“Do what it takes to solve the problem, and no more”: a small talk with ‘Bunnie’ Huang

As a Free & Open Source Software (FOSS) geek, I was really looking very much forward to anything coming out from the linux.conf.au, better known as LCA. And for a huge bouquet of surprises, this year’s edition was one.

Along with Radia Perlman and Bdale Garbee, there was Andrew ‘bunnie’ Huang. He is a very interesting person, and his activities go beyond just-basic-nerdiness. Huang happens to be the person responsible for the jailbreaking of Microsoft’s Xbox360, something he wrote a book about in 2003. Moreover, he holds a PhD in engineering from the MIT. What I really like Bunnie for is all his great coverage of Chinese manufacturing, while sourcing suppliers for Chumby. Chumby is a gem: a totally open and hackable device designed from the ground up complete with open source hardware. This embedded computer provides internet access through a WiFi connection, and is able to run a wide range of software widgets once connected. The hardware being open, everyone willing to use Chumby is encouraged to get into the device and make it his/her own.

You may be blinking a bit thinking “OMG, how come I don’t know this guy!