Ampro will begin distributing a Ubuntu Linux derivative with its x86-compatible single-board computers this month, it said. “Ampro Embedded Linux” (AEL) combines a choice of standard or real-time kernel.org Linux with a standard Ubuntu 7.10 filesystem, giving customers a well-tested open-source leg up on evaluation and development, the company suggests. (more…)

Internet and mobile broadcasting company BNetTV.com has revised its freely downloadable, Java-based, social networking application for Linux-based phones. Mobile Media Suite 2.4 simplifies camera phone photo uploads to social networking sites like Flickr, MySpace, and bnetTV.com's own Communities sites, the… (more…)

[Updated: Apr. 8] — AMCC will team with several partners to demonstrate its Linux-compatible, PowerPC-based processors next week at Embedded Systems Conference Silicon Valley (ESC). Co-demonstrations with Accusys, Arrow, Avnet, Denx, Proware, Silicon Turnkey Express, TeamF1, and Virtutech will include products ranging from wireless gateways to storage devices. (more…)

[Updated Apr. 8] — The “Podzilla” open source application suite was ported to a relatively inexpensive line of flash-based mp3 players. Originally developed by the iPod Linux project, the software now runs on SanDisk's $100-$150 Sansa e200 devices, reports Sebastian Duell, chief SansaLinux project… (more…)

Via Technology has released two core-logic chips targeting embedded devices, mini-PCs, mini-laptops, and UMPCs (ultra-mobie PCs). The VX800 and VX800U integrate northbridge and southbridge functionality plus other mobile-oriented functions, and pair up with Via's Eden, C7, C7-M, and upcoming Isaiah processors, according to the… (more…)

Axiomtek has released a high-end embedded computer designed for automation, digital signage, and in-vehicle use. The fanless, Linux-compatible eBox630-821-FL offers dual gigabit Ethernet ports, four USB ports, four COM ports, and high-end graphics and video, says Axiomtek. (more…)

McObject has announced a new kernel-mode version of its ExtremeDB in-memory embedded database. ExtremeDB Kernel Mode (KM) targets any high-performance system that places application logic in the OS kernel, including authentication and firewall software, operating system monitors, and financial arbitrage and… (more…)

Sophia Systems has announced a MID (mobile internet device) development platform using Intel's new Centrino Atom chipset. The “Peartree” features a five-inch touchscreen display, TV, camera, 4GB of solid-state storage, 802.11b/g and Bluetooth, plus an extension unit with GPS and a 40GB hard drive, Sophia says. (more…)

LinuxWorld organizers are still seeking innovative embedded Linux devices for the “Linux Garage,” a new area that debuts at this year's San Francisco event. Additionally, the Aug. 4-7 show will feature a conference on mobile Linux, to be sponsored by Access and other leading mobile Linux companies, organizers have announced. (more…)

A French company says its UPnP Server middleware stack has been approved by the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA). Although certified running on a standard PC, Awox's “mediaCTRL” middleware supports eight system-on-chip architectures and a handful of free and commercially supported embedded Linux distributions. (more…)

A project developing a free Linux distribution for x86-based network appliances has achieved a new release with some intriguing wireless access point features. Zeroshell 1.0.beta8 lets one physical radio support multiple logical SSIDs, each with a different encryption and authentication scheme, VLAN, and function… (more…)

Intel has unveiled a new version of its Classmate mini-laptop reference design. Now targeting consumers and schoolchildren both, and running Linux or Windows XP, the device has a 30GB hard drive, a revised touchpad and keyboard, webcam, and a nine-inch screen. (more…)

Via's Pico-ITX motherboard form factor may be bound for glory. The form factor has been adopted by the Small Form Factor SIG (special interest group), a group of board and connector vendors planning to add a stackable high-density expansion interface to the tiny motherboard form factor. (more…)

[Updated: Apr. 4] — A Minsk, Belarus-based provider of Linux-based product development services has announced two logic controller design wins. Promwad has delivered a data acquisition controller for automated power monitoring systems using PLC (Power Line Communications), and has also produced a board… (more…)

IBM DeveloperWorks has published the second in a two-part series on the Eclipse Plugin Development Environment (PDE). Chris Aniszczyk's “Plug-in Development 101, Part 2” provides tips and techniques on building rich-client applications with Eclipse plugins, including advice on launching and branding tasks. (more…)