Flash memory pioneer SanDisk has created an innovative memory card packaging technology that enables memory cards to plug into both SD card slots and USB ports. The company debuted the new combo SD/USB cards at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week. (more…)

An Italian company selling real-time embedded Linux develpment toolkits for industrial applications is offering a freely downloadable live CD runtime. Koan Software Engineering's Klinux Live 2.0.0 CD does not include the real-time extensions or tools, but can help developers evaluate the operating system image, the company says. (more…)

Oracle is shipping tools for enterprise developers building grid applications that support mobile devices. The Oracle Database Lite 10g supports embedded Linux/Java devices, and includes application servers, software components, and tools. It targets defense, national security, health, public safety, sales force, and field service applications. (more…)

MasterCard has awarded a quality assurance certification to a PIN-entry pad and smart-chip terminal based on embedded Linux. The certification was granted to Trintech's Smart 5000 terminal, a hybrid device that can authorize transactions based on smart chips or PIN (personal identification number) entry. (more…)

Sigma has announced two MIPS-based SoCs (system-on-chips) with integrated media-processing capabilities targeting HD-DVD players, IP-TV set-top-boxes, and other video networking products. The SMP8630 and SMP8634 will support Linux and Windows CE, and feature integrated media processors for H.264, WMV9/VC1, and MPEG-2, as well as DRM (digital rights management) security features. (more…)

[Updated Jan. 11, 2005] — SyChip has unveiled an embeddable, multi-chip, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi connectivity module targeting SDIO cards, handheld devices such as smartphones, PDAs, gaming gadgets, and media players. The 13 x 16 x 1.7mm WLAN6100EB consumes under 500 uA in power-save mode, and supports Linux, (more…)

The leading Linux distributor in China has joined the Open Source Development Labs (OSDL). Red Flag sells embedded, server, desktop, and vertical market Linux stacks, and will contribute to working groups that include Carrier Grade Linux (CGL), Desktop Linux (DTL), and Data Center Linux (DCL). (more…)

Yesterday's beta release of Opera 8 for Linux lacks the speech capabilities of the corresponding Windows beta released last month, according to DesktopLinux.com. An article there says Opera's voice support depends on technology from IBM unavailable for Linux, making speech capabilities unlikely to arrive in Opera's Linux browser anytime soon. (more…)

eCosCentric has added support for Swell Software's portable, small-footprint C-language GUI to its commercially supported development toolkit for eCos, an open source RTOS (real-time OS) for deeply embedded systems. The new eCosPro-C/PEG toolkit can produce runtimes as small as 140KB, targeting mobile phones, MP3 players, industrial controllers, and instrumentation devices. (more…)

A real-time computing conference has invited the OSDL's open source evangelist and embedded Linux expert, Bill Weinberg, to deliver a keynote address. Weinberg will speak at the Real-time and Embedded Computing Conference (RTECC), January 27th in Santa Clara, Calif., about how Linux fits into the future of the embedded market. (more…)

[Updated Jan. 12, 2004] — HP plans to ship a Linux-based HDTV media hub later this year, according to an article at PC Magazine. CEO Carly Fiorina demonstrated a non-working prototype of the Linux media hub at the Consumer Electronics Show this week in Las Vegas. (more…)

CPU-maker Transmeta has announced an Efficeon initiative targeting digital entertainment centers, where Linux has been an early leader, in systems such as the TiVo. The initiative comprises two components: a digital entertainment center reference design, and a third-party partner integration and support program. (more…)

Codetelligence is shipping an development kit for embedded programmers using Linux and other OSes in devices that support SD (secure digital) and SDIO (SD input/output) memory cards and peripherals. The Embedded SDIO Developers Kit includes an SDIO stack that supports Linux 2.6.9. (more…)

[Updated Jan. 5, 2004] — Archos will begin distributing its Linux-based “fourth generation” personal video recorder/player (PVR/PVP) this month. The Pocket Media Assistant PMA400 boasts a 30GB hard drive, wireless Internet access, and “a host of additional new features,” according to an Archos (more…)

A startup has created a unique Linux-based home music distribution system based on “secure peer-to-peer wireless mesh” networking technology. Sonos says its Digital Music System can route the same or different songs, sourced from any connected computer, to as many as 30 audio output devices simultaneously. (more…)