Two MIT students are using a newly-available hacker-friendly embedded Linux consumer audio device to re-launch MIT's believed-to-be legal network-based interactive music distribution system, Library Access to Music Project (LAMP). (more…)

A ten-year-old Russian electronics engineering firm based in Moscow Zelenograde is using embedded Linux in a family of device servers targeting building and factory automation and industrial and camera control. (more…)

Linux based thin clients are surging in popularity, buoyed by advances in embedded Linux and advances in network computing technology. This Hot Topic reading list provides a brief overview of thin client technologies, summarizes recent news related to Linux thin clients, introduces our brand new Quick Reference Guide to thin client products that run embedded Linux, and provides a reading list… (more…)

This continually updated guide provides pointers to LinuxDevices.com's extensive coverage of Linux-based thin client devices and systems. Thin clients are minimalist systems, often without moving parts, designed to serve programs that run on remote Linux, Unix, or Windows servers. (more…)

3Com's OfficeConnect SecureRouter (3CR860-95) and OfficeConnect VPN Firewall (3CR870-95) are Linux-based VPN routers for the SOHO (small office, home office) market. 3Com offers a free but unsupported Linux-MIPS kernel source tree and cross-compiling toolchain for the devices, making them potentially interesting to embedded Linux hackers. (more…)

Foreword: Chris Lanfear, an embedded industry analyst with Venture Development Corp. (VDC), has published his annual report on the Embedded Systems Conference in Boston. The report captures highlights, trends, themes, and vendor announcements, and announces the winner of VDC's “Embeddies” award for the best of show. (more…)

Technophiles, especially visitors to LinuxDevices.com, have seen Intel talk a lot about “firmware” [definition] over the past few years. Intel is normally associated with processors and chipsets, but its introduction of the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) and the Intel Platform Innovation Framework for EFI… (more…)

The PC Reviver from Asterisk is an inexpensive device that intended to turn aging x86-based PCs into thin clients by replacing their hard-drive with a solid-state flash memory device that boots an embedded Linux OS. The “revived” computer can then be used as a network appliance for Citrix, Windows, Linux, and/or browser-based server-centric computing networks. (more…)

AKCP has used embedded Linux to build a data center security monitor that can track both physical and network-related events. The CameraProbe8 has an integral low-light pan-and-tilt camera, and supports up to eight environmental sensors. It also runs network service monitoring software. It is manageable via secure SNMP or HTTP. (more…)

Pepper Computer has revised its simplified Linux-based wireless webpad for digital homes, and will offer the device direct to consumers. The Pepper Pad is intended to provide basic digital home computing functions, including web browsing, email, IM, and collecting and organizing photos, music, and videos. (more…)

The SSV IGW/100 is a small, rugged industrial security gateway designed to protect automation networks from viruses, worms, and unauthorized access. It runs a free, open-source Linux distribution that supports real-time extensions and was designed especially for industrial security applications. (more…)

Foreword: Das U-Boot is an open source bootloader available for a wide range of embedded processor architectures. This article gently introduces bootloader concepts, traces the origins of Das U-Boot, and offers technical details and tips on using Das U-Boot in embedded Linux devices. (more…)

LinuxDevices presents this exclusive interview with Roger Kung, Chairman and CEO of E28, a Linux smartphone startup in Shanghai, China. E28 was the first company to ship a Linux smartphone, and could unveil a Linux smartphone for the US as early as the Boston LinuxWorld Expo. (more…)

What does a Linux smartphone look like? While Windows Mobile Smartphones all tend to look alike, Linux gives developers the freedom to innovate — or imitate — as desired. E28's e2800+ (pictured here) has garnered awards for both innovation and ease-of-use. (more…)

Carrier Grade Linux (CGL) stands among Linux's greatest success stories, proving that industry groups can work together effectively on open source projects that broadly benefit entire markets. This “Hot Topic” list follows Carrier Grade Linux from concept to specification releases, and includes CGL overviews, product and partner announcements, and more. (more…)