OpenMoko officials have announced the launch of the company’s latest smartphone. The new Linux-based handset is called Neo FreeRunner and will be made available to US residents starting July 4. This touchscreen device could appeal to the electronics enthusiasts for several reasons.

The device features WiFi (802.1 1b/g), assisted-GPS, GPRS 2.5G, Bluetooth 2.0 and according to MobileBurn, it will come two tri-band GSM editions (850/1800/1900MHz or 900/1800/1900MHz). The FreeRunner has a 2.8-inch VGA touchscreen equipped with two 3-axis motion sensors (they move the screen depending on how the device is being held) and 128MB WSDRAM/256MB NAND flash.

The smartphone will start off with a basic software, enabling users to perform basic functions, such as making calls, sending and receiving messages and managing contacts. However, as the phone is 100% open-source, the sky is the limit. The company is expecting users to come up with their very own compatible applications. From time to time, software updates are to expand the phone’s abilities; the one already announced for August is to enable location-based services.

The suggested price for this new phone is of $399 and current distribution plans include North America, India and Europe. Customers will also be able to find it at the Openmoko webshop (www.openmoko.com).