A publisher of free training materials has released a presentation on open source benefits in embedded computing. The 48-page presentation from Free-Electrons looks at open source from the perspective of developers, managers, companies, content providers, and end users, and includes challenges as well as… (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…)

Building DRM into chips, hard drives, and OSes is dumb, because of unintended consequences to normal computer operation, says Victor Yodaiken in this guest editorial. Yodaiken uses accepted engineering best practices, along with clever real-world examples such as the recent Sony rootkit debacle, to explain… (more…)

[Updated May 8] — Korean consumer electronics giant Samsung appears to be readying two Linux-based smartphones, one of which has been submitted to the FCC for possible distribution in the US. (more…)

The first product based on IBM/Toshiba/Sony's Cell processor has shipped, reports Mercury Computer Systems. Mercury's Cell Technology Evaluation System (CTES) is a 470-pound behemoth with one or two dual-Cell blades running Linux. (more…)

Devicescape says Sharp used its WiFi stack to build a variety of Linux-based consumer electronics (CE) devices, including TVs, media adapters, and PVRs (personal video recorders). Devicescape says devices incorporating its WiFi stacks are easily connected and highly interoperable, and can wirelessly transmit video and… (more…)

In a Linuxdevices.com guest column back in 2002, I argued that without a major attitude change, digital rights management (DRM) technologies would cause software security failures and generate… (more…)

Evalue has released a new passively cooled 3.5-inch form-factor single-board computer (SBC) based on an AMD GX2 SoC (system-on-chip) processor. The ECM-3512 supports Linux, and targets medical instruments, POS (point-of-sale) systems, thin clients, network appliances, test equipment, and industrial control, according to… (more…)

Linux-on-DSP specialist Softier is shipping an IP-STB (Internet protocol set-top box) that runs embedded Linux on a single-core DSP (digital signal processor) chip. The Wave-300 features H.264 compression, and targets telecom operators wishing to offer IPTV, VoD (video-on-demand), live TV, and home gaming… (more…)

ExtremeTech has published a step-by-step guide to one simple method of getting Linux running on Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP). The method uses an open source x86 emulator called Bochs, which supports Linux and several other embedded operating systems. (more…)

Swedish telecommunications and device software specialist Enea has moved its US office from Phoenix to San Jose. The company's new US office, located in heart of “Silicon Valley,” will provide marketing, sales, technical support, and professional services. Enea claims its embedded software ships in half of all new mobile phones and base stations. (more…)

Motorola's next Linux-based smartphone will have a slim, lightweight flip-phone design similar to its Razr phones. The A1200 was debuted by fashion designer Vivienne Tam at a Dec. 26 Shanghai press event. (more…)

Opera Software has added support for AJAX (asynchronous javascript and XML) to its flagship Opera browser and SDK (software development kit). The company hopes AJAX will help Opera succeed as a user interface and application framework for embedded devices, an increasing marketing focus for the company. (more…)

Sigma Designs has announced a line of set-top box and HD-DVD player SoCs that it says are the first to integrate high-definition media decoders for “all major formats.” The SMP8630-series SoCs target a wide swath of video devices, integrate advanced security/DRM capabilities, and run embedded Linux, the company says. (more…)

[Updated 1:50PM] — The first company to focus on embedded Linux as its primary business has begun the process of replacing its CEO, a boardmember has confirmed. MontaVista founder and president James Ready is expected to serve as CTO once a replacement CEO has been installed, said boardmember… (more…)