Free QT usage on embedded devices?
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Is there anything available for free on embedded devices? Some sources state that LGPLv3 can be used with embedded development. Other sources state that only a commercial license is available for embedded applications. I've came across sources that say that "Open Source" & LGPL aren't necessarily the same. I've spoken to the support team that stated "As far as I am aware any usage of boot2qt or any Qt components on embedded devices is only for commercial users". Can this be settled for once and for-all. Unless my fundamental knowledge is incorrect this seems like a big mess and very convoluted.
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@Qreator35 said in Free QT usage on embedded devices?:
boot2qt
boot2qt is only available as commercial offer.
Most other Qt offerings are available under commercial and LGPLv3 license.But this is user forum, most people here are not from QtCompany.
It is better to clarify this with QtCompany. -
@jsulm Im aware that boot2qt is a no go. Its the "any Qt components on embedded devices" portion that confuses me. If LGPLv3 license is available for embedded devices could someone guide me on where to download(without doing the 30 evaluation period) as well as how to deploy the applications to my device.
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Ive also been told that my questions regarding this has been considered technical support in which I would need a commercial license to receive. Im starting to believe that many of the responses from the support team are AI or they are purposely not giving me the answer Im looking for.
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I contacted them again this is the response I got:
Unfortunately:
"My question is, if I install the QT framework under the LGPLv3 licensing will the software allow me to deploy to an embedded system?"
This is the part where it becomes legal advice as how and on which terms this would be possible.
You could contact an open source specialist lawyer about the points on the forums and check what kind of options and obligations you have on that route,
but if you wish to start developing "out of the box" then the Qt for Device Creation would have ready solutions. -
This is not legal advice. But I can tell you an anecdotal story from my previous company I worked for.
The company produced heavy duty machines that could, for a better user experience, be equipped with a of the shelf android tablet and a custom app made in Qt.
We used to own a normal commercial licence there and developed that app with that licence. After some years during a renewal process, the QtC decided that this was an embedded device since the tablet was sold/shipped with the app preinstalled and would like money for each sold unit.
The end of the story is, the mechanic setting the machine up now has to do the extra step of connecting the tablet to the internet, getting the app from the Appstore and than placing it back into the machine.
Oh, and the company startet to transition away from Qt.
