Marvell is sampling three low power consumption, 1GHz-plus RISC-based system-on-chips (SoCs). The dual-core MV78200 controller and single-core MV78100 and MV76100 controllers are based on Marvell's ARMv5TE-compliant Feroceon CPU core. The controllers are meant for "green" routers, base stations, high-volume laser printers, storage devices, and single-board computers. For more, go to Linux Devices. [Linux Devices]

A beta version of Adobe's Flash Player 10, code-named 'Astro', is now available for multiple platforms, INCLUDING Linux. Key new features:

• Ubuntu Support
• 3D Effects
• Custom Filters and Effects
• Advanced Text Layout
• Enhanced Drawing API
• Visual Performance Improvements

Adobe recommends uninstalling previous versions before installing 10 beta. [Adobe via Download Squad]

Verizon Wireless, along with seven others (including the Mozilla Foundation and SK Telecom), has joined the Linux Mobile Foundation (LiMo). The new entrants will join existing members "LiMo Platform - the world's first globally competitive, Linux-based software platform for mobile devices." Verizon will offer LiMo specifications compliant phones beginning in 2009. [LiMo Foundation via Linux Devices]

Named 'Go Mumbai', it is a cashless payment method that many commuters have opted for in Mumbai.  Partly powered by Linux and deployed in January 2007 the system is so stable that it will be extended to cover a part of Mumbai's suburban railways. Two fare collection devices are placed near the front and back doors of the bus.  The commuter purchases their ticket by holding up a smart card to the device.  Each bus also includes a control device, which uses WLAN to communicate with the fare collection devices and GPS to tally the total distance travelled by each commuter.  Each device on the bus uses an ARM9 processor and runs an embedded Linux (kernel version 2.6). More more information, go to Linux.com. [Linux.com]

Yesterday VIA announced a new addition to their family of Pico-ITX boards.  The VIA EPIA PX5000EG uses the 1-watt VIA Eden ULV processor (clocked at 500MHz) and is completely fanless. It includes both LVDS/DVI and VGA support, integrated 5.1 channel audio, fast 100/10 Ethernet, both IDE and S-ATA drive support and up to six USB ports and a COM port. This board offers many exciting possibilities for Linux enthusiasts, especially when you consider VIA recent release of the code to their framebuffer driver.

Splashtop, the light-weight Linux embedded distro developed by DeviceVM is to be included on every future Asus motherboard.  Originally Splashtop, known as Express Gate to Asus, was only included on high-end motherboards such as the P5E3 Deluxe/WiFi-AP. According the the press release Asus "plans to have numerous Splashtop-enabled motherboards, desktops, and laptops available internationally in 2008", starting with the P5Q family of motherboards. [geek.com via Slashdot]