Atmel has launched an interesting new chip line aimed at reducing NRE (non-recurring engineering) expenses associated with ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) development. The CAP (“customizable Atmel processor”) integrates a Linux-friendly ARM9 core together with a metal-programmable function block where users can implement cores, DSPs (digital signal processors), or custom peripherals. (more…)

Trolltech will provide free phones and SDKs (software development kits) to developers willing to target its Qtopia application development framework for mobile phones. The Qtopia Greenphone Grant Program will provide an unspecified number of awardees with Qtopia SDKs, along with Trolltech's open,… (more…)

Win Enterprises has expanded its computer-on-module (COM) product line with the introduction of its first COM Express module. The MB-07315 employs the Intel 945GM chipset, supports both Core 2 Duo and single-core Celeron M processors, and runs Linux, among other embedded OSes. (more…)

This review takes a close look at the Yoggie Pico, a Linux-powered, USB-interfaced firewall squished into a thumb drive-sized package. To test the device, Senior Editor Henry Kingman connects it to a Windows Vista PC, and pummels the setup with security auditing scripts downloaded from Nessus.org. (more…)

A hardware reference design vendor specializing in ultra-thin ARM-based CPU modules plans to add support for encrypted memory. Unicon says enhancing its designs with Atmel's “CrytoMemory” will provide a secure place within the system to store sensitive data, such as digital certificates or… (more…)

An Austrian vendor of real-time networking stacks for automotive, off-highway, and aeronautics use has pledged to port its flagship technology to Wind River Linux. TTTech's claims its “Time-Triggered Architecture” (TTA) offers better safety, cost, and developer productivity, compared to event-driven architectures such as the CAN (controller-area network) fieldbus. (more…)

Freescale has announced a new family of multi-core, PowerPC-based communications processors built on 45nm process technology. Three software development tools vendors have already pledged to support the Multicore Communications Platform (MCP) chips, which are expected to sample late in 2008. (more…)

Yoggie's innovative Yoggie Pico may well be the first hardware firewall that is truly practical for mobile workers running Windows-based computers. The device appears to work well, except for a simplistic web-based user interface that may not satisfy technical users. (more…)

TimeSys has published a second podcast on achieving rapid boots on Linux devices. “Fast boots — the sequel” discusses the relationship of footprint and boot time, post-2.6.15 kernels' CONFIG_EMBEDDED option, application pre-linking and profiling, filesystem selection, execute-in-place (XIP), and initramfs, among other interesting techniques. (more…)

IBM has published the following new technical articles, tutorials, and downloads on its DeveloperWorks and AlphaWorks websites. They cover a range of interesting (though not necessarily embedded) technical topics, primarily related to Linux and open source system development. (more…)

Neoware has upgraded several of its Linux-based thin clients with more and faster memory, and has also added a factory-installed wireless option. The new DDR2 RAM in select models is claimed to provide up to 25 percent faster performance, with no increase in price. (more…)

A start-up located in the French Alps near Grenoble is readying a tiny ARM-based Linux single-board computer (SBC) in a USB key form-factor. Calao, based in Sant Martin le Vinoux, is also readying a tiny Linux SBC designed to plug into QIL (quad in-line) IC sockets. (more…)

NoMachine has achieved a major new release of its remote access software for thin clients and other devices that run remotely hosted applications over low-bandwidth networks. NX 3.0 adds new connection options, handy per-server and per-user profiles, support for x86_64, and enhanced scriptability, the company said. (more…)

Board- and system-maker Arcom has launched a family of Linux-based cellular modem/routers aimed at telemetry, Internet access, and mobile computing applications. The ZyWAN routers support GPRS, EvDO, iDEN, or CDMA, and are customizable via an SDK (software development kit) preconfigured with Linux, J2ME, and OSGi… (more…)

Trango says its virtualization platform for embedded systems and mobile devices will soon support ARM Ltd.'s ARMv6 CPU architecture. The port, due next month, was motivated by customer requirements for enhanced connectivity, richer multimedia content, and increased security capabilities, the vendor said. (more…)