Welcome to LinuxDevices.com's Embedded Linux Newsletter June 17, 2004 by Rick Lehrbaum Editor-in-chief

Sony debuts Linux-based in-car nav/infotainment line in Japan -- Sony has introduced three Linux-based in-car navigation and infotainment devices in Japan. The devices feature 3D map navigation technology, media players, hard drives, GPS, and PC connectivity. They are based on a Linux 2.4-series kernel and include a 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen LCD running at WVGA (800 x 480) resolution. Our news item contains more details, including images indicating what the devices look like and can do.

Increasing Linux device development productivity with graphical tools -- This whitepaper from esteemed Linux author and TimeSys Product Manager William von Hagen discusses the productivity advantages that graphical development tools can bring to embedded Linux development. It uses TimeSys's Eclipse-based TimeStorm tools by way of example, but the material presented is largely vendor-neutral.

Stylish Linux-based residential gateway supports VoIP -- i3 micro technology is shipping a new Linux-based residential gateway for broadband service providers wishing to extend VoIP (voice-over-IP) capabilities to their customers. The device includes a NAT router and firewall, along with VoIP features that work in conjunction with i3 management and provisioning software.

Adobe, Sony bring PDF viewer to consumer electronic devices -- Adobe will create an embedded Linux version of its Adobe Reader, and Sony will use the software in its new car navigation system (described above). The new Adobe Reader will target "a consumer electronics version of the Linux platform," according to Adobe.

Interview explains high-end font concepts, Linux licensing deal -- DesktopLinux.com (sister site of LinuxDevices.com) has published an interview in which Bitstream VP Saampo Kaasila -- instrumental in developing TrueType fonts at Apple -- explains font concepts such as hinting and anti-aliasing. The interview includes Bitstream CEO Anna Chagnon and Lycoris Founder Joseph Cheek. Lycoris recently licensed Bitstream technology for its Linux distributions. Read the complete interview for fascinating insights into the current state of font technology, and where Linux today lags behind.

Linux audio gadget to feature XBox 5.1 surround sound -- Surround sound 5.1 technology used in Microsoft's XBox will arrive in a "completely unrelated channel" in 2004, according to Empower Technologies, which has announced a three-year cross-licensing deal with audio specialist Spherex involving a Linux-based "intelligent multi-function audio device" of unspecified nature.

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

• Summer Webinars look at embedded Linux security, graphical tools
  
• Leading thin client vendor responds to booming Linux demand
  
• IDE simplifies Linux batch data terminal programming
  
• Tools help migrate legacy RTOS apps to TimeSys Linux
  
• EPIC SBC boasts data acq, GPS, wireless, embedded Linux
  
• Embedded-oriented SSL, SSH suite launches
  
• GPLed software manages LTSP Linux thin clients
  
• DVD-ready Dolby encoder supports MIPS Linux
  
• New double-density Flash chips support Linux
  
• Embedded database gains transaction logging
  
• CardBus-to-PCI adapters now support Linux
  
• VDC: Ruggedized/industrial computer market nearing $2B by 2006
  
• Nine from IBM -- WAP, Linux coding, installation packages, grids, . . .
  

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

• Article talkbacks
  
• Linux on PDAs
  
• 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 this year's previous newsletters here:   Jun. 10,   Jun. 3,   May 27,   May 20,   May 13,   May 6,   Apr. 29,   Apr. 22,   Apr. 15,   Apr. 8,   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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