A French start-up created to build autonomous, easily programmable, affordable humanoid robots has emerged from stealth mode. Aldebaran Robotics, of Paris, expects to ship its first product — a humanoid household service robot running Linux — in early 2007. (more…)

A Gentoo-based Linux distribution for Via Epia mini-ITX boards may create an edition specifically for Via-based UMPCs (ultra-mobile PCs), according to an interview with EpiOS project leader Sascha Pallenberg. The EpiOS project plans to add developers, and collaboration with Boston-area hardware startup TipTouch, according to an interview at CarryPad. (more…)

Opera Software reports that its embedded browser for devices is available for sublicensing with a Linux-based software stack for IPTVs and IP-STBs (Internet protocol TVs and set-top boxes) from Amino spin-off IntAct. Opera for Devices can serve as a platform for custom web-based interfaces, or simply allow users to surf on their TVs, the companies say. (more…)

O'Reilly will hold its first “Radar” conference on Tuesday, July 25th, with the goal of offering a limited number of well-heeled attendees access to key innovators expected to have an impact on the open source software world — particularly with regard to business models — in the year ahead. (more…)

[Updated 2:30 P.M.] — AMD will close its Geode embedded processor design center in Longmont, Colo., according to Forbes and other sources. About 75 jobs will be cut, while another 75 will move to Ft. Collins, Colo., where the company plans to set up an office close to Hewlett Packard, sources say. (more…)

Lippert is shipping a passively cooled PC/104 module that runs Linux and draws about 6.5 Watts. The Cool LightRunner 2 is based on an AMD Geode GX [email protected] processor, and features four USB 2.0 ports, dual Ethernet ports, on-board sound, and 256MB of soldered-down RAM. (more…)

Red Hat has launched a Telecommunications Partner program for NEPs (network equipment providers), OEMs, telecom ISVs (independent software vendors), and carriers/operators. The program will package existing and new Red Hat capabilities into an integrated platform aimed at giving Red Hat a bigger role in the build-out of next-generation telecom services. (more…)

The Embedded Business Group of Hitachi America has released an English language beta of its small-footprint relational database management system (RDBMS). Entier supports Linux, among other embedded OSes, and can be configured to a 300 KB memory footprint, making it one of the most compact RDBMSs available, according to the company. (more…)

An open source DRM (digital rights management) software project that supports embedded Linux has achieved its second major release. OpenIPMP v2 adds support for additional open DRM standards, along with structural and development improvements aimed at making the software easier to port, build, and integrate. (more…)

Automotive infotainment may become the next battleground for Web portals, according to ABI Research. In an effort to differentiate their products, navigation vendors and automakers are expected to begin offering 3D renderings, images of buildings, and location-aware searches, a combination that presages the emergence of Web portals targeting drivers, ABI Research reports. (more…)

Four companies in Japan have created a low-cost, user-programmable humanoid robot targeting educational and research applications. The HRP-2m Choromet uses technology from Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), and is user-programmable thanks to open software running on a user-space… (more…)

Emerson Network Power, a division of Emerson Electric, will demonstrate MontaVista's Carrier Grade Linux distribution at the Freescale Technology Forum next week in Orlando Fla. (more…)

[Updated 9:45 A.M.] — An industry group devoted to standardizing Linux for mobile phones has announced three powerful, influential new members. The LiPS (Linux Phone Standards) Forum's new members include number one mobile phone chip vendor Texas Instruments, top Chinese telecom equipment manufacturer ZTE, and global carrier/operator Telecom Italia. (more…)

Motorola's Linux-based Rokr E2 mobile phone looks ready to challenge Sony/Ericsson's Walkman phone in the hot emerging market for converged PMP phones (portable media player phones), according to this hands-on preview by LinuxDevices.com senior editor… (more…)

The Embedded Systems Conference (ESC), scheduled for April 2007 in San Jose, Calif., has extended the deadline for submitting abstracts of proposed technical sessions. The new deadline is September 8. Proposals are sought for 90-minute and 3-hour classes, and full-day tutorials. (more…)