Commercial (embedded) Linux is already here — check your living room

Many Linux devotees answer questions about Linux and consumer electronics by saying “we're really close now”, discussing the cost savings inherent in using Linux, or simply arguing the technical merits of Linux. (more…)

The following article has been reproduced with the permission of Software Development Times . . . (more…)

Building a gcc / glibc cross-toolchain for use in embedded systems development used to be a scary prospect, requiring iron will, days if not weeks of effort, lots of Unix and Gnu lore, and sometimes willingness to take dodgy shortcuts. This is a problem not only for individual users, but also for the gcc project as a whole, since the gcc team (more…)

There may be no such thing as completely portable code, but with the release of a new Linux version of a component library to developers, writing portable, adaptable code just got easier. A noncommercial product, the Intel operating system independent (OSI) library implementation called CompLib has been used by Intel developers to port their applications from one platform to another. (more…)

There are a number of electronic projects I have been wanting to build which require an embedded computer system. Among of these are:

• Networked audio player for our home entertainment center
• Networked electronic picture frame
• Video and audio home security system
• A web/email gateway for an antique Model 28 Teletype machine. (more…)

[Updated Aug. 25, 2003] — Evans Data Corp. (EDC) has released data on several findings from its recently completed survey of nearly 400 embedded developers. The data sheds light on:

• The value embedded developers place on real-time debuggers
• How much time developers spend on… (more…)

This showcase guide offers summaries of LinuxDevices stories about devices that use embedded Linux. Organized by category of device, the guide includes mobile phones, netbooks, MIDs, PDAs, audio and video gear, networking equipment, robots, and much more. It does not cover larger systems that run desktop and server Linux distributions. (more…)

Handset and PDA manufacturers and mobile applications and infrastructure vendors are all adding support for Linux, but the real driver for Linux is Java. (more…)

Sena Technologies' HelloDevice SS110 is a small serial-Ethernet converter with a wealth of network connection options thanks to the flexibility of a PCMCIA interface and a built-in wireless interface. Paired with Sena Technologies' HelloDevice visual integrated development environment (IDE), the SS110 can serve as part of a custom remote… (more…)

Earlier this month, market research firm Embedded Market Forecasters (EMF) released a report which claims embedded development projects based on Microsoft's “Windows Embedded” operating system platforms (specifically, Windows CE .NET and Windows XP Embedded) are completed 43% faster and at 68% lower cost, on average, compared with similar projects… (more…)

Most LinuxDevices.com readers are well aware of how difficult it is to judge the utility of competing software development methods in objective and quantifiable ways. The proliferation of languages, software engineering methodologies, and tools suggests that it is not easy to determine which way is best — clearly, if one way were verifiably best, in a results-oriented field the inferior methods would… (more…)

LinuxDevices.com received the following two-page statement from Dr. Jerry Krasner, author of the EMF report titled “Total Cost of Development”, in an email titled “Microsoft/EMF position statement” . . . (more…)

Background

Earlier this month, Embedded Market Forecasters issued a Microsoft-funded research report that claimed development projects using Microsoft Windows embedded operating system (OS) platforms, namely Windows CE .NET and Windows XP Embedded, were completed 43 percent faster and at an average 68 percent lower cost when compared to similar projects using an embedded Linux OS. (more…)

Overview: Extending SIM Authentication to WLAN

Worldwide, traditional cellular operators are investigating how to integrate wireless local area networks (WLANs) into their service offerings and business models. Currently, GSM (global system for mobile communications) operators provide subscriber identity modules (SIMs) for each subscriber on their network. (more…)