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The Google-sponsored Android project has released a preview software developers kit (SDK) for the tablet-oriented Android 3.0 (“Honeycomb”). In the process, it has revealed many more details about Android 3.0, including a revamped “holographic” UI, redesigned keyboard, a new animation framework and graphics engines, and enhanced Bluetooth support — among many other changes.
CSR plc announced a “major licensing agreement” with ARM that will result in the former's GPS receivers being integrated with the latter's IP (intellectual property). The “location-aware” SoC (system on chip) platforms will include application processors with Cortex-A5 and Cortex-A9 cores, according to the companies.
OK Labs announced the availability of a verified, “bug-free secure microkernel” version of its Linux-compatible OKL4 hypervisor. Currently downloadable free for non-commercial evaluation on embedded ARM11 or x86 platforms, the “OKL4 Verified” microkernel is designed for business-critical and mission-critical applications in mobile/wireless devices, says the company.
CompuLab announced a 5.1 x 3.7 x 0.6-inch computer built around the dual-core, 1GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, designed as an open platform for ARM software development, among other uses. Claimed to run on only three Watts, the “Trim-Slice” features 1GB RAM, dual SDHC slots, a SATA SSD, dual-head HDMI/DVI, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, plus gigabit Ethernet, USB, and serial connectivity.
Wind River and automotive component manufacturer Magneti Marelli announced they're collaborating on the first in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) solution based on the open source Genivi Alliance spec. Based on Linux (and MeeGo, most likely), the system will first be brought to market by BMW, says Wind River.
The Document Foundation launched the first stable version of its open source LibreOffice productivity suite, following a breakaway from OpenOffice.org and Oracle's control. Due for inclusion in Ubuntu 11.04, among other Linux distros, LibreOffice 3.3 is a bit leaner than OpenOffice, and aims to get more so in the future to support mobile devices, says the group.
IEI Technology announced a PCI-104 SBC (single board computer) that comes with Intel's single-core, 1.66GHz Atom N455 or the dual-core, 1.8GHz Atom D525. Known as the PM-PV-N4551 or PM-DV-D5251, it accepts up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM, supports VGA and LVDS displays, includes four USB ports and two serial ports, and offers a CompactFlash slot, the company says.
A joint survey of 2,235 developers published by Appcelerator and IDC shows the emergence of tablet computers has caused developers to refocus their development strategies, with Android interest catching up with the iPad. Meanwhile, a Deloitte study says that businesses will account for 25 percent of tablets sold in 2011.
Google has opened beta testing for its Google Cloud Print service via Android smartphones and Apple's iPhone. Developed initially for Google's Linux-based Chrome OS as way to print remotely or locally without using drivers, the current mobile version requires the printer to be connected to — a Windows PC.
BCM announced a Mini-ITX board based on AMD's recently announced, embedded-specific G-Series processors. The IX55AE offers speeds up to 1.6GHz, five SATA 3.0 ports, dual display capabilities, plus expansion slots for PCI Express x4 Gen. 2, Mini PCI Express, and CFast (the SATA-based CompactFlash variant), the company says.
The ninth annual Southern California Linux Expo (SCALE 8x) has posted a schedule for the conference it will hold on Feb. 25-27 in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the multi-platform Embedded World conference has published a schedule for its 2011 event, to be held Mar. 1-3 in Nuremberg, Germany.
Ibase Technology announced a 21.5-inch panel PC designed for digital signage applications. The SPPC-2200 offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a 250-nit brightness rating, includes a 2.2GHz AMD Turion II Neo N54H, has a 2.5-inch drive tray, and provides a DVI-I video output, according to the company.
Cybernet has released a Linux-ready all-in-one PC that supports Intel Core processors up to and including a Core 2 Quad. The iOne-GX45 offers 17- or 19-inch SXGA displays with optional touchscreens, up to 8GB of DDR3 memory, up to 1TB of storage, a DVI-I port, and both Mini PCI and Mini PCI Express expansion, says the company.
Toshiba launched a preview website for its 10.1-inch, “Toshiba Tablet,” which runs Android 3.0 on an Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, and offers dual cameras and a swappable battery. Meanwhile, Motorola's rival Xoom Android 3.0 tablet will go on sale at Best Buy on Feb. 17, and will be offered by Verizon Wireless for a pricey $799 without a contract, say reports.
Congatec announced a COM Express module based on AMD's new, embedded-specific G-Series processors. The Conga-BAF accepts up to 8GB of memory, supports dual independent displays, and provides expansion that includes six PCI Express x1 lanes, eight USB 2.0 ports, and four SATA ports, according to the company.