Opera Software has added support for AJAX (asynchronous javascript and XML) to its flagship Opera browser and SDK (software development kit). The company hopes AJAX will help Opera succeed as a user interface and application framework for embedded devices, an increasing marketing focus for the company. (more…)

Sigma Designs has announced a line of set-top box and HD-DVD player SoCs that it says are the first to integrate high-definition media decoders for “all major formats.” The SMP8630-series SoCs target a wide swath of video devices, integrate advanced security/DRM capabilities, and run embedded Linux, the company says. (more…)

[Updated 1:50PM] — The first company to focus on embedded Linux as its primary business has begun the process of replacing its CEO, a boardmember has confirmed. MontaVista founder and president James Ready is expected to serve as CTO once a replacement CEO has been installed, said boardmember… (more…)

The Linux-based Motorola Rokr E2 fixes what was wrong with the original, non-Linux-based E1 model, according to a short yet effusive online review of the device that also includes an ample photo gallery. (more…)

Hauppauge is shipping a wireless-G enabled version of its Linux-based “MVP” (music, video, pictures) media adapter. The MediaMVP is a wireless set-top decoder for 802.11G (54Mbps) networks that allows Windows PC users to display digital multimedia content on TVs, stereos, home theaters, and… (more…)

A free software project sponsored by mobile device vendor Dynamism has released a “proof-of-concept” development kit aimed at letting Windows PCs serve as development hosts for Linux-based device targets, without rebooting, partitioning or configuration. (more…)

Hardware/software media hub reference design vendor Video Without Boundaries (VWB) is demonstrating new features and partnerships, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week in Las Vegas. (more…)

Hewlett Packard (HP) has ditched plans to ship the Linux-based media hub demonstrated at last year's Consumer Electronics Show by erstwhile CEO Carly Fiorina, reports Ars Technica via the Wall Street Journal. (more…)

Taiwanese ODM (original design manufacturer) Wistron NeWeb Corp. (WNC) is reportedly demonstrating a dual-mode cellular/VoIP phone that appears to be based on Linux and a branded version of Trolltech's Qtopia Phone Edition (QPE), at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week. (more…)

An embedded Linux software reference design vendor with offices in Sunnyvale, Calif., and Pune, India, has announced a “convergence” design aimed at VoIP-enabled (voice-over-IP) devices. Kenati's NP (Network Persona) Convergence Platform will include a Linux OS and networking stack, along with standards-compliant network management and voice provisioning frameworks, it says. (more…)

Venture Development Corp.'s Chris Lanfear has launched a blog on the embedded systems market. Lanfear describes his “On-target: embedded systems” blog as “the first real-time news and analysis source,” adding, “It's the best way to spend the first couple of minutes of your day” (although we humbly suggest visiting… (more…)

A member-funded industry consortium has released the first of a three-part specification aimed at fostering embedded OS and architecture portability for streaming multimedia codecs and applications. The Khronos Group's royalty-free OpenMAX IL 1.0 specification defines a standardized interface for multimedia codecs implemented in hardware or software, the Group says. (more…)

Xilinx has released a demonstration platform that aims to show the benefits of programmable devices for accelerating the development of “smart handsets.” The Handset Demonstration Platform supports Linux, and uses the company's CoolRunner CPLD family of devices to implement new handset features and co-processing… (more…)

TimeSys has added support for five Intel storage processors to its “LinuxLink” online service for roll-your-own embedded Linux developers. Additionally, Intel has started bundling 14-day LinuxLink trial subscription with its hardware development kits for select I/O storage processors, TimeSys says. (more…)

Sonos will demonstrate a version of its Linux-based multi-room music distribution system without a built-in amplifier at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week. The ZonePlayer ZP80 allows users to integrate existing audiophile equipment with the Sonos Digital Music System, and is… (more…)