Survey reveals embedded Linux market trends -- The results of LinuxDevices.com's fourth annual Embedded Linux Market Survey are in! Overall, we find the results encouraging for embedded Linux as a whole, and for companies in the embedded Linux OS and tools market. In addition to providing colorful charts and access to the complete survey data, our latest "Snapshot of the Embedded Linux Market" article discusses several key observations, including: no single embedded Linux vendor dominates the market; tools are still important, but "cost/freeness" rules; ARM is overtaking x86, for most popular processor architecture; developers favor support fees over runtime royalties; embedded Linux developers aren't afraid of SCO; embedded Linux popularity continues to grow.
Linux-powered access point bridges Bluetooth, LAN, WAN, GPRS -- The Wrap Multiradio Access Server from Bluegiga Technologies is a Linux-based network bridge that connects bluetooth-enabled devices such as smartphones with GPRS networks and IP networks such as VoIP, corporate intranets, and/or the Internet. Three integrated bluetooth modules support connections from up to 21 devices. An open, Linux-based embedded operating system enables flexible implementation and user development. Learn more about the Wrap and its use of embedded Linux in our complete Device Profile.
Migrating Linux apps to the 2.6 kernel and NPTL -- For most application developers, changes between the 2.4 and 2.6 kernel families have little direct impact. However, kernel and system changes affecting how applications spawn and manage other processes and threads are a significant exception. This whitepaper by TimeSys distinguished engineer Peter Dibble and product manager William von Hagen discusses topics related to migrating existing applications to the 2.6 kernel and the Native POSIX Threading Library (NPTL).
Linux finds new world to dominate: batch data collection terminals -- Handheld specialist Intermec plans to ship what it believes to be the first low-cost batch data collection terminal based on Linux. The ruggedized "CK1" key-entry handheld runs a 2.4 uClinux kernel and targets parcel pickup and delivery, retail inventory management, medical/pharmaceutical applications, or light industrial use. Find out more about Intermec's CK1 batch data collection terminal in our complete Device Profile.
Linux leads point-of-sale OS growth, but faces obstacles -- Linux was the fastest growing operating system in the point-of-sale (POS) terminal market in 2003, according to a study by IHL Consulting Group. However, Linux's market share is still quite small, and adoption has slowed since Microsoft released Windows XP Embedded.
Minimo ("mini Mozilla") project leaders interviewed -- New Mobile Computing has published an interview with Doug Turner and Chris Hofmann, leaders of the Minimo project, discussing the motivations, goals, and status of the effort to create an embeddable Web browser for Linux devices based on Mozilla's "gecko" rendering engine. According to the founders, as quoted by NMC, the Minimo project has completed much of the "footprint" work, which involved pulling a minimalistic codebase from the main Mozilla tree. User interface customizations for small devices remain to be done.
Embedded Linux at CES -- Linux Journal has published an extensive report by Doc Searls from January's enormous Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The article discusses Linux's relatively low profile in corporate marketing literature at the show. Searls says that of more than 2,300 exhibitors, just eleven companies promoted their use of Linux. Why the lack of embedded Linux hype at CES? Read Searls's interesting hypothesis.
OTHER NEWSWORTHY ITEMS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE PAST WEEK . . .
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You can access 2004's newsletters here: Mar. 11, Mar. 4, Feb. 26, Feb. 19, Feb. 12, Feb. 5, Jan. 29, Jan. 22, Jan. 15, Jan. 8
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