Virtio is shipping virtual platform technology for Freescale's newest mobile multimedia processor. The VPMX31 Virtual Platform aims to enable parallel software and hardware development efforts for devices based on i.MX31/i.MX31L chips, including mobile phones and handheld wireless entertainment devices. (more…)

Taiwanese pager maker Unication demonstrated a Linux-based PDA at Computex last week. The Magpie offers unique and sophisticated features, including an integrated FM transmitter, WiFi, and full Opera browser. However, the device has a low-quality plastic case reminiscent of handheld gaming devices, (more…)

IBM is offering a free open source implementation of the IEEE-1275 Open Firmware standard. Slimline Open Firmware (SLOF) can be used by software engineers developing boot firmware, operating systems, or applications for PowerPC, or by hardware engineers interested in fast bring-up of PowerPC-based systems, according to IBM's DeveloperWorks website. (more…)

[Updated 3PM] — TimeSys has secured $6M in a round of funding led by Adams Capital Management, with participation from Philips Electronics, The Hillman Company, and CEO Larry Weidman (pictured). TimeSys will use the money to expand commercial reach. Additionally, the company has hired Michel Genard (more…)

VersaLogic is shipping a low-power PC/104-Plus single-board computer (SBC) based on an AMD Elan SC520 system-on-chip (SoC) processor. The Lynx SBC supports Linux, and is aimed at headless (no monitor, keyboard, or mouse) embedded applications in monitoring, control, and communications equipment. (more…)

Black Duck and VA Software have jointly launched a distributed development environment with integrated software license management capabilities. SourceForge Enterprise Edition combines VA Software's SourceForge offering with Black Duck's ProtexIP software compliance management product. It targets globally distributed development teams wishing to reuse open source software more effectively. (more…)

Kontron has published the specifications for a “computer-on-module” (COM) form-factor that it hopes to establish as an industry-wide standard for RISC-based embedded systems. The “E2Brain” spec is available for free public download, and Kontron is forming a consortium to promote the spec. (more…)

The annual Smartphone Summit returns to San Francisco this Fall, with a one-day “Smartphone Summit” for developers followed by a two-day “Enterprise Mobility Pavillion” for users and IT professionals. The developer Summit includes sessions on smartphone applications and operating systems, including embedded Linux. (more…)

Viosoft has added support for a Freescale mobile multimedia processor to its embedded Linux cross-development toolsuite and debugger. Arriba ELE for i.MX21 includes a Linux software reference design, cross-development toolchain and IDE, integrated source-level kernel- and application-level debugger, and sample applications. It targets smartphones, portable media players, and wireless handhelds. (more…)

Fluffy Spider Technologies (FST) has added embedded Linux and Qtopia support to its lightweight special effects software for user interfaces (UIs). FST FancyPants supports skinning, overlays, and fancy effects, and targets media-centric consumer and mobile devices, such as POS (point-of-sales/service) systems, set-top boxes, and mobile phones. (more…)

Sony will position its next-generation gaming console as an “entertainment supercomputer” that can edit videos, manipulate photos, and more, thanks to interchangeable hard drives pre-installed with task-based Linux operating systems of various kinds, according to a Gamespot translation of an interview in a Japanese-language technical magazine. (more…)

Paul McKenney recently summarized seven approaches to real-time Linux, in an epic 6,000-word post to the Linux Kernel Mailing List (LKML). This article presents McKenney's original post, followed by a TalkBack discussion thread where readers can offer McKenney feedback for a possible followup post to LKML. (more…)

[Updated 4PM] — Digital Techniques used Linux, off-the-shelf mini-ITX parts, and high-end PCI sound cards to build a line of digital home music servers. The Blackbird servers have 80-300GB hard drives, lots of networking options, and a web interface supporting control from a wireless PDA. (more…)

Mobile phones will evolve from communication tools to integrated communication devices, media terminals, credit cards, and remote controls, according to a report from telecom research firm Berg Insight. The report examines the world's most advanced mobile market, Japan, for clues about where the industry might be headed. (more…)

Intel and Nokia announced this week that they are partnering to accelerate the development, adoption, and deployment of WiMAX broadband wireless technology. Areas of collaboration include “mobile clients, network infrastructure, industry-enabling efforts, and market development.” (more…)