LinuxDevices.com Embedded Linux Newsletter -- February 1, 2001


Welcome to the LinuxDevices.com
Embedded Linux Newsletter
February 1, 2001

by Rick Lehrbaum -- Executive Editor
ZDNet's LinuxDevices.com


*** FEATURE ARTICLES ***

Installing the Qt Palmtop Environment on the iPAQ -- this article is Part 4 of the exciting new LinuxDevices.com series that explores the history, status, alternative architectures, and future developments of Linux on PDAs and handheld devices. In this installment, we learn how to download, install, configure, and test Trolltech's Qt Palmtop Environment (QPE), and what it's like to develop handheld apps using QPE. story

A developer's perspective on the GPLing of Qt -- this editorial reviews and discusses the history of Trolltech's open source licensing of Qt, Qt/Embedded, and the Qt Palmtop Environment (QPE), and draws an interesting comparison with customary practices in "free market" economies. story

The little Linux chip that could -- Rick Lehrbaum recently visited ZF Linux Devices and spoke with its CEO about the MachZ system-on-chip. This article describes the MachZ's internal hardware and software functions, and provides a perspective on ZF's current strategies and future plans. story

*** OTHER NEWS ***

ADS cranks down the power on StrongARM -- Applied Data Systems announced enhanced power-management support for Embedded Linux running on StrongARM processors. The new support, which reduces the SA-1110's power drain from half a watt (full on) to less than ten milliwatts, will soon be released to the open source community. story

Century Software upgrades embedded Linux toolkit -- version 1.1 adds new wireless applications, multimedia, and enhanced tools. The Operating Environment and Development toolkit supports developers of Linux based PDAs, WebPADs, and Internet Appliances and is based on Microwindows and ViewML. story

Force and Lineo announce HA Linux partnership -- the two companies will develop a Linux cluster solution for mission-critical applications. The solution combines Force CompactPCI hardware with Lineo Availix software technology. story

Compaq introduces new low-cost monochrome iPAQ -- the Model H3150, priced at $349, is supposedly available immediately. The new model features a 15-grayscale monochrome screen plus a 206 MHz Intel StrongArm processor and 16MB of RAM. It comes standard with Microsoft Pocket PC (Windows CE) but can be upgraded to Linux (see LinuxDevices.com article series). story

The state of Linux -- eWEEK used the occasion of the start of LinuxWorld Expo in New York to publish a "state of the OS" editorial about Linux. One of eWEEK's recommendations is that Linux increase its focus on embedded systems and handheld devices. story

New intelligent "Internet Service Appliance" has Linux inside -- Filanet announced its latest Internet Service Appliance, the InterJak 200. The device is basically a compact, integrated, and cost-effective system (with Linux inside) that makes it easy for small and remote offices to share Internet access, files and printers, and LAN/WAN network services. story

LinkUp announces power-saving integrated system-on-chip -- the new L7210 system-on-chip features lower power consumption and a built-in hardware SD Card interface. The device, which is well supported by Embedded Linux, is targeted at smart cellular phones, wireless Internet terminals, PDAs, music players, and Internet appliances. story

Red Hat invests in chip maker and launches real time processing initiative -- Cradle Technologies announced that it has received an investment from Red Hat and that the two companies plan to launch an Open Source Initiative for Real Time Embedded Processing based on Cradle's "stream processing" silicon platform. story

New hand-held Linux solution for China -- Coventive Technologies is providing an embedded Linux software solution to a Chinese manufacturer of hand-held PCs. The new Linux-based hand-held PC will be demonstrated at LinuxWorld Expo in New York. story

New Linux-based home TV-and-Web appliance -- Coventive Technologies and AXIS Corporation announced a new Linux-based home TV-and-Web appliance, called the "CanD." The device will initially be marketed in Japan. story

Microwindows releases major enhancements for PDAs and WebPADs -- the "long-awaited 0.89pre7" is released and available for download. There are some major enhancements, as well as many small additions and bug fixes required to run well on PDAs, WebPADs, and set-top boxes. story

Linux 2.4 support announced for USB Ethernet adapters -- Silicom announced that it has developed proprietary drivers for Linux 2.4.0 in support of its USB Ethernet products, which target the Broadband Internet Access, Multi-Tenant Unit, and Home Networking markets. story

Cooperative open source lab opens doors -- Stephen Shankland, editor of CNET's News.com, reports that the first projects of a new jointly funded open source developer lab were scheduled to begin this week. story

Red Hat's CTO appointed to Open Source Initiative board -- Red Hat announced the appointment of CTO Michael Tiemann to the board of the Open Source Initiative (OSI). T he OSI has worked extensively with the open source community to create an Open Source Definition, identify software licenses consistent with this definition and register the OSI certification mark. story

Lineo wins two awards at Showcase Conference -- Lineo received the top two awards at the recent Upside Showcase conference -- the "People's Choice" award, and the "Demo Til You're Dropped" award. story

*** LINKS OF THE WEEK ***

None this week -- blame it on LinuxWorld. ;)

*** FREQUENTLY UPDATED QUICK REFERENCE GUIDES ***

*** THE 2001 EMBEDDED LINUX MARKET SURVEY ***

As part of our continuing efforts to support the rapidly growing Embedded Linux Market, we are pleased to announce the online 2001 Embedded Linux Market Survey. The survey, which is structured in three parts, asks developers of Linux-based embedded systems and intelligent devices to anonymously provide information about their applications, their embedded Linux OS requirements and preferences, and the perceived advantages and disadvantages of using Linux in embedded applications.

Note: Please participate in this new survey, even if you already did so in 2000. Thank you!

VOTE HERE!

*** VISIT THESE OTHER ZDNET LINUX RESOURCES ***

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Jan 25, 2001,   Jan 18, 2001,   Jan 11, 2001,   Jan 4, 2001,   Dec 28, 2000,   Dec 21, 2000

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