Fabless chipmaker ZF Micro Solutions announced plans today to resume production of its x86-based SoC (system-on-chip) processor in the first quarter of 2006. The company says the chips will be fabbed by IBM, with which it has just signed a multi-year agreement. (more…)

The OSDL today launched the Mobile Linux Initiative (MLI), an effort to accelerate adoption of Linux in mobile phones — one of the fastest growing consumer device segments. Linux is already among the top three OSes in “converged” mobile phones, according to industry analysts, and has shipped in Motorola handsets since 2003. (more…)

Coraid is shipping an ATA-over-Ethernet (AoE) NAS (network-attached storage) server that can connect size-unlimited heterogeneous networks to unlimited amounts of add-as-needed storage, the company says. (more…)

A project to create an embedded Linux distribution around Asterisk, an open source PBX (private branch exchange) software package, is demonstrating a VoIP PBX system running on a tiny Gumstix SBC (single board computer) at the AstriCon trade show this week in Anaheim, Calif. (more…)

IBM has published the following 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…)

DeveloperWorks has interviewed the developers of Slimline Open Firmware (SLOF), a BSD-licensed implementation of Open Firmware (IEEE-1275) that can be used by software engineers developing boot firmware, operating systems, hypervisors, or applications for 64-bit PowerPC, and by hardware engineers bringing up new boards — including those based on Cell processors. (more…)

DECT technology (digital enhanced cordless telecommunications) is coming to the US — the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has granted DECT-based wireless telephony permission to use the 1920-1930 MHz band, as part of a “general reorganization of frequency bands in the US,” the DECT Forum says. (more…)

Lange Flugzeugbau GmbH has used embedded Linux to build a battery-propelled self-launching sailplane that it says is more reliable, quieter, and easier to operate than similar gliders powered by combustion engines. (more…)

Lange Flugzeugbau GmbH has used embedded Linux to build a battery-propelled self-launching sailplane that it says is more reliable, quieter, and easier to operate than similar gliders powered by combustion engines. (more…)

Securtex International has used embedded Linux to build a rugged DVR (digital video recorder) targeting vehicle surveillance and operator management applications. The MDVR-4120 is optionally available with GPS, WiFi, and cellular networking, and besides surveilling passengers, can be used to “condition” drivers into… (more…)

Taiwanese board vendor Evalue Technology, known for its x86-based single-board computers (SBCs), is expanding into the XScale world. The company has released an XScale-based evaluation kit with LCD and touchscreen, and support for Linux. (more…)

A company maintaining dual-licensed PBX software has launched two partner programs. Digium's “Solutions” program includes value-added resellers of its Asterisk PBX product, while its “Interoperability” program includes vendors whose products work well with Asterisk. (more…)

Media Stream Technologies is shipping a tiny x86-based platform for a range of space constrained embedded applications such as kiosks, mini PCs, and network appliances. The fanless eBox-3800sl and 3850ps feature a low-power Via Eden processor that supports Linux. (more…)

A contest to develop open source software for vehicles will award $32,000 in prizes next July. The 2006 International Open Source Embedded Software Competition (IOSESC) is sponsored by MontaVista, Taiwan National Science Council, and the Open Source Software Foundry (OSSF), and is the first of a series of contests planned by the OSSF to promote open source embedded application development. (more…)

Securtex International has used embedded Linux to build a rugged DVR (digital video recorder) targeting vehicle surveillance and operator management applications. The MDVR-4120 is optionally available with GPS, WiFi, and cellular networking, and besides surveilling passengers, can be used to “condition”… (more…)