar Labs, the GNOME Project and the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) initiative have announced an update to the software used in the XO-1.5 Laptop. The update features both the latest version of the Sugar Learning Platform and the GNOME free desktop, allowing users to switch between the two with only a single click.

Discussing the update, Sugar Labs Executive Director Walter Bender said, “the fluidity of movement between the two desktops gives learners the ability to transition from a learning environment – Sugar – to a production and productivity environment – GNOME. They have the means of honing the creative skills acquired in an elementary education setting into entrepreneurial skills in a secondary education setting.”

At the same time, the OLPC Project has also announced the availability of a new "High School" edition of the XO-1.5 Laptop with a new keyboard aimed at older students, the HO-HS. Like the XO-1.5, the XO-HS is based on the same design as the XO-1 and uses a faster VIA C7-M processor with 1 GB of RAM and 4GB of flash storage. The first XO-HS units are expected to be delivered to Uruguay in September of this year.

See also:

• Sugar Learning Platform and GNOME Desktop Now Shipping on the One Laptop per Child XO-1.5; Will Run On New XO-HS, press release from Sugar Labs.
• Sugar on a Stick v3 Mirabelle released, a report from The H.
• Conceptual design of OLPC XO-3 tablet revealed, a report from The H.

(crve)