post 129

By anders pearson 07 Oct 2000

Consolization
a follow-up to ander’s post #126…
there are growing numbers of embedded linux appliances already. an investing-savvy friend of mine has asked that i keep him informed and, not that they are well hidden, these are the major companies i keep running in to:

because i am a game-console follower: “Indrema’s revolutionary high-end game console will capitalize on embedded Linux and open-source software development.”

what will Indrema’s product be? “The Indrema Entertainment System (IES) is packaged in a sleek enclosure with the look and feel of a top-of-the-line VCR. ‘You don’t know that it has Linux in it,’ said Gildred [Indrema’s CEO] ‘You turn it on and it runs like a consumer electronics device. You can watch TV as you normally would. But you can also pull up a screen and start playing your MP3s. Or start the web browser and begin browsing on the Internet.” although primarily a high-end gaming system, because it allows lots of additional audio/video capability, some likely other uses include “providing enhanced HDTV and downloading and playing music video, and TV from partner sites.” Also, “Personal TV” where users will be able to download and play specific TV programs on demand.

the first company to get behind the “home music network” concept was S3 which owns the Rio line of portable MP3 players. The Rio Receiver uses embedded linux, which provides “out-of-the-box networking and enough power to handle downloading, ripping, streaming and listening at the same time.”

the Kerbango Radio (now owned by 3com- thanks to $80 million)“looks like a cross between an old Wurlizer jukebox and the dashboard of a ’54 Buick.” “Right now, the Kerbango has three unique properties, the radio, its tuning system and its website, which give computer users direct access to thousands of stream sources- the ‘stations’ the Kerbango radio will tune when it sits on your kitchen counter plugged into the household network…” The operating system for the Kerbango is linux.

for all other home appliances, check out Adomo who “wants to fill your home with a network of low-cost, easy-to-use information appliances.” All of which have linux inside. It’ll use voice commands mostly and can run just about everything you’d want it to… microwaves, lights, heaters, radios, dishwashers… the true “intelligent home” that Gates spent millions building for himself, soon available for all of us at a decent price.


there are more- but you all probably know of most of these anyway.