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Ubuntu Linux is now ready to power your appliances and robots
Ubuntu Linux has spread to quite a few platforms in its 10-year history, if not always successfully. Today, though, the open source software is tackling what could be its greatest challenge yet: the internet of things. Canonical has released a version of its stripped-down snappy Ubuntu Core for connected devices like home appliances, robots and anything else where a conventional PC operating system wouldn't fly. It's designed to run on modest hardware (a 600MHz processor will do) and provide easy updates, all the while giving gadget makers the freedom to customize the software for whatever they're building. It promises to be extra-reliable, too -- it only applies updates if the code checks out, so you won't lose control of your smart thermostat due to a buggy upgrade.
Monsoon's HAVA line gets Windows Mobile support
Placeshifting just seems to make so much more sense when you can shift to your handset. Sling recognized that last year (though its Symbian support is still a no-show unless you're on 3) and now Monsoon's hopping on the mobile video bandwagon, adding Windows Mobile support to its HAVA line of placeshifters. No word on exactly when it'll be coming out of beta, but when it does, HAVA owners will have compatibility with Pocket PC phones, Smartphones, and even classic Pocket PCs (via WiFi, naturally) to get their TV fix on the go. If they make it free, it's a strong marketing point over Sling's now-commercialized offering (hint, hint, Monsoon).[Via PhysOrg.com]
Snappy adds the stripped-down HAVA Gold to its placeshifting line
If you can't quite scrape together the cash for one of HAVA's high-end placeshifters, you might be into Snappy's new HAVA Gold, which sheds the WiFi and internal tuner of its big brother, slims down considerably and adds an extra audio input. The best news is the $129 pricetag and complete HAVA software functionality for multicasting and a bit of timeshifting. Now word on distributors yet, so we're not sure when you'll be able to score your own.
Snappy updates HAVA software, adds 1080i and 720p support
Snappy's HAVA is a bit of a dark horse in the remote TV viewing world, being overshadowed by Slingbox and all. But nonetheless, it soldiers on, sending your favorite programs out over your home network and then out over the great series of tubes. However, that little box just got a nice upgrade -- on Monday, Snappy Multimedia released a software update for the HAVA, version 1.6. This version will support 1080i, 720p, and 480p/576p inputs, and supports 16:9 aspect ratio for HD content. Further, the HAVA will now automatically detect the input resolution and adjust accordingly. Among the issues that this new software fixes is resolving incorrect video scaling and the ever-annoying "wireless configuration problems." We're constantly annoyed by our own "various problems" with our WiFi routers, so if Snappy wanted to share their insight with Netgear / Linksys / D-Link, we'd be much obliged.
