10.08.13

Linux Devices and Embedded Linux a Most Powerful Force

Posted in GNU/Linux at 6:01 am by Dr. Roy Schestowitz

Summary: An overview of recent articles about Linux (and sometimes GNU) in the more miniature realm of computing

This month, October of 2013, the issue of Linux Journal is titled “Embedded” [1] and now that embedded devices or ARM chips get powerful enough to run “full linux” (desktop) [2] we should note that the so-called “year of Linux desktop” matters a lot less. Linux Gizmos, a site dedicated to Linux devices and embedded Linux, shows many new devices that run Linux [3-11], including cars [12,13]. Raspberry Pi is big in the headlines [14-18] and Linux Journal has a special article about it [19]. Without a doubt, Linux is the most dominant platform when it comes to devices and it often comes with GNU too (not always but often). █

Related/contextual items from the news:

1. October 2013 Issue of Linux Journal: Embedded

2. “Most powerful” Arduino ever has ARM Cortex-A8 chip, runs “full Linux”

   3D printers, sensor networks, and advanced automation enabled by Arduino TRE.

3. Rugged fanless box-PC suits wireless mobile apps

   MEN Mikro announced a rugged, Linux-ready box-PC for use on trains, buses, airplanes, and construction and agricultural vehicles. The BL50W comes with single- or dual-core AMD G-Series APUs, provides dual full-HD DisplayPort outputs, expands via SD, mSATA, and Mini PCIe slots, offers gig-E, WiFi, GPS, and cellular connectivity, and supports wide temperature fanless operation.

4. Compact OTT set-top-box runs Linux

   Antik Technology announced a smaller, lower-powered sibling to its Juice Extreme 2 multicast/OTT IP set-top-box. The Juice Nano runs Linux on a 550MHz ST STiH207 processor, delivers video at up to 1080p at 60fps, provides HDMI, TOSLINK digital audio, and USB ports, and offers both Ethernet and WiFi connectivity.

5. Set-top box SoCs move up to Cortex-A9, UltraHD, HEVC

   STMicroelectronics (ST), ViXS, and Sigma Designs have each announced new Linux-friendly system-on-chips for IPTV set-top boxes (STBs) incorporating dual Cortex-A9 cores. Some of ST’s STLinux-based “Cannes” and “Monaco” SoCs, as well as ViXS’s XCode 6400 SoC, support UltraHD video and streaming HEVC HD content, while Sigma’s SMP8734 supports Linux or Android on hybrid STBs and media players.

6. SODIMM-style COM runs Linux on Freescale Vybrid SoC

7. Linux-capable Arduino TRE debuts at Maker Faire Rome

8. Embedded firms increase Linux kernel contributions

   A Linux Foundation report found that among the growing list of companies participating in Linux kernel development, embedded-oriented firms like Linaro, Samsung, and Texas Instruments, have increased their contributions at the fastest rate. Other findings include increases in the number of kernel developers, code changes, and changes per hour since the LF’s previous report in April 2012.

9. Linux device offers web, video, audio conferencing

   RHUB Communications is shipping a videoconferencing and web collaboration appliance that runs embedded Linux on an AMD G-Series processor. The TurboMeeting 210 (TM210) appliance is equipped with multiparty web, video, and audio conferencing functionality, as well as remote support, remote access, and webinar applications.

10. RCA Internet Music System runs Android

    RCA is previewing a $200 Android-based music system on its RCA Tablets website. The RCS13101E Internet Music System features built-in WiFi and a removable tablet-style display, and is billed as a modern alternative to the traditional modular stereo system, for use in bedrooms, dorm rooms, and family rooms.

11. Home automation device runs Linux on BeagleBone

    Starting in early October, Ninja Blocks will ship another 1,000 units of its redesigned open source Linux based home automation device kit. The $199 Ninja Block Kit incorporates a BeagleBone SBC and an Arduino-compatible microcontroller, and offers remote access via smartphone apps and a cloud service for access to sensor inputs including motion detectors, contact closures, temperature and humidity sensors, and pushbuttons.

12. Linux-based IVI platform adds multimedia tech

    Mentor Graphics is integrating Jungo Connectivity’s multimedia player middleware into its Linux-based in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) software platform. Mentor’s Automotive Technology Platform IVI stack meets Yocto Project 1.3 and GENIVI 3.0 IVI requirements, and Jungo’s MediaCore middleware provides UX and other support for multimedia management and playback, smartphone connectivity, and cloud-based applications.

13. Android-based IVI system ships in 15 Renault cars

14. Father Builds First Raspberry Pi-Powered Tooth Fairy Tooth Transport

    Developers have proved that the Raspberry Pi can be used for a lot of interesting projects, but very few had the kind of appeal of the Tooth Fairy project.

    Giving money for teeth has become quite a tradition, but a parent took it a little bit further and with the help of a Raspberry Pi, he managed to connect the Tooth Fairy to his house.

15. New openSUSE images for Raspberry Pi

    Good news for Raspberry Pi users, there are brand new images of openSUSE for this revolutionary device.

16. Turn your Raspberry Pi into a web server

    Raspberry Pi is one of the most popular devices around. Educators, enthusiats, students and even Googlers love it. Google has been involved with the Raspberry Pi Foundation to promote the device in the UK. Google gave a grant to the foundation via Google Giving to provide 15,000 Raspberry Pi Model Bs for schoolkids around the UK.

17. Raspberry Pi’s Eben Upton Demos Wayland Support on the Pi

18. Raspberry Pi Doorlock Uses USB Keys

19. Temper Pi

    It was inevitable. Back when the Raspberry Pi was announced, I knew I eventually would use one to power a beer fridge. If you have been following my column through the years, you know that three years ago (see my Hack and / column titled “Temper Temper” in the August 2010 issue), I set up a temperature controller for my beer fermenting fridge with an X10 serial controller to control the power to the fridge and a heating pad, an inexpensive TEMPer USB thermometer to take the fridge temperature, and a simple Perl script.

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