Re: [task #15731] Submission of Davis Remmel

[Davis Remmel]

Hi Ineiev,

I think it's disingenuous to say that RCU depends on proprietary software. The 
reMarkable tablet has a free base system (a version of Yocto which is 
linux+busybox+systemd), and the only proprietary bits are: (1) wifi blob, (2) 
touch driver blob (which isn't really necessary because there is mainline 
kernel support), and (3) their proprietary notebooking application, called 
Xochitl.

I could see how your argument could have merit if RCU was talking directly with 
Xochitl, but it does not. RCU simply changes files on the tablet, using 
all-free software (dropbear is the SSH server on the tablet). The most 
interaction it has with the proprietary Xochitl program is restarting its 
system service.

This tablet provides SSH access by-default, and so RCU works entirely with a 
factory-fresh device, using all-free software.

Directly from the Savannah requirements:

> It is ok for the program to run on nonfree platforms or nonfree operating 
> systems, and to work with well-known nonfree applications, in addition to 
> working with free software, provided it gives the free software at least as 
> good support as it gives to nonfree counterparts.

I believe this requirement is completely satisfied.

> As far as I understand, those e-tablets run proprietary software; in other
> words, this package depends on proprietary software.

Perhaps, now knowing this context, do you still believe this?


Thank you,
Davis

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Original Message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
On Monday, July 20, 2020 3:10 AM, Ineiev <INVALID.NOREPLY@gnu.org> wrote:

> Update of task #15731 (project administration):
>
> Status: None => In Progress
>
>              Assigned to:                    None => ineiev
>
>
> _______________________________________________________
>
> Follow-up Comment #1:
>
> As far as I understand, those e-tablets run proprietary software; in other
> words, this package depends on proprietary software.
>
> _______________________________________________________
>
> Reply to this item at:
>
> https://savannah.nongnu.org/task/?15731
>
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