Re: [task #15731] Submission of Davis Remmel

[Davis Remmel]

I'm also sorry, in my original submission I misunderstood what "Name" and 
"System Name" meant--please accept these updated registration details:

  Name:         reMarkable Connection Utility
  System Name:  rcu


Thanks,
Davis

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Original Message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
On Monday, July 20, 2020 9:47 AM, Davis Remmel <d@visr.me> wrote:

> 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
> > Message sent via Savannah
> > https://savannah.nongnu.org/