Siemens of Switzerland is shipping three hardware/software reference designs for Internet protocol set-top boxes (IP-STBs). The STB-7100-series designs run Linux 2.6 on a SuperH-based processor, and support standard- and high-definition content, along with multiple access technologies, including DSL, cable, and… (more…)

[Updated 3:15PM, PST] — With sponsorship from MIPS Technologies, GNU tools specialist CodeSourcery has added support for the MIPS architecture to the GNU/Linux prelinker, with the goal of helping MIPS-based embedded designs enjoy faster application start-up times. Additionally, the consulting and services company has joined MIPS Technologies's MIPS Alliance Program. (more…)

OpenClovis is accepting project proposals for a community website to launch early next year. The “ClovisForge” site aims to help developers quickly add high-availability characteristics to commercial or open-source applications, so that they can be considered for use in telecommunications and other markets requiring “six nines” availability (99.9999 percent uptime). (more…)

Hong Kong based mini-PC manufacturing specialist SD-Omega has added a pair of high-end models to its extensive line of more than 20 Linux-friendly car PC models. The SD631C and PCI-slot-equipped SD631CH support Intel Pentium M and Celeron M processors at over 2GHz, and include car-specific features. (more…)

[Updated Oct. 31] — Parisian startup Linutop is readying a compact Linux-based computing appliance aimed at web surfing kiosks in libraries, schools, offices, hotels, hospitals, Internet cafes, and family rooms. (more…)

Access will contribute a mobile application platform to the open source community before year's end, it says. Its “Application Framework” for GTK+ aims to offer device developers specialized mechanisms for package installation, task-oriented application interoperation, and security policy definition and management. (more…)

Network management specialist Wildpackets is shipping a Linux-powered appliance used by network administrators to analyze full- or half-duplex gigabit Ethernet traffic. The “Omnipliance” is based on a 3U rack-mount Intel Xeon server, and runs Red Hat Linux along with Wildpackets's flagship “OmniEngine”… (more…)

Much as early reviewers rued the Nokia 770's lack of cellular phone capabilities, USAToday's appraisal of Sony's Linux-based Mylo (“my life online”) reprises the “there's no phone” theme repeatedly. (more…)

Team ASA is shipping a network storage-oriented SBC (single-board computer) featuring integrated hardware encryption and data compression. The NPWR-SAI is based on an Intel storage processor, comes pre-loaded with Linux 2.6.13, and targets CD-bay-sized removable storage devices with transparent encryption and compression,… (more…)

Dutch telecom operator and Internet service provider KPN has bestowed an award for innovation on DataBalk's ZorgTV (“CareTV” in English) product. The product is based on Amino's Linux-based Aminet110 set-top box (pictured at left), and aims to help elderly people “stay independent” longer, according to DataBalk. (more…)

Taiwanese industrial computing specialist Artila Electronics is shipping a processor module pre-loaded with a Linux 2.6 kernel and filesystem. The M-501 is based on a 180MHz ARM processor, has lots of standard PC I/O available through several high-density connectors, and is available with a baseboard. (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…)

S2 Technologies has revised its OS- and compiler-agnostic embedded software test and verification package. Stride 2.0 adds enhancements for multi-seat deployments, and can be used to exercise, test, and verify software for complex embedded multimedia consumer devices such as wireless handsets, the company says. (more…)

The first SBC (single-board computer) based on a new military/aerospace form-factor standard is now shipping, and runs Linux 2.6, according to distributor Mistral Solutions. The company says it is shipping Curtiss Wright Controls's (CWC's) VPX6-185, a PowerPC board based on the VPX (VITA 46) standard. (more…)

NEC and Matsushita Electric Industrial (MEI) subsidiary Panasonic Mobile Communications will establish a joint venture next month tasked with creating a common hardware and software platform for mobile handsets. The “Esteemo” Co. will be based in Yokohama City, and have 130 employees, with a capitalization of 100M Yen (~$845,000). (more…)