Octagon Systems is shipping what it says is the fastest EPIC SBC (single-board computer) available. The XE-900 has a 1GHz Via Eden CPU, and is available with a Linux 2.6-based development kit. It targets extreme environment applications such as transportation, security, military, communications, and distributed control. (more…)

Sharp has introduced a new model in its Zaurus line of Linux PDAs. The SL-C1000 is similar to the SL-C3000, but without an internal harddrive. As with previous Japan-only Zaurus models, the SL-C1000 will be available with internationalization features from a number of global resellers. (more…)

Sony Ericsson has used Linux to build a tiny robotic camera that can be controlled via Bluetooth from Bluetooth/Java phones. The ROB-1 includes a VGA camera, four LEDs, and software that, with some phones, can stream back video for capture on the phone. (more…)

QuickLogic has introduced a PCI bridge for Intel's PXA27x (“Bulverde”) XScale chips targeting mobile multimedia devices. The uWatt Programmable Bridge lets designers interface PXA27x processors to PCI-based peripheral functions such as Wi-Fi, UWB, and USB 2.0, the company says. It targets handheld GPS, portable medical devices, VoWLAN PDAs, and smartphones. (more…)

Toradex AG of Switzerland has released an SODIMM format computer module based on the Intel XScale PXA270 processor. The Colibri is optionally available with Linux pre-installed, and targets low power applications that still require high CPU performance, according to the company. (more…)

[Updated Mar. 18, 2005] — AML is shipping a GSM/GPRS module for its Linux-based industrial data terminal. The module enables the M7100 to connect to enterprise systems from offsite. It targets route accounting, delivery, and other field service data collection applications. (more…)

A Chinese appliance company best-known in the US for its air conditioners has demonstrated a Linux cameraphone at a wireless tradeshow in New Orleans this week. The Haier N60 features a 1.3 megapixel camera, an SDIO expansion slot, and built-in MP3 and MPEG4 players. (more…)

Via is now shipping its first dual-processor mini-ITX board. The DP-310 features dual 1GHz Eden-N processors, along with gigabit Ethernet, SATA, a media-processing graphics system, and more. It targets high-density server systems, appliance servers, and compact embedded digital devices. (more…)

ARM Ltd. previewed its ARMv7 microprocessor architecture at the Embedded Systems Conference this week, providing some technical details and partner information. Processors in this new family will be available in three distinct profiles for different application spaces. (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…)

TimeSys says it will continuously support Intel's XScale-based I/O processors through its OnBoard program, a developer community that hosts, verifies, and distributes chip-specific Linux optimizations. TimeSys says the OnBoard program enables it to support the latest chip-specific Linux optimizations with its commercially supported TimeStorm Linux Development Kits (LDKs). (more…)

Oki Semiconductor will begin sampling in Q2, 2005, two tiny microcontrollers that it claims are the world's smallest packaged ARM processors. The ML67406x (406x) and ML67405x (405x) measure 5.09 x 4.84mm (in optional “WCSP” package), with the 405x able to run uClinux, according to Oki. (more…)

Kontron is readying a highly integrated device in the very compact 67 x 49-mm X-board COM (computer-on-module) form-factor. Dubbed the X-board GP8, the SBC is built around an Intel Xscale 80219 microprocessor and Silicon Motion SM501 chipset, and it runs either Windows CE or Linux. (more…)

The cellphone today is burdened by having to support multiple wireless communications standards, and the situation is growing worse, according to market research firm ABI Research, which has just launched a wireless semiconductor research service. Today's mobile phone supports multiple cellular standards such as GPRS, EDGE and UMTS, (more…)

LynuxWorks says it will ship a new super-high-security operating system in July, 2005 that was designed to meet the very highest levels of military certification. The LynxSecure Separation Kernel will run BlueCat Linux and LynxOS-178 applications within ultrasecure user-mode partitions, LynuxWorks says. (more…)