A vendor of instrumentation probe software has released a new version that adds embedded Linux support. OC Systems' Aprobe version 5 enables embedded software engineers to instrument software applications after they have been developed, isolating, diagnosing, and resolving complex problems that can't be solved by other debugging tools, says the company. (more…)

Dell is developing a smartphone-like, ARM-based MID, while Nokia is readying an ARM-based netbook, both based on the Google-sponsored Android, according to reports. Meanwhile, another story claims that the HTC Hero's “Sense” UI for Android won't be available on HTC Magic and G1 phones. (more…)

Ronetix announced the availability of new firmware for its Linux-friendly JTAG/BDM emulator and flash programmer. The “PEEDI” JTAG/BDM Emulator and Flash Programmer now supports the PowerPC-based Freescale MPC5200 “telematics” processor, as well as the general-purpose, low-power Atmel AVR32 family of processors, says the vendor. (more…)

Spirent Communications is shipping its Linux-based TestCenter testing system with McObject's ExtremeDB embedded database, says the company. The latest version of TestCenter can run up to 720 ports on a single rack, each with its own processor, Linux OS, and eXtremeDB in-memory database, says McObject. (more…)

Samsung is now sampling its first ARM 11-based application processor to be fabbed using 45-nanometer technology. Intended for embedded devices such as “next-generation PNDs,” the S5P6440 processor runs at 533MHz or 667MHz, includes 2D graphics acceleration hardware, and features a DRAM memory controller, the company says. (more…)

Timesys announced that its subscription-based LinuxLink online build service and development environment supports high-end Xilinx Virtex-4 and Virtex-5 field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The company also announced a LinuxLink design win with Silicon Turnkey Express (STx) on an upcoming hardware/software development kit. (more…)

Texas Instruments (TI) is sampling three new digital signal processors (DSPs) touted as being the lowest-power floating point DSPs in the industry. In addition to launching the TMS320C6742, TMS320C6746, and the SATA-enabled TMS320C6748, TI is also sampling a Linux-ready, ARM9-based OMAP-L138 system-on-chip (SoC) that incorporates the TMS320C6748, says the company. (more…)

Ibase is shipping a PCI-104 format single-board computer (SBC) aimed at a variety of rugged, compact embedded designs. The IB805 is equipped with an Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz with an Intel 945GSE Express Chipset, offers multiple I/O, and supports 18-bit LVDS displays, says the company. (more…)

HP announced the self-proclaimed “world's first web-connected home printer.” The $400 HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web is a multi-function inkjet equipped with a 4.3-inch touchscreen and Web-enabled embedded Linux computer, plus a collection of printing apps that can be added to by third parties. (more…)

Despite posting a $105 million fourth-quarter loss yesterday, Palm saw its stock rise on strong early sales of its Linux-based Palm Pre phone, which has sold 150,000 units, according to reports. Meanwhile, Palm Pre users have already downloaded one million apps, says eWEEK. (more…)

The Sun-sponsored VirtualBox project has released a beta 3.0 version of its free, x86-oriented virtualization software. The Linux-compatible xVM VirtualBox 3.0 adds support for guest Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP) with up to 32 virtual CPUs, as well as support for version 2.0 of the OpenGL graphics acceleration standard, among other features. (more…)

Marvell announced that four vendors of networked-attached storage (NAS) devices — Buffalo, D-Link, LaCie, and Seagate — plan to launch retail versions of its SheevaPlug Plug Computer reference design. The company also said that its Linux-based SheevaPlug development kits are now available for European customers. (more…)

The OSCON (Open Source Convention) conference will present over 200 sessions between July 20-24 in San Jose, Calif., covering a variety of desktop and embedded Linux topics. Meanwhile, SourceForge.net has opened voting for its 2009 Community Choice Awards, with winners to be announced at OSCON. (more…)

Axiomtek announced what appears to be its first “eBox” industrial computer to run on an Intel Atom. The compact, fanless eBOX620-831-FL is equipped with an Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz CPU and 945GSE Express chipset, offers multiple I/O, and boasts a rugged housing and extended temperature support. (more…)

Texas Instruments (TI) announced a family of multi-core “TMS320TCI648x” digital signal processors (DSPs) that are designed for small-scale wireless base-stations called “femtocells.” Supported with Linux development kits, and incorporating VirtualLogix virtualization technology, TI's TCI6485 and TCI6489 can power femtocells that serve between eight and 32 HSPA 3G wireless users, respectively. (more…)