O'Reilly has updated its guide to Building Embedded Linux Systems by Karim Yaghmour. In the 462-page Second Edition, Yaghmour is joined by new co-authors Gilad Ben-Yossef and Jonathan Masters in updating this "in-depth, hard-core guide to putting together embedded systems based on Linux," says O'Reilly.

WiBrain has started shipping its B1LE and B1LH, two MIDs (mobile Internet devices) based on Ubuntu Linux and Via C7M processors. Additionally, the Korean company will soon unveil an Intel Atom-based "i1" MID (shown) that features built-in cellular networking based on HSDPA (high-speed downlink packet access).

Orb Networks has joined a growing list of video broadcast service providers supporting Intel-based mobile Internet devices (MIDs). The Orb "MyCast" software and service lets users stream PC-based multimedia over local or wide-area networks to a variety of mobile devices, including Atom-based MIDs, Orb says.

Pure has announced an Internet radio that runs embedded Linux and provides FM and DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) playback. The Evoke Flow radio offers WiFi connectivity and media streaming from a connected PC, and is paired with a Internet search portal called the Pure Lounge.

In this hands-on review, LinuxDevices Executive Editor Henry Kingman deems the U9 to be a nice little Linux phone with high function and fashion. Its "mesmerizing" external OLED display, strong radio, and small, finger-friendly form factor could make the U9 a top-seller, Kingman reckons.

GeoSentric announced a version of its geo-location social networking application optimized for mobile Internet devices (MIDs) incorporating the Linux-based Moblin stack. The Gypsii application is "the first application of its kind that enables people to record their life based on their location," says the company.

FST announced a software development kit (SDK) for its lightweight graphics stack optimized for mobile Internet devices (MIDs). The FancyPants SDK for MIDs combines an API for the lightweight GUI with an embedded runtime, and is designed to work with the Linux-based Moblin stack.

Internet TV (ITV) service provider Move Networks announced an ITV media player optimized for mobile Internet devices (MIDs) based on the Intel Atom and the Linux-based Moblin stack. The Move Media Player for MIDs will deliver video from partners like ABC, Fox, and ESPN.

Swiss semiconductor vendor Micronas has announced a Linux-based reference platform for flat-panel, H.264 compatible HDTVs. The Pegasus IDTV (Integrated Digital Television) platform combines two new Micronas chips: the VCT-PlatinumD system processor and an MDX-H multimedia accelerator IC, along with support ICs, says the company.

[Revised, Aug. 25] -- While Intel's Developer Forum hogged the limelight last week, AMD was shyly preparing to ship its own competitor to Intel's Atom. The AMD Sempron 200U and 210U will sample next month on a 3.5-inch SBC (single board computer), says Taiwanese manufacturer Ibase.

The Linux-Embedded discussion list has been abuzz the last two days over a flash filesystem designed to support binary code execution (sometimes called XIP, or "execute-in-place"). When combined with forthcoming "Phase Change Memory" products, the "Advanced XiP Filesystem" (AXFS) could radically change the way Linux is embedded on consumer devices.

[Updated: Aug. 25, 2008] -- Xilinx has added to its line of Linux-friendly Spartan-3A FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays). The company has added models with non-volatile DSPs (digital signal processors), as well as lower-power models in smaller packaging aimed at "cost-sensitive" consumer electronics, communications, and networking designs.

Finland-based Bluegiga is shipping what it claims to be the smallest Bluetooth access point in the industry. Shipping with Linux development tools, the 3.5 x 2.3 x 1.2-inch Access Point 3201 (AP3201) connects Bluetooth devices with 3GSM/GPRS, Ethernet, WiFi, or a second Bluetooth network.

Lanner Electronics announced two devices using Intel's EP80579 SoC (system on chip) that run Linux. The FW-7570 is a 1U security appliance with encryption capabilities and up to 10 gigabit Ethernet ports, while the NS04-5130 is a four-bay storage platform with 4TB capacity, says the company.

A French robotics start-up called Wany Robotics has announced two mobile, mini-ITX-based sensor robots that run Linux. Aimed at educational and R&D applications, the PeKeeII robots are based on Via C3 or Intel Core 2 Duo processors, and offer sensor telemetry, ultrasound, and laser detection.

The Software Freedom Law Center (SFLC) has published an 8,000-word guide to effective compliance with the GNU General Public License (GPL), the most popular open source software license in the world. The guide overviews the legal obligations of GPL users, and recommends best practices for avoiding violations.

[Updated: Aug. 22] -- Archos announced new portable media players (PMPs) that run Linux on ARM Cortex processors. The Archos 5 and Archos 7 (pictured) offer 4.8- and 7-inch touchscreens, respectively, and include WiFi, hard drives, and an optional 3.5G cellular connection.

McAfee has promised to help protect Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) running Moblin Linux from the dangers of the "open Internet." The security software vendor has also promised to deliver encryption software to protect data on stolen laptops that run Linux on Atom processors.

Intel will ship a Pentium M-based system-on-chip (SoC) for consumer devices like networked optical players, set-top boxes, and digital TVs. The 800MHz Media Processor CE3100 ("Canmore") aims to bring YouTube and other PC-based entertainment platforms to home entertainment systems, where today MIPS-based SoCs from Sigma, Broadcom, and others dominate.

Intel has brought out a dual-core version of its Atom ("Diamondville") processor for low-cost "nettop" PCs. The Atom 330 will ship initially in a low-cost D945GCLF2 mini-ITX board that has gigabit Ethernet, S-video, six-channel audio, eight USB ports, and PCI expansion.