X not on the Desktop!

Matchbox is an Open Source base environment for the X Window System running on non-desktop embedded platforms such as handhelds, set-top boxes, kiosks and anything else for which screen space, input mechanisms or system resources are limited.

Matchbox consists of a number of interchangable and optional applications that can be tailored to a specific non desktop platform to enhance usability in a 'constrained' enviroment.

The core and most developed application is a window manager with a classic stack based PDA like management policy. It supports modern window management standards, cutting edge X capabilities, advanced themeing and various window types.

Other Matchbox applications include a panel (with many example 'applets'), a PDA style desktop launcher, a shared utility library, software input mechanisms and more.

All matchbox applications are designed to be fast, light and flexible. They are not tied to any GUI toolkit with all dependencies being controllable at build time.

For more information, please view screenshots of Matchbox in action, browse the various documentation and download the source.

Who uses Matchbox?

Matchbox is used to provide key functionality across a wide range of embedded devices and platfroms running X windows.

The Nokia 770 and N800 Linux based internet tablets use Matchbox window manager as part of the Maemo platform used on the devices.

The 'Sugar' user interface as featured on the OLPC '100$ Laptop' uses the flexibility of matchbox window manager to help provide its innovative computing enviroment for children. .

Other devices include the OpenMoko 'Neo1973' open source cellphone, the EInk based Irex iLiad EReader and the Vernier Labquest educational tool. Matchboxs flexibility and small size makes it suitable for all kinds of device usage.

You'll find Matchbox available in embedded distributions such as Poky, OpenEmbedded and Familiar and more general purpose Linux distributions such as Debian and Ubuntu.

License

Matchbox is free software and released under the GNU General Public License. It's developed by OpenedHand, the primary author is Matthew Allum.

OpenedHand provide commercial support and bespoke additions for Matchbox.