SPECIAL REPORT: Motorola adopts Linux for future mobile phones -- Motorola, currently the world's #2 maker of mobile phones ("handsets") with an estimated worldwide market share of 19%, has unveiled a major shift in its embedded software strategy. For future handset designs, Motorola is going with a combination of an embedded Linux operating system and Java-based middleware. LinuxDevices.com brings you this Special Report which includes the text of the Motorola announcement, along with a roundup of some of the many international news stories surrounding this important development. Plus, we include photos of the A760 handset, Motorola's initial Linux/Java handset offering, which is said to integrate the functions of a mobile phone, PDA, digital camera, video player, MP3 player, speakerphone, messaging, Internet access, and Bluetooth wireless technology. Read full story
Embedded Linux Consortium launches landmark standard -- The ELC formally announced the ELC Platform Specification (ELCPS) version 1.0 this week. The ELC describes its new spec as being "aimed at rallying the industry around a single Linux development standard for new embedded products," and says "the specification delivers a unified open platform for embedded operating systems." Read the full ELCPS release announcement here, and a newly released ELCPS frequently asked questions (FAQ) document here.
Device profile: Hitachi VisionPlate wireless tablet -- LinuxDevices.com discovered that Hitachi's "VisionPlate wireless tablet" uses Linux as one of its primary operating systems. It's based on a 400 MHz Transmeta Crusoe processor with 64MB+ SDRAM and 64MB+ CompactFlash memory, has built-in 802.11b wireless networking, and runs a version of Midori Linux. "Because the VisionPlate is designed to work with the Linux OS, it provides the broadest platform and possibilities for software and system developers," reads a Hitachi statement about the device. Story
World's smallest security appliance? -- Innominate Security Technologies unveiled what it calls the "world's smallest security appliance" at the Intel Developer Forum this week. Measuring just 4 x 2.4 x 0.8 inches, the tiny Firewall/VPN module is based on an Intel IXP425 network processor running an embedded Linux operating system, and is said to offer features previously only available on much larger and more expensive devices. Story
Speaking of this week's Intel Developer Forum . . . here are several announcements which may be of interest to developers of Linux-based devices:
Read them here: Feb. 13, 2003, Feb. 6, 2003, Jan. 30, 2003, Jan. 23, 2003, Jan. 16, 2003, Jan. 9, 2003, Jan. 2, 2003
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