The Free Software Foundation should focus on GPL modernization, instead of trying to answer “unasked questions of software freedom,” an interesting eWEEK editorial by Jason Brooks suggests. With only one draft to go, the authors of GPLv3 should put adoptability first, given the license's potential to unite open source communities, writes Brooks. (more…)

IBM has published the following new technical articles, tutorials, and downloads on its DeveloperWorks and AlphaWorks websites. They cover a range of interesting (though not necessarily embedded) technical topics, primarily related to Linux and open source system development. Some require free registration. (more…)

The industry group that maintains the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) has updated the spec to v2.1, and released a new “Platform Initialization (PI) v1.0” speciation. The UEFI Forum said its PI document addresses interoperability issues among UEFI-compliant firmware components provided by different companies and organizations. (more…)

MontaVista has released a new version of its Eclipse-based toolsuite for embedded Linux application development. Application Developer Kit (ADK) 5.0 features an “all-plugin” architecture for better cross-vendor tools interoperability, supports MontaVista's new real-time oriented Pro 5.0 distribution, and comes with… (more…)

SysMaster used embedded Linux to build a set-top box with a dizzying array of audio, video, networking, communications, and data capabilities. The Tornado M10 Digital Media Center runs Linux 2.6.19, and targets phone and IP network operators wishing to offer a wide range of services. (more…)

Connect One has introduced a serial-to-WiFi communications module aimed at connecting RS232C serial devices to 802.11b/g wireless LANs and protecting them from network attacks. Dubbed the “Socket iWiFi” server, it overcomes time and complexity barriers by unbundling the wireless and security drivers from the… (more…)

No Starch Press has published a book about integrating embedded hardware, Linux-based operating systems, and custom applications to create Linux devices. “Linux Appliance Design,” by four authors, is the first book to tackle both the hardware and software components of device design, the publisher claims. (more…)

Ampro has leveraged AMD's Geode LX800 microprocessor in new single-board computer (SBC) designs. The PC/104 form-factor “CoreModule 620” and the EPIC 2.0 form-factor “ReadyBoard 620” both “fully support” the legacy ISA bus through a “unique combination of circuitry, standard BIOS, and [proprietary] extensions,” the company said. (more…)

A description of how to build a completely silent DVR (digital video recorder) based on embedded Linux and a Via mini-ITX board has been published at MythPVR. The unofficial site's five-page story describes hardware component selection and MiniMyth installation to CompactFlash. (more…)

VersaLogic is shipping a new EBX format single-board computer (SBC) based on a Geode LX800 processor. The RoHS-compliant “Python” SBC offers the equivalent of 800 MHz processing performance, supports reliable fanless operation, and integrates a substantial complement of onboard functions and interfaces, according to the… (more…)

A new SDK (software development kit) from Insyde Software helps developers roll their own EFI/UEFI initialization and boot routines for systems based on embedded Intel Architecture processors. “InsydeDIY” provides a “lightweight and easy-to-implement” set of source and binary firmware components for applications that do not require a complete BIOS implementation, according to the company. (more…)

SysMaster used embedded Linux to build a set-top box with a dizzying array of audio, video, networking, communications, and data capabilities. The Tornado M10 Digital Media Center runs Linux 2.6.19, and targets phone and IP network operators wishing to offer a wide range of services. (more…)

In a nod toward the RTOS market that founder Jim Ready pioneered, MontaVista is shipping a new version of its commercial embedded Linux distribution said to offer true real-time performance along with a very small footprint. MontaVista Linux Professional Edition Version 5.0 boasts enhanced real-time performance and lower resource usage. (more…)

Oxford Semiconductor is shipping a Linux-based development kit for its recently-launched ARM9-based SoC (system-on-chip) for machine-to-machine (M2M) messaging applications, including factory automation, POS (point-of-sales), and building management. (more…)

Board-maker WIN Enterprises Inc. has announced a CPU module in the ETX form-factor, with support for Linux, Windows XP Embedded, and Windows CE. Target markets for the compact (4.5 x 3.7-inch) “MB-09014” board include medical imaging/monitoring, kiosk/POS, gaming, industrial control, and security monitoring, according… (more…)