Linux for phones and other toys [LWN.net]

Embedded Linux is widely used in all sorts of gadgets. Tiny computers running tiny versions of Linux can be found in all sorts of applications from cars to coffee pots. Unlike a desktop computer, most users never interact directly with the computer embedded in a device, or care about what operating system is making it all work. Of course, LWN readers are more likely to care about such things than the average user.

There are over two dozen embedded distributions in the Embedded Section of the LWN Distributions List. At least a dozen more can be found scattered through other sections of the list. A testament to the volume of embedded distributions, and the need the get the LWN Distribution list into a real database so that embedded distributions, PDA distributions, firewall/VPN distributions, etc. can be found in all appropriate categories. The point is, there are many embedded Linux distributions that are rarely covered outside of their slot in the list, and probably many more that never made it to list. When we do cover them, its because some new gadget has been released -- and LWN runs a press release about the gadget while the underlying distribution gets at most a brief mention.

However, since LWN no longer has a Commerce page and these press releases caught our eye, we have a couple of embedded distributions to talk about today. The first press release is from Eforce Holdings Limited, Culturecom Holdings Limited, and Mobile Telecom Network Holdings Limited, who have jointly introduced the Chinese 2000 Mobile Linux Operating System for mobile devices.

Chinese 2000 Mobile, may or may not be related to a long time member of the LWN list Chinese 2000 Linux (website in Chinese), which appears to be a desktop and server distribution.

The next announcement comes from MontaVista Software and Texas Instruments, who are working together to provide an embedded Linux platform for OMAP application processors to target 2.5G and 3G handsets and other applications. "With the industry-leading MontaVista Linux embedded operating system and cross-development platform, embedded application developers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) will be able to quickly create OMAP processor-based, multimedia-enhanced applications for advanced wireless devices, telematics, biometrics, enhanced gaming and specialized personal digital assistants (PDAs)."

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