PMP gains Linux-based firmware upgrade

Click here to learn
about this Sponsor:

Home | News | Articles | Polls | Forum

Keywords: Match:

Dec. 05, 2005

PocketNow.com has previewed a Linux-based portable media player (PMP) expected to reach market early next year. The Neuros Audio 442 PMP currently ships with a proprietary RTOS, but will be switched early next year to a Linux firmware release described in the PocketNow.com article.

Neuros will offer discounts and low-cost upgrades to existing customers when the Linux-based version ships, it says. It is unclear whether Neuros's $99 "hardware upgrade" program includes new hardware, such as a memory upgrade, or merely a firmware upgrade.

Neuros has also launched an interesting open source hardware project behind the 442 -- it has published detailed technical specifics for the next planned hardware revision, in hopes of attracting open source input early, and ensuring interest and participation from the Linux hacker community.

The 442 is a small, stainless steel-encased device about the size of a one-inch thick index card (3 x 5.3 x 1 inches). It is based on a dual-core RISC/DSP chip from Texas Instruments, and features a 3.6-inch QVGA (320 x 240 pixel) display and 40GB harddrive.

The 442 can be used to store, play, and record a variety of multimedia files, including photos, music, and videos. It connects to PCs as a USB 2.0 mass storage device. It has a fixed battery claimed to offer nine hours of music, or five hours of video playback.

PocketNow reviewer Adam Lein says the 442 is great for watching digital video content on-the-go. It is less useful as a music player, he says, and it suffers from several interface problems that Neuros and/or the open source community working on the firmware port will have to fix.

For example, the built-in filemanager's delete and copy functions do not work, Lein says.

Additionally, Lein identifies a variety of places where lack of polish could be refined by the open source community over time. For example, he expresses frustration that the device's music player relies on filesystem structure, rather than id3v2 tags, to organize music.

Still, the 442 is useful and fun, Lein says. Video playback is very smooth, and the device can be used to digitize music or videos from a variety of sources, including analog sources such as VHS tapes and records.

Additional details can be found in the full review, here.

Related Stories:

(Click here for further information)

7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.

4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.

Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.

Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.

Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.

Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.

Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.

Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.

Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.

Got a HOT tip? please tell us!

Click here for a profile of each sponsor:

PLATINUM SPONSORS
<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=timesys;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=timesys;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>		<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=windriver;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=windriver;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>

<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=versalogic;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=versalogic;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>		<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=winsystems;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=winsystems;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>

<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=virtuallogix;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=virtuallogix;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>		<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=trolltech;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=trolltech;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>

<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=montavista;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=montavista;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>		<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=calaosystems;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=calaosystems;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>

<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=technologicsystems;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=technologicsystems;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>		<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=technicalsolutions;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=technicalsolutions;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>

GOLD SPONSORS
<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=ultimate;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.linuxdevices/desktop;kw=ultimate;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>		(Become a sponsor)

ADVERTISEMENT
(Advertise here)

Check out the latest Linux powered...

mobile phones!

other cool
gadgets

HOWTOs: from DevShed & IBM DeveloperWorks:

BREAKING NEWS

• Article explores Linux hot-patching utility
• Sun demo's RIA tools on Android
• Panel PCs support PoE, Linux
• New Palms on horizon?
• Embedded track added to Linux conference
• Ubuntu ported to a PDA
• Linux-friendly SBC hosts dual quad-core Xeons
• Embedded Linux SQL database adds Java, C# bindings
• Lightweight, embedded graphics framework rev'd
• Shock resistant automation computer runs Linux
• Linux phone maker updates tools
• Qt rev'd
• Linux-compatible SBC boasts small size, low heat
• Miniature Linux PC targets military apps
• Sun launches OpenSolaris

Linux-Watch headlines:
• Sun launches OpenSolaris
• Via tiptoes toward openness
• Linux certification comes to Italy
• Installing Ubuntu Hardy Heron as a web hosting server
• Black Duck Buys Koders
• Open source conference co-locates with Ubuntu show
• Ubuntu 8.04 ready to challenge Windows
• KDE Linux reaches 52 million Brazilian kids
• Free x86-based Linux router distro rev'd
• Two weeks with Fedora 9

Also visit our sister site:

Sign up for LinuxDevices.com's...

news feed

Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008 Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is prohibited. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.