[Updated Sep. 1] — Mistral Software has released a Linux 2.6-based board support package (BSP) for TI's OMAP5912 starter kit (OSK). Dubbed the Accelerator Program 1.1, the BSP aims to support developers who are creating or upgrading embedded Linux applications that target TI's OMAP5912 dual-core processor. (more…)

Hanbit Electronics and Pepper Computer will ship a third generation Linux-powered webpad “on or before September 30th,” Pepper confirmed Aug. 31. Compared to its predecessors, the Pepper Pad 3 boasts speedier web browsing, faster and more comprehensive multimedia support, smaller size, reduced weight, and numerous hardware… (more…)

Skype on Aug. 31 introduced a pair of cordless VoIP phones that work without being connected to a computer, via a DECT basestation that attaches directly to broadband and POTS lines. One of the two — the Philips VOIP841 — uses Linux as its embedded OS. (more…)

This year's Fall Microprocessor Forum will focus on advances in power-efficiency. The event, which will take place in San Jose, Calif. on Oct. 10 and 11, will feature over 22 presentations and keynotes, including many introductions of new processors and processor cores, according to conference organizer In-Stat. (more…)

McObject has port its in-memory embedded database to the open-source eCos RTOS (real-time operating system) as part of a collaborative relationship with eCosCentric, the commercial supplier of eCos. The eXtremeDB database will be supplied by eCosCentric as part of its real-time embedded systems middleware suite for eCos, the companies announced. (more…)

Taiwanese embedded specialist Embedian has launched a line of compact, low-power, “embedded box computers” built around the company's ARM-based single-board computers (SBCs). The EBC-7000 incorporates the company's APC-7110 SBC, hard drive, and… (more…)

[Updated Aug. 31] — Embedded designs often contain both NAND and NOR flash memory, to benefit from the advantages of each technology. A new whitepaper from flash filesystem specialist Datalight discusses the convergence of these two technologies in architectures that combine the benefits of both, and suggests criteria for optimizing new embedded system designs. (more…)

Ronetix has upgraded the firmware inside its JTAG-interfaced emulator and flash programmer. The new firmware allows the PEEDI JTAG tool to be used for direct programming of NAND flash connected to ARM7, ARM9, and XScale processors, enabling “easy” use of NAND as a system boot device, according to the company. (more…)

Taiwan Commate Computer (Commell) is shipping a 5.25-inch form-factor SBC (single-board computer) that supports Intel's Core Duo and Core Solo processors. The LS-570 boasts four PCI Express-interfaced gigabit Ethernet (Gig-E) ports, along with an extensive set of video, disk, and PC-style I/O interfaces. (more…)

TIVR Communications has released a “highly optimized” software video decoder for mobile and embedded environments that implements the SMPTE VC-1/WMV9 protocol. The VC-1 decoder works on devices based on ARM processors running Linux, among other embedded OSes, the company says. (more…)

OSNews has published an interesting interview with Guy Martin, a “distinguished” technical staff member in Motorola's Mobile Devices business, who serves as an open-source advocate and community interface. Questions range from Motorola's Linux phone UI (user interface), browser, and SDK plans, to mobile Linux fragmentation, to Motorola's embedded OS preference. (more…)

RFID specialist TagMaster used embedded Linux to build a new generation of “long-range and high-performance” 2.45 GHz RFID systems. The LR-xx readers operate in the license-free 2.45 GHz frequency band, and target applications in commercial and corporate parking areas, gated communities, university parking, airports, and… (more…)

Introduction

NAND and NOR technologies each have distinct advantages for developers and end customers, and there is a growing trend toward designing systems capable of converging these technologies. Many existing designs deploy both NAND and NOR arrays. New technologies such as Samsung OneNAND and Spansion OrNAND seek to offer the benefits of NAND and NOR within a single solution, while… (more…)

IBM has published the following new 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…)

The third annual ARM Developers' Conference will be held in Santa Clara, Calif. Oct. 3 through 5. The conference promises over 120 technical sessions, along with an informative expo that will showcase third-party vendors' products such as ARM-based SoCs (system-on-chip processors), embedded boards, and both hardware and software development tools, according to show organizers. (more…)