Motorola's first Linux phone for the U.S. market will feature a single-core, ARM11-based chipset, according to a story at MobileBurn. If true, that could make it the first available phone to run an “open” OS of any kind on a single-processor architecture. (more…)

Real-time Linux specialist FSMLabs is shipping software that may help financial services companies retrofit their electronic trading systems for compliance with new time synchronization requirements in the U.S. and Europe. The company claims that the RTTimeSync add-on for its RTLinuxPro OS can keep nodes synchronized, whether running Linux or Windows. (more…)

A small company in Sweden is shipping a low-power, ultra-quiet Linux file and print server based on Debian Linux. Excito's “Bubba” is based on a 200MHz ARM processor, and comes equipped with 80GB to 500GB drives plus a customizable OS featuring a handy torrent/http/ftp download manager. (more…)

A software company in Lithuania is shipping face recognition and fingerprint recognition SDKs (software development kits) for embedded and mobile Linux devices. Neurotechnologija's FaceCell and FingerCell 2.0 SDKs can be used separately, or combined, for “multi-biometrical applications,” the… (more…)

Sigma Designs is shipping an “all-in-one” reference design for UWB (ultra-wideband) network devices compliant with WiMedia Alliance standards. The Mini-PCI Windeo Reference Design Kit includes Linux drivers, and targets digital entertainment products that wirelessly distribute high-definition… (more…)

Hitachi Embedded will spin a version of its lightweight embedded SQL RDBMS (relational database management system) specifically for Wind River's consumer device operating systems. The Entier RDBMS simplifies implementing responsive, natural searches in devices that manage complex digital content, according to Hitachi. (more…)

FSMLabs founder Victor Yodaiken has assembled an all-star group of influential Linux experts for a panel discussion at a Real-Time & Embedded Computing Conference set for Jan. 25, in Santa Clara, Calif. The event is free to attend, and also features a Bluetooth training workshop. (more…)

Vetland Medical used embedded Linux and an ARM9-based single-board computer (SBC) to develop an inexpensive anesthesia monitoring device aimed at bringing technical innovations in human anesthesia equipment to veterinarians. (more…)

CEO Steve Jobs unveiled two forthcoming Apple devices based on an embedded version of Mac OS X, at the MacWorld Expo today in San Francisco. The “Apple TV” set-top box is due in February, while the much-anticipated iPhone combo cellphone/mediaplayer is expected by mid-year. (more…)

[Updated Jan. 12, 2007] — Four vendors are helping change Linux-based phones from voice-focused appliances into multimedia computers, writes Sascha Segan of PC Magazine. (more…)

AOL is showcasing a Linux-based hard drive-equipped portable media player (PMP) manufactured by Haier, at CES this week. The Smartscreens Media Device packs a 30GB drive, plays MPEG4 and WMV videos over wired or Bluetooth wireless headphones, and can also receive Internet radio stations via WiFi. (more…)

Foreword: This article describes how Linux and a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) single-board computer (SBC) helped Vetland Medical develop and market its EX3000 product, an inexpensive anesthesia monitoring device aimed at bringing technical innovations in human anesthesia… (more…)

Bridge and controller chip-vendor QuickLogic is demonstrating several finished products and reference designs powered by Linux, at CES this week in Las Vegas. The company's demo's include a portable media player, two portable navigation devices, and a TV-out subsystem with XY swap for TV-enabled mobile phones. (more…)

Alereon is shipping a wireless USB (WUSB) chip targeting mobile devices and PC peripherals. The AL4300 is available with Linux drivers, and is said to be the first WUSB chip to integrate the host interface, MAC (media access controller), and baseband processor into a single chip. (more…)

Sonos has added support for Windows Media formats to its Linux-based whole-house audio distribution system, via a “one-button” firmware upgrade. The new “Sonos System Software 2.1” for the Sonos Digital Music System brings better interoperability with Windows Media Player 11 for Vista… (more…)