NTT DoCoMo and its regional subsidiaries are now offering business subscribers a dual-network 3G/VoIP handset that works as a 3G mobile phone, VoIP (voice-over-IP) terminal, or both simultaneously. The N900iL is based on a Linux-based 3G mobile phone software platform developed jointly by NEC and Panasonic. (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. Some require free registration. Enjoy . . . (more…)

This study by embedded specialist Akamina compares the real-time capabilities of various Linux kernels. It was part of a project to upgrade the control software in water-wave generators at research institutions around the world. The results of the study were used by Akamina for the selection of a new RTOS (more…)

[Updated Dec. 22, 2004] — Foreword: This study compares the real-time capabilities of various Linux kernels. It was part of a project to upgrade the control software in water-wave generators at research institutions around the world. The results of the study were used by Akamina for the selection of a new RTOS for the control system upgrade of Canada's largest hydraulics and coastal… (more…)

MontaVista is broadening its presence in Japan to serve increasing demand for its embedded Linux operating systems and tools, it says. The company's Japanese partners will now include NEC System Technologies and Toshiba Information Systems, in addition to long-time partner ELT. (more…)

A software product that implements IP-PBX functions on Linux/Unix servers was among 27 “Best of Show” winners at the Fall 2004 Internet Telephony Conference and Expo. FaceCorp's FacetPhone aims to replace traditional business phone systems with standards-based software that can run on commodity hardware. (more…)

NEC Corporation (NEC) and Panasonic Mobile Communications have developed a Linux-based software platform for 3G (third-generation) mobile phones. The platform has already shipped in one phone, with two more pending. The platform works with a 3G network in Japan, but will be licensed globally, the companies (more…)

CEO Steve Ballmer reportedly fired a FUD missile at Microsoft's greatest rival today, suggesting that Linux violates 228 patents. Ballmer's alleged remarks badly misrepresent statements made in August by a Linux startup offering insurance against patent lawsuits. Open Source Development Labs (OSDL) CEO Stuart Cohen prepared a statement in response. (more…)

[Updated Nov. 17, 2004] — TimeSys has added several 2.6-based Linux BSPs (board support packages) to its line of freely downloadable BSPs. TimeSys BSPs provide a kernel, device drivers, and over a hundred root filesystem packages in a single downloadable image. TimeSys now offers BSPs with tools for 90 targets. (more…)

The worldwide market for digital cable set-top boxes (STBs) is bouncing back in 2004, fueled by demand in North America for STBs with PVR (personal video recorder) and HD (high-definition) features, according to market research firm In-Stat/MDR. Global shipments will reach 10.87 million units this (more…)

Agitar Software has updated its developer testing tools, which aim to help programmers using Eclipse to test and validate code as they create it. Agitator 2.0 and the Agitar Management Dashboard 2.0 integrate more tightly with Eclipse, Agitar says, and include code pattern detection for code policy enforcement. (more…)

Texas Instruments (TI) says it has signed up two new customers in China who will use OMAP SoCs (systems-on-chip) in mobile telephone handsets. Additionally, TI says its will expand its Asian Linux strategy, putting more emphasis on providing local Linux support to OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) in China. (more…)

Matsushita Electric Industrial, best known for Panasonic-brand products, has selected Linux as one of its preferred system platforms, and has signed a deal with MontaVista that will allow it to use all three editions of MontaVista Linux for future electronic products. MontaVista has made similar deals with NEC and Samsung. (more…)

O'Reilly has published a book about using gadgets such as X10 devices (partially supported under Linux) to build automated home security, convenience, and entertainment systems. Smart Home Hacks, by Gordon Meyer, looks at relatively inexpensive ways to make your home the envy of the Jetsons. (more…)

Philips Software has ported its multimedia libraries for mobile phones to Trolltech's development platform and application stack for Linux devices. LifeVibes Multimedia for Qtopia aims to bring lightweight video-processing capabilities to camera-phone level hardware. Philips Software is an autonomous business group within consumer electronics (CE) giant Royal Philips Electronics. (more…)