http://www.linuxdevices.com All About Linux-powered Devices en-us Zaragoza, Spain-based Libelium announced an x86-based multi-protocol mesh router with a Debian GNU/Linux-based OS and a user-extensible browser-based open source management interface. The modular "Meshlium" router targets ultra-long-range Zigbee-based sensor networks, fleet tracking with least-cost GPRS/WiFi routing, and multiprotocol WiFi/Bluetooth hotspots. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS3913242202.html In an opinion piece for Embedded.com, Green Hills Software CEO Dan O'Dowd has resumed his crusade against embedded Linux -- with a new twist. O'Dowd argues that recent marketing by commercial Linux distro vendors MontaVista and Wind River prove that they agree that embedded Linux is "chaos." http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS4334580020.html LWN.net has published an article about ksplice, a hot-patching utility for the Linux kernel that was developed by an MIT grad student. Ksplice lets users make changes to running kernel code -- for example to apply a security patch -- without rebooting the system or interrupting services running on it. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS2544058033.html At this year's JavaOne conference, Sun Microsystems demonstrated its JavaFX technology for creating Rich Internet Applications (RIAs). The Linux-based, GPL-licensable technology will first appear for desktop operating systems (OSes) this Fall, says Sun, with JavaFX Mobile and JavaFX TV due in Spring 2009. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS3554416440.html Contendo Systems announced two flat-panel PCs that run Linux or Windows CE, and can use PoE (power over Ethernet). The ITP-070 and ITP-104 feature touchscreen displays, microSD storage, sealed aluminum cases, and Marvell PXA270 or PXA320 processors running at up to 806MHz. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS3151860278.html According to TamsPPC -- the PocketPC Blog, Palm is rallying software partners for a Q3 launch of two Treo successors. The blog reported an insider tip on two Palm smartphones code-named "Zeppelin" and "Skywriter," which have been rumored to run Linux and/or Windows Mobile. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS3596764722.html IDG World Expo announced an "Embedded Linux" track for the Mobile Linux Conference program at this August's LinuxWorld conference. The track includes presentations and panels on embedded Linux development, life-cycles, user interfaces, and virtualization, and a tutorial on hacking the Linksys NSLU2 (pictured at left). http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS2598563650.html Ubuntu Linux 7.04 is now available for Sharp's Zaurus PDAs. The 0.1 release comes with a minimalist filesystem that can be launched in an emulator, enhanced with software from the vast Ubuntu archives, and then flashed onto a real Zaurus. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS7548149165.html Win Enterprises is shipping a single-board computer (SBC) that supports two 45nm Quad-Core Intel Xeon processors with extended lifecycle support. The Linux-compatible MB-60630 offers a dual-socketed PICMG 1.3 format, and targets military systems, medical imaging, scientific analysis, digital media, and oil and gas exploration. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS3007575914.html ITTIA has released a new version of its lightweight SQL R-DBMS (relational database management system) for embedded systems and mobile devices. Version 2.5 of the Linux-compatible DB-SQL R-DBMS adds language bindings for Java and C#, as well as VxWorks support, says ITTIA. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS2153225093.html FST announced the launch of version 2.0 of its Linux-compatible FancyPants embedded graphics stack. The new "BlueJeans" release adds GUI development features including object-oriented scripting, custom video thumbs, and the ability to run multiple embedded applications simultaneously on the same screen, according to the company. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS2620211958.html Axiomtek has announced a fanless embedded computer based on one of its existing SBCs (single board computers). Targeting applications such as digital signage or industrial control, the shock-resistant eBox647-FL boots Linux from CompactFlash, according to the company. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS5251646524.html Motorola will preview native Linux and Webkit widget development tools for mobile phones this quarter, it said. Additionally, at JavaOne this week, the handset vendor launched updated Java ME (Micro Edition) tools, and announced a beta release of Symbian UIQ development tools. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS6280167823.html Trolltech has released a new version of its cross-platform application development framework. Qt 4.4 incorporates the open source Webkit browser engine, Phonon multimedia framework, and Qt Concurrency threads library for multicore, while adding support for Windows CE and Windows Mobile as build targets. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS8928092497.html GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms announced a Linux-ready single-board computer (SBC) that adheres to the military-friendly VPX format. The company claims the "ruggedized" VPXcel3 SBC320 is the first 3U VPX SBC with an Intel Core2 Duo and "server-class" memory that also boasts low heat dissipation. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS7338435652.html Mercury Computer Systems announced a Linux-based engineering development kit (EDK) for a 7-10 pound computer that targets small ground, naval, and air vehicles. The "ruggedized" PowerBlock 50 (pictured at left) supports multiple processors to provide "well over 100 GFLOPS of processing power," according to Mercury. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS3096391731.html Sun Microsystems officially launched OpenSolaris (OS) today. Available pre-built as a combo live/install CD, the initial binary distribution download of OS 2008.05 features a GNOME user interface, highly fault tolerant ZFS root filesystem, IPS package managment, and "DTrace" tuning tools. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS7946500239.html VirtualLogix announced a high-availability (HA) option for its Linux-friendly, real-time, embedded virtualization technology for carrier infrastructure. The "vHA" version of VLX for Network Infrastructure (VLX-NI) provides fault recovery and system management services across virtual and physical domains, and aims to extend HA into lower-end commodity device markets. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS9321345070.html The IBM Linux Technology Center has posted a two-part podcast interviewing IBM Distinguished Engineer Paul McKenney about the Real-Time Linux Project. Topics include hard- and soft real-time Linux, programming languages, hardware platforms, new real-time applications, and future additions to the mainline. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS4131706011.html [Updated May 6] -- Open Kernel Labs (OK Labs) has upgraded its microkernel operating system (OS) and Linux-friendly virtual machine environment for embedded devices. OKL4 2.0 adds technology aimed at protecting a phone's call-making capabilities despite attacks, malware, or faults within OSes, applications, and drivers. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS3442674062.html A Japanese embedded Linux development firm will market a Swedish embedded SQL database for the Japanese market. The partnership between Lineo and Mimer Information Technology includes plans for Lineo to distribute Linux versions of Mimer's SQL Embedded database. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS2076882490.html Sunlink International has announced a Windows CE-based PMP (personal media player) with a built-in "pico projector." The battery-operated, index card-sized "SunView Mobile PMP" features an adjustable-focus FLC (ferroelectric liquid crystal) projector claimed capable of casting a 54-inch VGA (640x480) image up to two meters (6.5 feet). http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS7507047675.html Diamond Systems has announced an SBC that represents a novel variation on the four-year-old EPIC form-factor. Intended for data acquisition (DAQ) applications, the Neptune offers a choice of three ETX-format CPU modules, along with PC/104-Plus expansion and 32 analog inputs with automatic calibration, says Diamond. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS5713854325.html Linux desktop distribution vendor Xandros and Web content management firm Viyya Technologies have announced they will jointly market integrated, Linux-based software for "netbook" and Mobile Internet Device (MID) devices. Meanwhile, Xandros has strengthened its collaboration with Microsoft on its mixed-environment BridgeWays management tools. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS3296083519.html Adobe hopes to make its Flash technology as ubiquitous on devices as PCs. Under an "Open Screen Project," it will remove restrictions on Flash file formats, open Flash server protocols, and give away the player along with the APIs needed to port it to new devices. http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS8017259270.html