Welcome to LinuxDevices.com's Embedded Linux Newsletter Apr. 8, 2004 by Rick Lehrbaum Editor-in-chief

Digital video recorder/player and editor runs embedded Linux -- The RaveHD is a hybrid video digital disk recorder/player and video editor based on Linux and built around open source and Unix design principles. Two years in development, it targets the post production and visual effects industries, and has been used in the production of major movies. Find out more about the RaveHD in our complete Device Profile.

New GPL'd filesystem facilitates embedded Linux device software updates -- A developer has released under the GPL a filesystem for embedded Linux systems that facilitates software updates of read-only filesystems. The "mini_fo" or mini fan-out filesystem works similarly to FreeBSD's union filesystem, and serves "to virtually make a read-only filesystem writable."

First retail Simputer runs embedded Linux -- PicoPeta Simputers of Bangalore, India, has launched the first retail versions of the Simputer, conceived as a Linux based "platform for social change" that could inexpensively bring easy-to-use computers to rural Indian villages. Three models are available, priced from $240 to $480.

GPL'd sandbox aims to simplify embedded Linux cross-development -- This article introduces a GPL-licensed toolset for integrating, cross-compiling, and testing Linux software. Scratchbox provides a sandbox build environment that assures that the intended versions of libraries, headers, and other such files are used during the build.

Embedded Linux to power portable audio/video device? -- Archos will ship at the end of 2004 a portable audio/video device rumored to be based on embedded Linux. Cebit attendees report that the as-yet unnamed device was spotted running Qtopia, a PDA app stack from Trolltech currently available only for embedded Linux.

Networking improvements in Linux kernel 2.6 -- Linux 2.6 offers many improvements over 2.4. One area of technical advancement is in the kernel networking options. Although there are enhancements in most of the files associated with the networking options, this article focuses on major feature improvements and additions that affect entire sections rather than on specific files. Specifically, this article addresses improvements to the Networking File System (NFS) and Internet Protocol Security (IPSec), and introduces two new members of the TCP/IP protocol family: Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) and Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6).

Dual-licensed embeddable SSL library achieves first stable release -- PeerSec Networks has achieved the first stable release of its dual-licensed Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) library created specifically for devices running Linux and other embedded operating systems. MatrixSSL 1.0 includes host and client implementations under 50KB each, and can secure socket-based communications on "even the smallest devices," the company says.

Linux PDA for the enterprise now available to U.S. consumers -- A brief online review of the Sharp Zaurus SL-6000 lists several places where U.S. consumers can now buy the enterprise-oriented device. The review lists several online retailers, including PCConnection, which retail the SL-6000 for about $700.

uClinux release supports all Apple iPods, includes GUI -- A new release from the "Linux on iPod" project supports first, second, and third-generation iPods (but not mini-iPods). The new release includes Podzilla, "a basic GUI demo similar to the native Apple firmware." iPod Linux installs alongside the native firmware, providing a boot-time choice.

All-digital SciFi movie edited on embedded Linux -- Embedded Linux, standard Linux file sharing protocols, and Linux video editing software from SpectSoft were used to produce the upcoming film, "Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation." Director and effects legend Phil Tippett chose SpectSoft's Linux-based RaveHD recorder/editor (see RaveHD device profile, above) for its flexible support for uncompressed video. Starship Troopers 2 is the first film directed by Tippett Studio founder Phil Tippett, who won Oscars for his effects work in "Jurassic Park and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi."

OTHER NEWSWORTHY ITEMS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE PAST WEEK . . .

• Embedded Linux supports ARM-based SoCs for networking devices
  
• New high-performance synthesizable 32-bit cores support Linux
  
• Tiny boards, systems come with uClinux
  
• Linux-oriented companies make list of fast growing small businesses
  
• Embedded heavyweight lines up behind fastest PowerPC chip
  
• Embedded Linux takes on the IT desktop
  
• Linux creates first ad-hoc, temporary supercomputer
  
• Embedded Linux drives thin-client partnership
  
• In memory database vendor promotes "self-diagnostic" software APIs
  
• Independent analysis finds near-equality of AMD, Intel 64-bit x86's
  
• Intel adds four new mobile Pentiums
  
• Unwiring chips with optical interface technology
  
• IBM event heralds Linux-like model for Power processor
  
• Eleven from IBM: DSF, C99, Power, Java, Grids . . .
  

. . . and that's not all. Click here for the latest breaking news.

• Article talkbacks
  
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• Embedded Linux Q&A
  
• Real-time Linux
  
• GPL issues & discussion
  
• Embedded Java+Linux
  
• Little Linux systems
  
• General discussion
  

• Introduction & Overview ("start here")
  
• Embedded Linux Distributions
  
• Real-time Linux
  
• GUI/Windowing Software
  
• Java on Embedded Linux
  
• System-on-Chip Processors
  
• Single Board Computers
  
• Little Linux Systems
  
• Linux-Based "Cool Devices"
  
• Linux-PDAs and PDA-Linux
  
• Embedded Linux Market
  

You can access 2004's newsletters here:   Apr. 1,   Mar. 25,   Mar. 18,   Mar. 11,   Mar. 4,   Feb. 26,   Feb. 19,   Feb. 12,   Feb. 5,   Jan. 29,   Jan. 22,   Jan. 15,   Jan. 8

Be sure to stop by LinuxDevices.com -- "the Embedded Linux Portal" -- for the latest news, articles, links, forums, products, companies, jobs, and buzz in the fast-moving "post-PC" world of Linux-based intelligent devices, Internet appliances, and embedded systems. You can contact us here.

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