Embedded Internet

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Today's Feature

- New - Technophobes May Be Right After All
Recently published conclusions from a study in social informatics--an emerging body of research and study that examines the social aspects of computerization--offer some surprising insights into information and communication technology (ICT). (MARATHON Digital Publishing {scan via})

Embedded Systems -- Embedded Internet Subsections

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Products

- New - Tektronix Adds Antenna and Transmission-Line Testing to Field Tool
Tektronix' addition of an antenna test capability to its field maintenance tool kit for wireless communications networks occasions a review by Chip Center's Alex Mendelsohn, who notes that the unit has a user-friendly, Windows-based interface and works at frequencies as low as 25-MHz and on up to 2.5-GHz. (ChipCenter: Test & Measurement)
- New - Spirent Launches Test System for 1xEV-DO Hybrid Access Terminals
Spirent Communications has launched its AirAccess 1xPlus Network Emulator, the first commercially available solution for simultaneous, real-time emulation of CDMA2000 1X, 1xEV-DO and IS-95 networks. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
- New - CeBIT Solutions from Alcatel
At CeBIT in Hannover, Alcatel demonstrated new multiparty conferencing capabilities, combining the Alcatel 5020 Multimedia Softswitch with RADVISION's viaIP Multipoint Conferencing Solution. The product integration allows service providers to deploy voice, video and data conferencing services to their customers. The company also unveiled its first high-end GPRS class 10 product, the Alcatel One Touch 715. Separately, Alcatel has recently announced the OmniAccess 210, the first in a new family of security appliances that it says will enable enterprises to provide secure, reliable communications for corporate sites, remote offices, mobile users and business partners. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
emWare Brings Global Device Management Service To Businesses
At the Embedded Systems Conference, emWare announced the extension of its emConnect remote device management solutions with the new Global Device Service, designed to provide businesses with global access to device information. All that is needed is an emWare-enabled device and a local dial-up connection to any ISP. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Samsung Shrinks LCD Driver, Expands Mobile Phone Market
At the Embedded Systems Conference, Samsung Semiconductor announced a new driver for LCD displays in cellular phones. The driver features a built-in controller and an OTP storage memory, with built-in termination capacitors that will enable a reduced-size LCD system. (e-inSITE)
Integration the Name of the MFP Game
Hewlett Packard introduces enterprise customers to a host of new multifunction products and services designed to optimize the everyday business of information sharing, from copying to Internet and e-mail data transmission. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Sony Ericsson Unveils Multimedia Phones
As operators and handset makers alike look to broaden the range of mobile devices on offer, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications officials pulled the wraps off three mobile-phone models that offer a slew of multimedia capabilities and are set for release in the coming months. The P800 handset runs the Symbian 7.0 OS and features a built-in digital camera, a 208 by 320 pixel color screen, Web browser, and J2ME support. It is a triband Global System for Mobile Communications phone and supports GPRS and Bluetooth networking technology. (PC World)
Easy Internet Connectivity With @Web Kit
Atmel rolls a new TCP/IP-based Evaluation Kit for the C51 series of Flash microcontrollers to enable dial-up or direct system connectivity without added hardware cost. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Palm Unveils Color, Wireless Models
Palm is showing that color is in with the debut of its spring lineup, introducing the M130 entry-level handheld and the premium M515 model at roughly the same prices that monochrome units cost in the past. (PC World)
RIM Rolls Out Java-based Handheld For US-based GSM/GPRS Nets
Research In Motion (RIM) has rolled out its first wireless handheld offering support for GSM/GPRS networks in the North American marketplace. Reportedly capable of achieving average speeds of up to 40-Kbit/sec, the new Java-based BlackBerry 5810 integrates secure BlackBerry wireless email capabilities as well as a J2ME core operating system. RIM intends to launch a Java Development Environment at JavaOne later this month. (Electronic Business)
- New - R&D for the Common Engineer
Circuit Cellar's Tom Cantrell admits that while much of our everyday technology has its roots in the hallowed halls of higher education, embedded systems development is more fun than academic. With its DARPA funding, the Berkeley Smart Dust crew brings together the best of both these worlds. The Smart Dust challenge is to integrate an entire self-powered, networked smart sensor into one cubic millimeter. (ChipCenter: Circuit Cellar)

News

- New - DVD Outlook Positive
DVD players are selling like hotcakes on the consumer electronics menu, and appetites for DVD will only grow, says market research firm iSuppli. (Electronic News)
- New - EDN Announces Electronics Industry Innovation/Innovator of the Year Award Winners
EDN has recognized its most recent round of award-winning innovators and innovations, which included Rabbit Semiconductor in Computers, Boards, and Buses; eDevice in Embedded Development; National Semiconductor in EDA; and Fujitsu, Linear Technology and Analog Devices in various IC categories. (Electronic Business)
- New - The E-inSite Spin on CTIA
e-inSite walks the CTIA show floor, where Cellport Systems unveils a working prototype of a Bluetooth Pocket Adapter that will allow its Universal Hands-Free System for automobiles to function in tandem with Bluetooth-enabled wireless phones and other devices, and where SavaJe Technologies announces that its OS now supports the complete set of Java APIs from MIDP to J2SE in support of smart phone applications in handheld and wireless devices. Nokia previews a GPRS/WLAN PC Card for 802.11b WLAN network applications that will ship this Q3, pending FCC approval, and E-tenna introduces a new family of electronically-steerable, phased array antennas for sub-10-GHz operation. SyChip releases a GPS reference design in the compact flash form factor that reportedly conforms to the CF+ Type 1 specification, while RealNetworks offers a mobile version of its RealOne Player optimized for Pocket PC devices. Applied Data Systems gets in on the action with its wireless phrase recognition device, and e-inSite's Mark Long is enamored with MeshNetworks' mobile road show, in which the company converts an ordinary 'Lynx' Orlando transportation system bus into a high-speed wireless multimedia showcase that includs a fully operational mobile 802.11 network on the bus itself. (Electronic Business)
- New - A Mixed Bag From CTIA
At the CTIA Wireless show, Ricoh Digital Camera Division demonstrates a wireless-ready RDC-i700 digital camera and communications tool in tandem with Lucent Technologies' 3G wireless network infrastructure equipment, and Eyematic and Texas Instruments announce a multimedia software and hardware agreement for 2.5 and 3G cell phones and mobile handhelds. Spirent Communications takes the opportunity to share a recent design win for its C2K-ATS CDMA2000 Automatic Test System, and Infineon introduces its Telematics Communication Gateway (TCG) reference design, which offers an integrated solution for mobile information and entertainment systems in new automobiles. Racal Instruments is in attendance with some things old and some things new, most keyed to 850-MHz coverage and GPS/AFLT position location applications. (e-inSITE)
- New - Technophobes May Be Right After All
Recently published conclusions from a study in social informatics--an emerging body of research and study that examines the social aspects of computerization--offer some surprising insights into information and communication technology (ICT). (MARATHON Digital Publishing {scan via})
- New - The True Cost of New Technology
A thought-provoking editorial on innovation concludes that there are always two learning curves going on in innovation marketplaces: one where innovators figure out how to make the innovations faster, better and cheaper, and the other where customers and clients go beyond price to learn the real costs of implementing those ever faster, better and cheaper ideas. Innovators are usually overinvested in understanding their own learning curves and underinvested in learning about their customers. (MARATHON Digital Publishing {scan via})
- New - Motorola Showcase at CTIA
Motorola comes to the CTIA Wireless conference with its PCS collection, which offers some new and some re-newed handsets as well as accessories, and shows how it has integrated J2ME technology into the full range of its products. The company also expands its TDMA mobile phone lineup with a third handset, the 120t and announces that it has chosen PacketVideo to provide multimedia solutions for selected 3G wireless communication devices. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
- New - IntelliWhere at GITA 2002
IntelliWhere targets the mobile workforce with its GITA booth full of location-based service solutions like its OnDemand product--a new vector-based mapping software for PDAs. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Simplicity, Speed, Flexibility and Integration Key to Consumer Market
Part of his European tour included a keynote at CeBIT for Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. He encouraged the connectivity community by underscoring the potential of existing and emerging technologies and the needj to develop alliances around products like Microsoft's .NET platform. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
National on Show at CeBIT
At this year's CeBIT, National Semiconductor introduces several new Bluetooth connectivity accessories, demonstrates streaming technologies for Information Appliances enabled by its Geode processor, and announces its support of Microsoft's 'Mira' project with new reference designs and industry alliances. The company's display theme, 'Solutions for Multimedia Connectivity' highlights a collection of convergence devices from its partners and customers. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Real-World Example Offers Insight into Internet-Connected Appliances
Web-enabling has more everyday applications than you might imagine, and it isn't as difficult as you might think, says Scientific American's W.Wayt Gibbs. Delve into some online resources that will help you flesh out your next Internet appliance project. (MARATHON Digital Publishing {scan via})
StarOffice Creator Lights Up New Company
Frustrated with building his own home network, one tech guru aims to make the process easier for everyone. His new software company, VerdiSoft, was launched at CeBIT and aims to make the digital home accessible to the masses. (PC World)
New Connect One iChip Firmware for a New Generation of Internet-Enabled Devices
Connect One announced at the ESC the release of firmware version 7.1 for its iChip Internet Controller chip that includes new device management and Internet access services. The new firmware is now operating in devices from many manufacturers whose Internet-enabled products are on display at Connect One's booth. (News Wire)
Specs Defined for 2.5-inch Removable Hard Drive
Looking to establish a common platform for removable hard-disk drives in both PC and non-PC products, eight Japanese companies have formed the iVDR Hard-Disk Drive Consortium. The consortium has defined the basic specifications of 2.5-inch, removable hard drives and intends to promote them for both PC and audio/video applications. Inviting more supporters, the consortium plans to move beyond the 2.5-inch format to create specs for 1.8-inch drives. (EE Times)
- New - Design Embedded Displays for a Lasting Impression
Flat-panel displays not only provide the primary human interface for many embedded systems but also define their look and feel. Make sure your product�s display creates a positive first impression. (EDN)
CeBIT Show Goes Mobile
Microsoft is still a major player at this year's CeBIT, even though reorganization attempts have displaced the company from its venerable 'North entrance' position. Wireless and wearable are two dominant themes at the trade show this year. (PC World)
Device Designers in a Portable Power Pinch
The limiting factor in the development of next-generation devices may be batteries--a designer's only option for portable power, their technology hasn't changed much in almost 50 years. (MARATHON Digital Publishing {scan via})
A Guide for Online Information About: Pocket PC
Circuit Cellar offers an extensive list of resource links for those interested in the PocketPC, which (in case you didn't know) is significantly different from the Palm PDA. (ChipCenter: Circuit Cellar)
Action on the Atmel Front
Atmel and Lineo have announced a VoIP partnership that will bring together their respective Smart Internet Appliance processor hardware and Embedix Linux OS and application software modules. Separately, Atmel has also introduced what it calls the world's smallest dual-output laser diode driver IC for the next generation of combined DVD/CD-R/RW end products. (ChipCenter: WebScan)

Design Trends

- New - HomePlug: Every Outlet a Network Port?
If power-line-networking vendors do it right, connecting your PC, printer, or stereo together will just 'happen' when you plug the power cord in the wall. (e-inSITE)
- New - Opening New Doors in Mobile Communications
Audiovox, Verizon Wireless, Microsoft and Sierra Wireless launched the newest Windows- Powered Pocket PC, Thera. The Audiovox device provides fully-integrated CDMA2000 1X wireless voice and data communications capabilities in a unit the approximate size of a 3' X 5' file card, with wireless phone and Internet access capabilities provided by Sierra Wireless's new SB555 high-speed Embedded Module for CDMA2000 1X and Watcher modem management software. Verizon Wireless will roll the handsets to its enterprise customers beginning in Q2. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
- New - Emails From Your Coffeemaker
Have your household appliances sent out any emails lately? The idea is not as bizarre as it sounds. Set-top box manufacturers have been equipping their products with communications links for years so that the devices could be used to order up pay-per-view movies and special events. Now the technology is going mainstream, with potential applications ranging from home appliances to automated power meter readers. Find out from Electronic Business what several companies are brewing up on the appliance front. (Electronic Business)
- New - Ericsson and Texas Instruments (Still) to Offer GPRS/3G Handset Solutions
Extending the memorandum of understanding entered last Fall, Ericsson and Texas Instruments have agreed to leverage TI technology in the development of GPRS and 3G reference platforms for wireless manufacturers. (e-inSITE)
Siemens Demos Features to Distinguish Upcoming Handsets
Striving to differentiate its next-generation handsets, Siemens Mobile Phones showed off several working prototypes with unique features at the CeBIT electronics trade show, including a 'display speaker phone' and a so-called 'pendant phone' with an integrated camera, MP3 player and speech control functions. Siemens has partnered with NXT plc., a U.K.-based company, to integrate a loudspeaker into the glass display of one mobile phone model. Siemens hopes to be the first company to embed NXT's flat-panel speaker technology into a mobile handset. (EE Times)
Fujitsu Shows Off Its First PDA
The Pocket Loox will feature Microsoft's PocketPC 2002 and an Intel Xscale processor when it's launched later this year, and will offer customized specifications depending on the region of release. (PC World)
Nokia Delays Launch of 3G Handset
The introduction of 3G products and services is expected to be more of an evolution than a revolution, said Nokia's President at the recent CeBIT conference. The company is holding off on its own introduction of a 3G handset until at least this Fall. (EE Times)
Virtual Reality With a Twist
Emerging augmented reality (AR) technology would use 'see-through,' head-mounted computer displays to layer virtual information on top of a user's existing sensory perceptions. Explore the roots of the technology, its potential applications, and the questions that remain to be answered for AR to make it into the mainstream. (MARATHON Digital Publishing {scan via})
STMicro To Embed IBM Speech Technology in Processor Platforms for Automotive and Mobile Internet Apps
STMicroelectronics plans to license IBM's Embedded ViaVoice software to embed in new processor platforms. The two companies will determine how to govern the joint development and marketing of the new speech-enabled products. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Investment and Expertise Will Grow Wireless Internet
Although the wireless Internet is still in its infancy, the possibilities of the technology and the enthusiasm it generates are rapidly driving new developments. EE Times profiles Lee Hwan-Sup, a self-proclaimed missionary in the field of wireless Internet and CTO of Korea's Witnet Co. (EE Times)
Office Noa in the Vanguard With Video Distribution Innovation
Office Noa is finally seeing the first fruits of its Nancy project, birthed in 1993 to find ways of sending video content over conventional switched telephone networks. J-Phone, a Japanese mobile phone carrier, is leveraging the light compression technology to deploy a video-mail service later this month. (EE Times)
Ultra-Wideband Platform Streams MPEG-2 Movies At 10 Mbit/sec
XtremeSpectrum offered a recent demonstration of its ultra-wideband (UWB) technology for home market applications at its offices in Mountain View, California. The company is hoping to capitalize on the home multimedia movement with a high-performance solution for wireless connectivity between devices. (Electronic Business)
Driving Complexities Under Study
Motorola is embarking on a rather innovative endeavor that will take a comprehensive look at how drivers interact with their vehicles, incoming information, and on-board devices. The company hopes its new driver research facility will lead to the development of new solutions that will improve safety by better managing the various tasks now associated with driving, including infotainment and communications. (ChipCenter: WebScan)
Fujitsu Puts Security at Your Fingertips
Cellular telephones could be more secure in the future, now that engineers at Fujitsu have completed development of a compact fingerprint sensor designed for use with handsets. With growing use of services such as electric commerce and e-government, the company expects the demand for an authentication function on cell phones and other mobile devices to increase. But until now, fingerprint sensor devices have been too large and consumed too much power to be integrated into mobile devices. (PC World)
Picture's Fuzzy for DVD
The look of the next generation of digital video disks got harder to call when the DVD Forum's Steering Committee recently voted to approve the use of low-bit-rate compression for high-definition DVD. The DVD Forum's decision to stick with a red-laser-based scheme but switch to low-bit-rate compression, came only a week after nine of the world's biggest electronics companies agreed to promote a blue-laser-based format for next-generation video and computer optical disks. (EE Times)
Java and Microsoft Race to the Finish in In-Car Computing
Java is making a name for itself in the automotive arena, evidenced by its top billing at the Society of Automotive Engineers 2002 World Congress and Digital Car Conference. Not to be out-done, Microsoft revs its engines with a BMW design win and hopes that Windows CE will keep it in the race. (EE Times)
Priority Interrupt: Automobiles by Microsoft?
Circuit Cellar's Steve Ciarcia sounds off about the 'fight for features' taking place in the automotive arena. Cars are just getting too complicated--and it's hitting a little too close to home now that Microsoft is getting a grip on Ciarcia's beloved BMWs. (ChipCenter: Circuit Cellar)

Resources

ESC's Next Round
Sign on for the next Embedded Systems Conference near you. The show is celebrating Spring in California at San Francisco's Moscone Convention Center, then it's off to China. Course offerings and exhibits span the spectrum of embedded systems development, from Internet appliances to DSP, automotive, wireless and Java.
How Far Can the Internet Go?
Extending the Internet is the vision behind the ETI Alliance, a partnership of companies whose products are networked via emWare's EMIT software. Surf the ETI site for more on membership and ETI news.
ChipCenter Reference Library
This is your access point for lots of good information covering applications, design tools, consultants, intellectual property, trade shows and standards.
Standards Watch
Here is your access point to the standards world.

Janice Hughes and Cindy Carrier
In 1994, Janice joined Circuit Cellar INK's staff first as technical editor then as managing editor. Since leaving INK, Janice has offered marketing communications services for embedded computing companies. After earning an English degree, Cindy has made her living doing freelance technical editing and writing.
Please send your comments to embedded.editors@cox.net.


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