Wind River is adding symmetric multi-processing (SMP) to VxWorks, its legacy RTOS (real-time operating system), while deepening its partnership with fabless multiprocessor chip vendor Cavium Networks. Wind River's VxWorks 6.6 is slated to run in SMP mode by year's end, with additional optimizations planned for Cavium's “Octeon” multiprocessor. (more…)

Crossbeam Systems has started shipping a massive chassis-style, “unified threat management” (UTM) system based on an open Linux OS. The X-Series UTM server runs the company's Linux-based “XOS” OS, and targets highly scalable firewalls and other security applications for large data centers and service… (more…)

iRiver is readying a Linux-based media recorder/player comprised of a detachable mobile unit and tethered docking station. The Unit2's base station offers a DVD/CD player, TV tuner, and PC-style I/O, while the detachable display features a 7-inch WVGA (800×480) touchscreen, WiFi, and USB. (more…)

Motorola's interest in buying half of Symbian stack-provider UIQ represents a diversion rather than a U-turn away from Linux, writes mobile phone market analyst Andreas Constantinou in an informative blog post. (more…)

A German embedded Linux OS supplier has announced a joint marketing agreement with a French embedded Linux services provider. The agreement is between Sysgo, the Klein-Winternheim, Germany based vendor of the ELinOS Linux distribution and PikeOS real-time add-on, and Systerel, a real-time application development service provider in Aix-en-Provence, France. (more…)

DSM AG, of Munich, has announced three compact computers aimed at the embedded market. The “Booksize” PCs are based on mini-ITX motherboards packaged in a rugged metal enclosure, and can be fitted with either hard drives or solid-state disks (SSDs). (more…)

GDA Technologies is shipping a PCI Express board with four gigabit Ethernet ports, and equipped with an onboard PowerPC processor and embedded Linux OS. The “Data Cruncher” enables standard x86 boxes to be used for media server, storage networking, wireless infrastructure, or telecom applications, according to the… (more…)

Vyatta has achieved a major new release of its community-supported, Debian-based Linux distribution aimed at turning commodity x86 hardware into enterprise routers, firewalls, and VPN appliances. (more…)

Freescale Semiconductor has added real-time industrial networking support to the Linux-based development kit for its PowerQUICC II SoCs (system-on-chip processors). The MPC8360E-RDK reference design kit now ships with software support for Real Time Automation's (RTA's) EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet communication protocols for industrial control applications. (more…)

Embedded Linux stalwart MontaVista Software is expanding its embedded Linux training program, opening it up for the first time to the general public. Previously, the training was available only to the company's software and tools customers. (more…)

Numark is shipping the iDJ2, a Linux-based DJ mixing console built around the Apple iPod. The iDJ2 allows users to play two songs simultaneously from a single iPod, and offers music control with real-time scratching, pitch control, seamless loop, and full cueing. (more…)

Saxnet has introduced a major upgrade of its Debian Linux-powered Meshnode wireless mesh-networking router. The Meshnode III boasts increased WiFi transmit power and a self-organizing four-radio transmission system, among other enhancements. (more…)

Jon “maddog” Hall has made a featured guest appearance on a podcast series devoted to embedded Linux development. The veteran Linux promoter discusses binary kernel drivers, mixing proprietary and GPL software, and his “secret” retirement plan in the latest episode of TimeSys's Linux Radio podcast. (more…)

Multi-platform browser vendor Opera Software today released a Web-based synchronization service said to share Opera browser information among desktops, mobile phones, and other devices. With Opera Link, says Opera, bookmarks, speed dial, and personal bar are all kept updated, thereby reducing tedious text input. (more…)

IBM, Intel, and Novell are co-sponsoring a webcast entitled “Evaluating Open Source Virtualization.” Although primarily focused on enterprise applications and benefits, the free, hour-long event on Oct. 30 may interest device developers who are following the current explosion of virtualization technologies and applications. (more…)