This article by a PhD student at Shanghai JiaoTong University (SJTU) Research Institute of Robotics describes an RTLinux-powered robot that placed fifth in the most recent RoboCup competition. The robot has two color cameras for visual sensing along with a (more…)

This fascinating interview with two top executives of Jaluna — a company that has developed a sort of “VMware for embedded systems” that enables Linux to run alongside a real-time-control OS on gadgets like smartphones and set-top boxes — delves into the (more…)

Denx Software Engineering has updated its free embedded Linux SDK (software development kit). Embedded Linux Development Kit (ELDK) 3.1 includes native and cross-development tools, support for RTAI (real-time application interface), and tools for automating runtime creation. New features include improved native development tools, and support for newer versions of Linux. (more…)

Intel will add platform virtualization technology to its high-end chipsets in 2005, and to higher volume chips in 2006, according to a story at ExtremeTech. The technology — codenamed “Vanderpool” — may interest embedded developers, especially if it can simultaneously run Linux alongside legacy RTOSes (real-time operating systems). (more…)

George Tang Industrial used embedded Linux to build an eight-channel surveillance DVR (digital video recorder). The GDV-08 runs a 2.4-series kernel on a Via processor, and includes a LAN interface and CD-RW. It supports dual hard drives, and features scheduled recording, motion detection, and email/phone alarms. (more…)

Foreword — This article by a PhD student at Shanghai JiaoTong University (SJTU) Research Institute of Robotics describes an RTLinux-powered robot that placed fifth in the most recent RoboCup competition. The robot has two color cameras for visual sensing along with a laser range finder (LRF) for goalkeeper location, and a wireless LAN allows communication among the robots on SJTU's team. (more…)

George Tang Industrial (GTI) used embedded Linux to build an 8-channel surveillance DVR (digital video recorder). The GDV-08 runs a 2.4-series Linux kernel on a Via processor, and includes a LAN interface and CD-RW drive. It supports dual hard drives, and features scheduled recording, motion detection, and email/phone alarms. (more…)

Foreword — This Executive Interview includes two top officials at Jaluna, a Linux-oriented virtual platform software company that was France's fourth-best funded startup in 2004. (more…)

Several consumer electronics giants have formed a joint development association (JDA) tasked with developing content management and protection standards for manufacturers building consumer electronics devices, according to an article at DeviceForge. The Marlin JDA includes Sony, Matsushita (Panasonic), Royal Phillips, and Samsung, along with DRM (digital rights management) specialist InterTrust. (more…)

A Linux-based operating system for IP-TVs based on single-core DSPs (digital signal processors) will support a proprietary video codec claimed to perform better than H.264, VC1, and other commonly used codecs. The VP6.2 codec from On2 Technologies will be ported to Softier's MediaLinux OS, the companies say. (more…)

Access has revised its browser for mobile phones, PDAs, set-top boxes, digital TVs, automotive telematics systems, and other Internet devices. NetFront v3.3 features enhanced DHTML support, frame handling, pop-up blocking, and RSS (really simple syndication), as well as support for Atom Feed, international domains, encryption, and password management. (more…)

Embedded Linux development tools from TimeSys and Enea were among the Linux-oriented products that made mention on EDN Magazine's annual list of hot products. The 2004 edition of the list also includes chips and logic devices, peripherals, SBCs (single-board computers), benchmark and testing tools, and other products that support Linux. (more…)

The OSDL (Open Source Development Labs) should encourage its members to follow IBM's lead and open up 500 patents for use in open source, says Stephen J. Vaughan-Nichols, in a lively eWEEK editorial that points out some of the absurdities created by current US software patent laws. (more…)

PC/104-pioneer Ampro has released a lower-cost alternative to its Intel-based rugged ETX 700 single board computer (SBC). The ETX 550 is offered with a selection of Via Eden processors ranging from 300 MHz to 1 GHz, and comes with driver support for Linux. (more…)

The Open Group has released the source code to a set of middleware used widely in distributed computing environments. It says releasing DCE (Distributed Computing Environment) under the LGPL (lesser GPL) will broaden its use as a vendor-neutral interoperability infrastructure. (more…)