Applied Data Systems (ADS) will soon ship an upgraded version of its compact XScale SBC based on an Intel PXA270 processor. The BitsyXb, which supports embedded Linux, incorporates five power management modes that minimize power consumption in handheld, wearable, and unmanned applications, according to the company. (more…)

Researchers at the University of Essex are using Linux and tiny embedded computer modules to build fleets of unmanned aircraft that fly in flocking formations like birds, while performing parallel, distributed computing tasks using Bluetooth-connected Linux clustering software. (more…)

A real-time signal processing consultant has posted a how-to on building a combination home router/server that draws just 3.1 watts, including AC adapter. PAMurray says the set-up, based on a Peplink Manga running Debian, saves power compared to a separate router and laptop-based server. (more…)

Motorola has named MontaVista's Carrier Grade Linux distribution the “preferred software development and deployment OS” for its embedded communications computing equipment. Motorola's Open Application-Enabling Platforms target TEMs (telecommunications equipment manufacturers), and are supported under MontaVista Linux Carrier Grade Edition (CGE) throughout product lifecycles, the companies say. (more…)

Software VoIP (voice-over-IP) phone vendor Xten Networks is targeting the embedded device market with a Linux port of its free SIP (session initiation protocol) softphone. The X-Lite phone is available with an SDK (software development kit), and targets set-top boxes, embedded devices, and instant messenger applications. (more…)

MontaVista has begun distributing “release candidates” of a new version of its Carrier Grade Linux distribution, to both new and existing customers. Carrier Grade Edition (CGE) 4.0 is described as an “application-ready universal communications platform” targeting COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) telecom equipment. New features in CGE 4.0 include a 2.6 kernel, (more…)

The FreeBSD project has released a new version of its Unix-like operating system. FreeBSD 5.4 offers new features, new tools, and numerous improvements in security, hardware, and networking support, the project says. It targets network appliances and embedded systems, as well as high-performance computing applications. (more…)

Simputer maker Mobilis is readying a new family of low-cost Linux-based PCs for the Indian market. Mobilis's “Mobilis” and “SofCore” systems will ship in three to four months, offering a surprising range of functionality at prices appropriate for India's developing industrial economy, the company says. (more…)

IBM has published the following technical articles, tutorials, and downloads on its developerWorks Website. They cover a range of interesting (though not necessarily embedded) technical topics, primarily related to Linux and open source system development. Some require free registration. Enjoy . . . ! (more…)

ITTIA has ported its small-footprint embeddable C-language database for mobile systems to uClinux on ARM, as part of a major new release boasting usability gains and new XML export capabilities. The 2.0 version of db.* (formerly dbvista) also includes an autotools build system and improved test suites, ITTIA says. (more…)

A start-up founded by a former Motorola Semiconductor engineer is shipping a Linux-compatibile dual Gigabit Ethernet network interface card (NIC) with TCP/IP offload engine (TOE). LeWiz claims its Magic2020 HBA offers “best in breed” bi-directional TCP/IP performance. It targets servers, storage, and networked appliances. (more…)

Korean Linux distributor Haansoft has joined the OSDL, and will contribute to the Carrier Grade Linux (CGL) working group. Haansoft developes its Asianux distribution in collaboration with Red Flag Linux in China and Miracle Linux in Japan, and says the next version will comply with the CGL specification. (more…)

ExtremeTech has published an overview for hobbyists interested in building Linux PVRs (personal video recorders) based on PC components. The overview discusses project scope, requirements, available open-source software, and suggested hardware components before diving into installation, configuration, and fine-tuning. (more…)

Ten webcasts of presentations from the 2005 Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) are now available. The webcasts cover embedded (though not necessarily Linux-related) topics including IOP storage processors from Intel, Zigbee, FPGAs, DSPs (digital signal processors), SIP-based applications (session initiation protocol), and more. (more…)

Worldwide PDA shipments dropped for the fifth consecutive year in Q1, 2005, according to an IDC report. Meanwhile, the market for mobile phones with PDA-like features continues to surge, with a growing number of PDA vendors shifting resources toward the mobile phone market as a result, IDC says. (more…)