Win Enterprises is shipping a compact, low-cost, fanless “micro-PC” that runs Linux and features a “dust-proof” chassis. The PL-01030 is based on an AMD Geode LX800 processor, sports dual 10/100 LAN ports, and targets network appliance, point-of-sale, kiosk, medical, entertainment, industrial, and… (more…)

Digium has released the second beta of a “software appliance” version of Asterisk, the open source IP PBX (Internet protocol private branch exchange) it maintains. The GPL-licensed AsteriskNow appliance sports a web-based config/admin GUI, and comes with a complete Linux environment with several installation… (more…)

A commercial Linux bootloader and open source Linux distribution will be offered for Microsoft's Zune multimedia player, according to forum posts at Zuneboards.com by a “Mys Videl” user. (more…)

This detailed book chapter describes how to add a Linux-based, Bluetooth-connected control interface to a scrolling LED sign. The 35-page chapter is excerpted from Make Projects: Small Form Factor PCs, a 232-page O'Reilly book featuring nine interesting and instructive embedded projects, many based on Linux. (more…)

The Free Standards Group has launched a working group aimed at creating a universal Linux application installation API (application programming interface). The Packaging Workgroup grew from an FSG-sponsored “face-to-face” last month in Berlin, where ISVs (independent software vendors) reportedly met with key Linux software packaging and installation tools developers. (more…)

[Updated Jan. 3] — Mini-ITX distributor Logic Supply is shipping a mini-ITX case claimed to be the smallest available. The Serener GS-L05 measures 7.4 x 7.2 x 3 inches, uses heat pipes for passive cooling, and works with nine available Via- and Intel-based mini-ITX boards. (more…)

Via is sampling a mini-ITX motherboard for x86-based consumer devices. The Epia EX board runs Linux, is powered by a 1-1.5GHz C7 processor, and combines standard PC I/O with consumer electronics I/O such as composite, component, and S-Video, S/PDIF audio, and LVDS and DVI display interfaces. (more…)

Cloakware claims its digital asset protection product has been deployed in half a billion devices, including mobile phones, set-top boxes, portable devices, and PCs. “Cloakware Robustness Solutions” comprise an SDK (software development kit) and key injection tool aimed at helping device and software vendors satisfy DRM (digital rights management) requirements. (more…)

Acrosser is shipping a new PCI-104 SBC (single-board computer) based on a low-power AMD Geode LX800 processor. The AR-B1622 is supported with drivers for Linux, and targets space-constrained, fanless designs such as portable medical equipment, according to the company. (more…)

Access's open-source “application framework” for Linux devices, released under the Mozilla Public License (MPL), is now available for download. The Hiker Application Framework — a set of libraries and utilities for GTK+ application installation, management, security, and inter-communication — aims to enable the commercialization of applications targeting mobile Linux devices. (more…)

IBM has published the following new technical articles, tutorials, and downloads on its DeveloperWorks website. 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. Enjoy . . . ! (more…)

As 2006 winds to a close, the editors of LinuxDevices.com have assembled a retrospective aimed at highlighting major trends and events in the world of embedded Linux. Of the approximately 1,200 stories we published this year, these were the most important, in our opinion. (more…)

Bitsim is shipping an evaluation and development board that targets 2D graphics-intensive embedded applications, such as instrumentation and gaming devices. The “Badger” board is based on an ARM9 processor and Altera Cyclone II FPGA (field-programmable gate array), and apparently is accelerated by Bitsim's “Badge” softcore… (more…)

Neuros Audio's tiny Linux-based DVR (digital video recorder) has lots of potential, if community enthusiasm continues, according to an online review. The “Open Source Device” (OSD) is already capable enough for users simply wishing to record or transcode TV for playback on handheld devices,… (more…)

[Updated Dec. 21] — As 2006 closes, Access/Palmsource reports that select licensees and registered developers are using early-release versions of its Linux-based mobile device software stack. Currently codenamed “Access Linux Platform” (ALP), the stack and toolkit will be renamed when they reach general availability by mid-2007, the company says. (more…)