STMicroelectronics (STM) has announced an ARM9-based SoC (system-on-chip) that comes with a Linux development board, and targets printers, scanners, and digital picture frames. The “SPEAr Basic” has an ARM926EJ-S core, a 300Kgate customizable logic array, and 10/100 Ethernet, USB, serial, IrDA interfaces, the company says. (more…)

Via Technologies has unveiled a Linux-compatible miniature notebook reference design boasting an 8.9-inch screen, interchangeable local and wide area networking modules, and a “dual-headed” video camera. The Via “OpenBook” also features an open source case design that users can download in CAD (computer-aided design) file format. (more…)

Elonex is taking orders for a sub-$200 Linux-based laptop aimed at the British educational market. Based on a 300MHz processor, the Elonex One includes WiFi, Ethernet, Flash storage, USB, and a 7-inch, 800 x 480 detachable touch display. (more…)

Linux kernel development is funded mostly by “enterprise” interests; yet, Linux is the top OS in devices and embedded systems. Now, two “embedded” maintainers have been added, and an official “linux-embedded” mailing list launched, to ensure that embedded interests are represented under Linux's… (more…)

Slacker Inc. says its Linux-based personal music player (PMP) can now connect itself automatically to “hundreds of thousands” of WiFi hotspots. The Slacker Portable's new capabilities come thanks to the addition of DeviceScape Connect, a login client and service designed to connect browser-less devices to wireless networks… (more…)

Freescale Semiconductor has announced the latest in its i.MX line of Linux-friendly multimedia system-on-chips (SoCs) for mobile devices. Based on technology received when Freescale acquired SigmaTel, the i.MX37 processor is aimed at the portable media player (PMP), mobile Internet, and personal navigation device (PND) markets, says Freescale. (more…)

Via has announced a mini-ITX motherboard that combines the company's C7 processor and VX800 chipset. Targeting digital signage applications, the Epia M700 has dual gigabit Ethernet controllers, offers an array of video and audio interfaces, and includes a PCI expansion slot, says Via. (more…)

Embedded Planet is shipping two carrier-grade telecom boards with Linux board support packages (BSPs). Based on Freescale PowerPC systems-on-chips (SoCs), the boards are among the first to boast compliance with the Scope Alliance's AMC-1 (Advanced Mezzanine Card) profile. (more…)

Citrix has begun shipping its new software for delivering virtualized Windows desktops to thin clients running Linux, Windows CE, Windows XP Embedded, and other operating systems. XenDesktop dynamically assembles a “pristine, high-performing desktop,” with personalized applications and settings, every time a user logs on, says… (more…)

A French company that designs mobile phones based on Linux and the LiMo Platform has announced the opening of a sales office in Seoul, Korea. The new Purple Labs office will be run by Grant Jang, reporting to Gordon Tsang (pictured), the company's SVP for Asia. (more…)

[Updated: May 23, 2008] — Analog Devices (ADI) is shipping a development board based on its Blackfin digital signal processor (DSP). The ADSP-BF548 EZ-KIT Lite board incorporates a 600MHz ADSP-BF548 Blackfin processor, and ADI offers a downloadable GNU toolchain that includes the uClinux distribution. (more…)

The Open Graphics Project's long-awaited open source graphics card is ready for order by developers. Designed by Traversal Technology, the OGD1 boasts an open source hardware design based on a Xilinx Spartan-3 XC3S4000 FPGA, and is intended as an FPGA development platform, says the OGP. (more…)

At the MicroTCA Summit next week in Chantilly, Virginia, Emerson Network Power (ENP) is announcing a compact AdvancedTCA (ATCA) system called the Centellis 2000. ENP is also demonstrating its soon-to-ship Centellis 500, a low-cost MicroTCA system that uses plastic packaging. (more…)

Performance Technologies (PT) will unveil a “ready-to-use” MicroTCA appliance at next week's MicroTCA Summit in Chantilly, Virginia. The AMP5070 comprises PT's six-slot MTC5070 chassis, along with a Core2 Duo-based compute module running a “trial” version of PT's CGL-compliant NexusWare distribution. (more…)

Everex's gPC mini is a small, quiet, powerful $500 computer with a hip Linux-based OS designed for MySpace users and others who appreciate the entertainment value of PCs. With a few simple hardware tweaks, the gPC is sure to delight fun-loving PC users of all ages. (more…)