Foreword — This article begins a series of tutorials on embedded Linux system development contributed by noted ARM Linux kernel hackers Vincent Sanders and Daniel Silverstone. In the initial installment, the Simtec engineers describe how embedded devices differ from other computers, and how to build “the most basic system possible.” (more…)

Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has demonstrated a Linux-based humanoid robot that will perform in a fashion show next week. The HRP-4C runs the robotics-focused hard real-time ART-Linux distro, which was released this week for Linux 2.6xx under GPL. (more…)

A “NITdroid” hacker has released code that enables desktop computers to emulate Nokia Internet Tablets running Android. Philippe Coval has posted a video showing his “NITdroid-emulator” working alongside a new version of Qemu, running the open-source NITdroid Android-to-N8xx port on a Linux desktop. (more…)

Intel is set to launch two new Z5xx processors, one of them the fastest Atom of all, according to a Taiwanese report. The Z550 will clock at 2.0GHz while retaining a 2.4 Watt TDP, while the Z515 will run at either 800MHz or 1.2GHz, HKEPC claims. (more…)

The Chinese company Top Crown Technology announced a netbook using Via's 64-bit Nano processor and VX855 northbridge/southbridge. The “3G Netbook” includes a 10.1-inch display, hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD) storage, WiFi, Bluetooth, and HSDPA (high speed downlink packet access), the… (more…)

The Mozilla project has achieved a beta release of its cross-platform browser for mobile devices. Available initially for Nokia's Linux-based web tablets, and popular desktop OSes, Fennec 1.0b focuses primarily on performance and stability improvements. (more…)

Via is sampling its first x86 board targeting the in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) device market. The Linux-compatible IVP-7500 board is based on a fanless 1GHz Via Eden processor, supports GPS and in-vehicle video monitoring, and targets both consumer infotainment and fleet management applications. (more…)

Lineo Solutions has launched a failure analysis service for embedded Linux developers. The “LL-rescue” service reproduces and analyzes embedded Linux kernel, middleware, application, and hardware problems and bugs, and then offers corrective action and performance improvement solutions, says the Japanese embedded firm. (more…)

Axiomtek is readying an expandable fanless embedded computer targeting industrial automation, digital signage, gaming, and vehicle applications. Due in May, the eBOX639-840-FL offers Core 2 Duo or Celeron M processors, PCI and x16 PCIe slots, two gigabit Ethernet ports, four serial ports, and six USB ports. (more…)

Via has announced a compact mainboard design targeting first-time netbook manufacturers. The “Surfboard C855 Reference Design” includes a Via C7-M ULV processor and VX855 core-logic chip, accepts up to 2GB of RAM, and enables 1080p HD video playback, the company says. (more…)

GE Fanuc announced two PCI Express “network packet processor” cards that come with Linux support packages (LSPs) and development tools. The WANic 56511 and 56512 are based on 12-way Octeon processors, and can offload packet processing from communications appliances and servers, says the company. (more…)

Free Electrons has posted free videos of this year's FOSDEM (Free and Open Source Software Developers' European Meeting). Videos likely to interest embedded Linux developers include presentations on Wt, OpenWRT, Bug Labs, PTXdist, Hackable:1, Linux-based fire-safety and security, OMAP3… (more…)

[Updated Mar. 19] — LiMo must change strategies to stay relevant, writes VisionMobile Research Director Andreas Constantinou in this hard-hitting guest opinion piece. (more…)

Performance Technologies (PT) is shipping a 1U MicroTCA system aimed at telecom, networking, and aero/defense communication systems. The AMP5071 offers Intel Core 2 Duo or Freescale MPC8641D dual-core processors, up to six AMC modules, dual gigabit Ethernet ports, and PT's CGL-compliant NexusWare Linux distribution. (more…)

Foreword: This paper examines the Linux Mobile Foundation (LiMo), a well-funded industry group aiming to standardize Linux on phones, but facing marginalization from free stacks like Android, Qt, and even Open Symbian. After in-depth analysis of LiMo and the phone market, author Andreas Constantinou concludes that LiMo must re-invent itself. (more…)