New kid on the embedded Linux block
Nov 18, 2000 — by LinuxDevices Staff — from the LinuxDevices Archive — 2 viewsA brand new embedded Linux software company has just joined the growing number of Asian companies that are embedding Linux within consumer Internet and information appliances. Timed to coincide with last week's Comdex extravaganza, Taiwan-based Esfia unleashed a volley of product and technology announcements and launched its new website.
Esfia's RedBlue Linux operating system, the cornerstone of the company's product family, is based on a pre-release of the Linux 2.4 kernel and supports devices based on CPUs with or without memory management units (MMU). To further meet the resource constraints of cost-sensitive consumer appliances, Esfia has trimmed unnecessary drivers, libraries, and kernel components, resulting in an OS implementation that fits in fewer than 400K bytes of memory. According to Esfia CEO, Eric Lee, the company has already provided embedded Linux support to such well known electronics manufacturers as NEC and MiTAC, for use in new wireless Internet Appliance systems.
Below is a summary of the recent Esfia news announcements . . .
Esfia Announces RedBlue Linux for Internet Appliance Applications
Esfia RedBlue Linux is an “embedded Linux” implementation tuned to the small-footprint and other requirements of Internet appliances and other embedded system applications. Further details on RedBlue Linux are available here.
Esfia Announces Embedded Mozilla with Mutimedia Plug-in Support
Esfia announced availability of its embedded browser platform v.1.0, with full multimedia plug-in functionality, based on Mozilla M18. The embedded browser is based on the “Gecko” rendering engine. Available multimedia plug-ins include Real Player (G2 V7), Macromedia Flash (V4.0), Midi Player, MP3, and Java VM. A full system based on RedBlue Linux and Esfia's embedded browser can be loaded from 13MB of storage memory, allowing systems that boot from a 16MB Flash disk to have 3M of customized applications. Recommended run-time RAM memory is 32MB.
The Esfia Mozilla-based embedded browser has an advantage over most embedded browsers, in that the latter currently have incomplete or out-of-date support for plug-ins. Esfia's embedded browser will therefore offer advantages to developers of Internet appliances in multimedia-intensive applications, and will thereby reduce the amount of porting work required and accelerate product development cycles.
Esfia puts Bluetooth, IrDA, and 802.11b Wireless Communication on Mobile Devices
Esfia announced its offering of Linux-based wireless solutions for Internet Appliances residing on various processor platforms and architectures. CEO Eric Lee said, “It is our hope that this will be helpful for anyone else considering developing with wireless handheld devices . . .”
Esfia Announces New Linux Bluetooth PDA
The reference design is for a PDA with Bluetooth-based Internet access, based on the Esfia RedBlue Linux (info) operating system running on an NEC VR4181 system-on-chip processor (VR4181 info). Prototypes were shown in MiTAC's booth at Comdex.
The reference platform includes a browser, handwriting recognition, MP3, voice recording, fax, games, PIM utilities, and a CompactFlash expansion slot. This is the first in a new range of PDA device from Esfia, all of which will base on Linux. Despite its native Linux support, though, the Esfia will also support Windows users by offering the ability to sync data with Microsoft Outlook, making it an interesting bridge device for users of both operating systems via Bluetooth, IrDA or USB port.
The device specs include: 66 MHz 32-bit NEC VR4181 MIPS processor running at 66MHz; 4MB or 8MB of Flash storage (depending on model); 240×320 pixel LCD display; powered by two AAA batteries; audio input/output jacks for microphones, speakers, and headphones; Net Chip for MP3 player support; IrDA port, with slow speed mode for long range IR transfers; 1 RS-232 port; 1 Bluetooth port. The PDA will support industry standard protocols for IrDA and Bluetooth, allowing the sharing of files and information with other devices. The basic model will include a sync cradle and contain just about everything you'd want in a handheld PC.
Esfia Announces Transmeta-based Linux WebPAD Reference Platform
The reference platform is for a wireless hand-held wireless Internet access webpad device, based on Esfia RedBlue Linux (info) running on a 400 MHz Transmeta TM3400 processor with battery-life extension technology. Prototypes were shown in FIC's booth at Comdex.
The WebPAD has an 8″ TFT LCD display, and contains 64MB SDRAM and 16MB Flash memory. User input is via either a virtual keyboard or handwriting recognition on its touchscreen. I/O ports include: 2 CompactFlash slots, a PCMCIA Type 2 slot, 2 USB host ports, IrDA (high speed, V1.1), microphone, speaker, and earphone. Wireless communication is via an 802.11b transceiver.
The device provides a low-cost, portable, wireless consumer device for Internet access, allowing users to easily surf the Web or read and send email from anywhere around the home or office. Real Player, Macromedia Flash, MP3 and Java Plug-ins are provided on a 16M CompactFlash card. OEMs will be able to use the reference design to deliver an creative product that enrich the look and feel of Internet access on conventional PC. Software support includes such functions as remote system management, a pop-Up task bar, pen calibration software, PIM utilities (calculator, address book, calendar, to do), and games.
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