Roku has encapsulated its DSP-based “network music player” technology on an embeddable module, to help device-makers add features such as Internet radio and digital music playback to products such as audio/video receivers, televisions, radios, and music players. The three-inch-square module will simplify complexities such as multimedia protocols, CODECs, Wi-Fi drivers, (more…)

TVBLOB Srl has developed a “software toolkit” companion to Toshiba's multimedia device hardware reference design. TVBLOB's Scattermedia toolkit adds drivers, middleware, and application layers useful for implementing Linux-based devices such as media players, streaming servers, digital video recorders, soft-phones, and video-conferencing appliances based on the AVM49R. (more…)

The Zaurus User Group (ZUG) will form a new organization with a broad focus on open source embedded software. The Open Embedded Software Foundation (OESF) will host user forums and software downloads, with bandwidth donated by iBiblio. ZUG will continue, but with a narrower focus on Sharp's Linux-based Zaurus PDAs. (more…)

A pair of market studies from In-Stat emphasizes the impact that the growing adoption of VoIP is having on multiple market segments. Chip makers and cable television operators, in particular, are expected to experience substantially increased revenue from sales related to both stationary and mobile VoIP deployments, according to In-Stat. (more…)

Arcom is shipping a compact, rugged embedded Linux system targeting RFID (radio frequency identification) edge controllers. The RFID-EC is based on an XScale PC/104 board running Linux, Java, and an RFID software stack from IBM. A rackmount option is also available, as is a development kit. (more…)

CodePoet Consulting has released a new version of uClibc, the small-footprint alternative to the standard GNU C library (glibc). uClibc 0.9.27 features a new stdio (standard i/o) core, support for Linux 2.6.x kernels, an improved shared library loader, support for several new architectures, bugfixes, and more. (more…)

[Updated Jan. 24, 2005] — Octagon Systems has devised a smaller, potentially more cost-effective scheme for expanding PC/104-compatible embedded systems, and has begun manufacturing products to the associated “XBLOK” specification. The tiny modules measure 1.65 x 3.55 inches — less than half the size of standard (more…)

Embedded Software Group (ESG) is collaborating with Transmeta on a fanless digital entertainment center reference design based on Linux and open source DVR (digital video recorder) software. The Royal Linux Media Center runs ESG's Royal Linux OS, and MythTV software, on a Transmeta development board based on its Efficeon chip. (more…)

A company claiming to be the largest “specialist retailer” of wireless technology in Europe and North America has begun selling one of the world's first Linux-based smartphones. Expansys now offers E28's e2800+ for £334.95 (£285.06 excluding VAT), with discount pricing available via a Vodaphone service contract. (more…)

IBM, which has been awarded more patents than any other company in each of the past 12 years, says it will donate 500 patents to open source users and developers. The move represents a challenge to other patent-holders to unlock technologies that might impede innovation, according to an eWeek article. (more…)

[Updated Jan. 11, 2005] — SyChip has unveiled an embeddable, multi-chip, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi connectivity module targeting SDIO cards, handheld devices such as smartphones, PDAs, gaming gadgets, and media players. The 13 x 16 x 1.7mm WLAN6100EB consumes under 500 uA in power-save mode, and supports Linux, (more…)

Sigma has announced two MIPS-based SoCs (system-on-chips) with integrated media-processing capabilities targeting HD-DVD players, IP-TV set-top-boxes, and other video networking products. The SMP8630 and SMP8634 will support Linux and Windows CE, and feature integrated media processors for H.264, WMV9/VC1, and MPEG-2, as well as DRM (digital rights management) security features. (more…)

MasterCard has awarded a quality assurance certification to a PIN-entry pad and smart-chip terminal based on embedded Linux. The certification was granted to Trintech's Smart 5000 terminal, a hybrid device that can authorize transactions based on smart chips or PIN (personal identification number) entry. (more…)

Oracle is shipping tools for enterprise developers building grid applications that support mobile devices. The Oracle Database Lite 10g supports embedded Linux/Java devices, and includes application servers, software components, and tools. It targets defense, national security, health, public safety, sales force, and field service applications. (more…)

An Italian company selling real-time embedded Linux develpment toolkits for industrial applications is offering a freely downloadable live CD runtime. Koan Software Engineering's Klinux Live 2.0.0 CD does not include the real-time extensions or tools, but can help developers evaluate the operating system image, the company says. (more…)