San Jose, CA — (press release excerpt) — Coventive Technologies and AXIS Corporation (Yokohama, Japan) today announced plans to preview a new Linux-based home TV-and-Web appliance at this week's LinuxWorld Expo/New York City. The new appliance, dubbed “canD,” is part of the first wave of commercial consumer technology products based on the open source Linux software operating system. Retail consumers in Japan will be able to buy canD in stores next month.

Designed for Internet beginners and non-computer users, canD is a compact dictionary-sized set top box that is suitable for typical Japanese living rooms. Unlike other Internet terminals and set-top boxes, canD does not require users to work with a PC-like keyboard. Instead, canD users navigate TV programming and Internet resources with a familiar, wireless remote control that enables easy access to email, the Web, and a full range of video and audio entertainment programming.

AXIS, a Japanese designer of computers and peripherals, and Coventive, a provider of embedded Linux solutions for information appliances, plan to collaborate on a family of Linux-based canD products in the coming months. Forthcoming Linux-based canD products include a mobile wireless Internet appliance, an intercom-integrated information terminal, and a kitchen-specific Internet appliance. The companies also plan to customize and localize the product family to serve markets beyond Japan.

canD's software systems were developed using Coventive's XTinux embedded Linux operating system software and the Access Netfront browser interface. Hardware specifications are based on the NS Media GX platform with 8MB DOM and 16MB SDRAM. The units include 2 USB ports for connecting to other peripherals, such as a printer or digital camera.

 
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