A company selling development support for a popular open source device data synchronization technology has pulled in $5M in first-round funding. Funambol claims its Sync4j tools represent the leading open source implementation of SyncML, and can be used to “develop, deploy, and manage any mobile project.” (more…)

[Updated Aug. 16, 2005] — DeviceScape is shipping a Java-based software suite aimed at assisting corporate help desks in supporting wireless users. WOC (Wireless Operations Center) provides a visual view of wireless infrastructure, making it easier for support staff to resolve common problems, the company says. (more…)

The first company ever to market a Linux-based mobile phone in the US has been acquired by America Online. Wildseed (formerly GitWit) targets the teen market with dual-band GSM/GPRS Linux fashion phones (shown at left) with snap-on plastic skins themed around popular entertainers. (more…)

WinSystems has introduced a PC/104 SBC (single board computer) based on the low power, high-integration AMD SC520 SoC. The PCM-SC520 supports Linux, and targets space- and power-limited embedded designs requiring an extended temperature range of -40 degrees to +85 degrees C, according to the company. (more…)

This new Linux-powered handheld VoWiFi phone from Zultys Technologies looks, acts, and operates like a conventional cordless office telephone — but that's where the similarities end. The device is aimed at enterprises that require a user to be mobile within an office but remain connected with the corporate PBX. (more…)

Alien Technology used embedded Linux to build a multi-protocol RFID reader that it says exploits features in the latest EPC (electronic product code) specifications, including DRM (dense reader mode). (more…)

NEC LCD Technologies is aiming a new, high-brightness 12.1-inch TFT LCD at outdoor applications such as ATMs, vending machines, and public kiosks. The model NL8060BC31-32 boasts high luminance and contrast, low surface reflectivity, and wide temperature operation (-10 to +70 deg. (more…)

Famous Microsoft embedded guy Mike Hall will hand out free pizza across from LinuxWorld on Tuesday afternoon. The lunch might not really be free, though, as Hall writes in his blog, “I'd be really interested in finding out how much you know about Windows CE and Windows XP Embedded, the development process using Windows tools and… (more…)

Trinity Convergence has revised its Linux VoIP (voice-over-IP) software stack for PowerQUICC II or x86 host processors and FreeScale StarCore DSPs. VeriCall 4.0 enables transcoding between any combination of TDM and IP networks, and targets wireless gateways, IADs (integrated access devices), IP-PBXs (IP private branch exchanges), and media gateways. (more…)

Alien Technology used embedded Linux to build a multi-protocol RFID reader that it says exploits features in the latest EPC (electronic product code) specifications, including DRM (dense reader mode). (more…)

The Linux-powered WIP2 WiFi phone from Zultys Technologies looks, acts, and operates like a conventional cordless office telephone — but that's where the similarities end. (more…)

Drew Technologies has used embedded Linux to build what it calls the “world's first open technology automotive scanning tool.” The ScanDAQ (“data acquisition”) is a ruggedized handheld device designed to run J2534-compliant software, enabling mechanics to reflash or modify automotive ECUs (electronic control units). (more…)

Drew Technologies used embedded Linux to build what it calls the “world's first open technology automotive scanning tool.” The ScanDAQ is a rugged handheld that could make today's computerized cars easier to fix and modify using third-party, and even open source, J2534 software. (more…)

A Linux-powered robot submarine built by students from the Georgia Institute of Technology will compete this weekend for a cash prize of approximately $7000. The “Mongoose” and 18 other student-built subs will attempt to successfully navigate through a field of obstacles and complete their programmed mission. (more…)

Freescale will showcase its embedded Linux products at the LinuxWorld trade show next week in San Francisco, it says, and at LinuxWorld Beijing the following week. The company's embedded Linux products include the CodeWarrior toolsuite, Linux-based hardware and software reference designs, and silicon supplied with Linux BSPs (board support packages). (more…)