The Eclipse Foundation says it has gained momentum since re-incorporating as a non-profit organization six months ago. Membership has increased 30 percent, while nine new open source Eclipse-based projects have sprung up. In all, 18 commercial products are now based on the Eclipse platform for cross-vendor tools integration, it says. (more…)

Via will ship its long-awaited “SP” mini-ITX board in November, followed in early 2005 by a “DP” model with dual nanoBGA embedded processors — quite likely the world's first dual processor mini-ITX mobo. (more…)

PMC-Sierra has developed a 400MHz MIPS architecture system-on-chip (SoC) processor for embedded designs that draws less than 1 watt (claimed, typical). The RM5231A SoC is available now in a choice of two $199 development kits, which implement ready-to-run Linux-based hardware/software thin-client reference designs,… (more…)

Maxspeed has launched two inexpensive embedded Linux thin clients that support ICA (Citrix) and RDP (Microsoft) protocols, and offer legacy and USB ports. The Maxterm 101 and 301 have suggested prices of $299 and $329, respectively. (more…)

PMC-Sierra plans to ship a high-end, high-integration SoC (system-on-chip) in Q2 2005 that will likely be the highest-performing MIPS chip yet. The RM11200 will deploy dual 64-bit E11K MIPS cores, along with high-speed I/O. It will target networking, storage, and communications applications such as enterprise routers, storage systems, and DSLAMs (digital subscriber line access multiplexers). (more…)

Transmeta is aiming for higher volume and more deeply embedded markets with a die-shrink of its low-power VLIW x86-compatible processor that will clock at up to 2GHz while dissipating less than 25 watts. The 90nm Efficeon 2 targets mainstream notebook PCs, media center PCs, set top boxes and PVRs, blade servers and blade PCs, and handhelds. (more…)

Via has begun talking about the 64-bit processor core it expects to ship in the first half of 2006. “Isaiah” will feature improved media processing and multi-tasking capabilities, Via says, while retaining typical Centaur processor qualities such as low power and space requirements and built-in security engines. (more…)

ARM has developed a suite of media and signal processing instructions that will appear in future ARM processors targeting mobile consumer devices. ARM says its “Neon” technology offers flexible combinations of media processing, and will be supported by ARM and third-party tools, for broad industry adoption. (more…)

A new DSP (digital signal processing) extension will appear in future MIPS processor cores, and is available now for licensed use in SoC (system-on-chip) designs. MIPS Technology's DSP ASE (application-specific extension) aims to help device designers eliminate discrete DSP coprocessors, shaving costs in high-volume Linux-based consumer electronic devices such as DVD recorders, digital cameras, residential… (more…)

Intel has revised its development tools for IA32, adding support for 64-bit extensions, an Eclipse IDE, improved threading, and more. Intel says the tools, including Compiler 8.1, Integrated Performance Primitives, Math Kernel Library, and VTune Performance Analyzers can be used to create the fastest software possible on the Intel architecture. (more…)

Adlink has launched a new PXI Controller that runs Linux and other embedded operating systems. PXI, or PCI eXtensions for Instrumention, is a multi-vendor, open industrial specification for test and measurement applications, industrial automation, and data acquisition. (more…)

Austin, Texas based Buffalo Technology is shipping an inexpensive PowerPC development platform — roughly the size of a toaster — that comes with Linux and a variety of open source software. The Kuro Box sells for $160, and can be used by embedded hobbyists to build all sorts of network-attached storage and other… (more…)

Black Duck Software has hired Larry Rosen as senior advisor. The highly respected open source lawyer will provide legal and market guidance to the company, which markets intellectual property rights management software to corporate users of Linux and other open source software. (more…)

The French Ministry of Defense will put up €7 million over the next three years to fund an industrial consortium building a Linux-based operating system that can achieve EAL5 certification. The coalition includes Bertin Technologies, SURLOG, Jaluna, Mandrakesoft, and OPPIDA. (more…)

Prentice Hall has published a book about open source licenses by well-known intellectual property lawyer Larry Rosen. Open Source Licensing: Software Freedom and Intellectual Property Law is a plain-English guide to open source law for developers, managers, users, and… (more…)