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Chip with the BLIP
By Vans Information <content@vansinfo.com>
BLIP consists of a computer system with a built-in two-way radio, which transfers information to and fro. This facilitates the BLIP to create a wireless LAN that the user can easily access via Bluetooth mobile enabled device. BLIP comprises of a 32-bit reduced instruction set computer (RISC) CPU chip. It runs on an embedded form of Linux operating system developed by Linux specialists. The entire pattern of this device in terms of hardware and software is: Hardware CPU: ARM7 TDMI based 32-bit RISC; 22.5 MHz clock rate Memory: 2 Mbytes RAM and 2 Mbytes Flash (solid state storage) Serial port: 115.2 Kbps; RS232 Ethernet port: 10BaseT port; 10 Mbps data rate Bluetooth interface: 1.0b, Class 2; 2.4 GHz; 10-meter range; internal 2.4 GHz Bluetooth antenna. Software Operating system: µClinux Library functions: µC-libc Ericsson Bluetooth Host Stack WAP and Web server Open source GNU cross development toolset (binutils, gcc, and gdb/Insight configured for arm-elf) Windows-based maintenance tool, used for updating data and applications stored in the blip. While the transmission of information is like the cellular network, the range of the first version of BLIP is limited to a radius of only thirty feet. Though it may surface as a constriction right now, Ericsson plans to extend its reach by a factor of ten in the near future. Also, it doesn't seem to be a constraint for Ericsson as they accentuate the cause by saying that this allows them to deliver location and situation specific services. Another restraint of the first generation model is that it can be accessed by only one mobile device at a time, which shall be fine-tuned to seven simultaneous devices by an impending model. Quite ensured about their new launch, Ericsson has created a new stand of services for its users. Peter Lundin, the director, visualizes a whole spectrum of new services and has categorized its use as "active blipping" and "killing-time-blipping". Active blipping as Peter Lundin calls it, shall help the user to locate traveling information or to book airline tickets, where as the killing-time-blipping would help him to download music or games while waiting on an aerodrome for a plane or at the railway station for the train. So all those who get blipped by BLIP may be seen checking out their flight departure or delays, reserving hotels and restaurants or downloading movie reviews or discount coupons. As far as the market for BLIP is concerned, Ericsson believes that it should swell in direct proportions to the mounting use of Bluetooth Technology. Perhaps, this is also one of the reasons as to why they have opted for Linux as their operating system and developed BLIP on an open platform. This is encouraging news for third-party application developers, who can have full access to the tools they need to support a wide range of opportunities and unique situations. These developers will be given an entire kit in the form of Software Development Kit and supported by developers of Ericsson's blip Website, so interested parties keep a watch! Intended to launch at the year-end, the first generation of BLIP, called the C11, shall be of all-purpose initially and will enhance in its future models.
Other articles by Vans Information
Current Rating: [ 6.5 / 10 ]
Number of Times Rated: [ 4 ]
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