Samsung announced a BlackBerry-like, 2.8-inch “Samsung Galaxy Pro” smartphone featuring Android 2.2 and an exposed QWERTY keyboard, set to debut first in the U.K. Meanwhile, Samsung claims its Android 3.0-based Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet is on schedule for a spring release, despite earlier comments by an executive that suggest it mignt go back for an overhaul to better compete with the iPad 2.

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Congatec announced a pair of computer-on-modules that feature AMD's G-Series processors, ranging from the single-core, 1.2GHz T44R to the dual-core, 1.6GHz T56N. The Conga-EAF and Conga-XAF support up to 4GB of DDR3 memory, offer dual video outputs and dual SATA ports, and deliver 1080p-compatible video output, the company says.

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Diamond Systems announced what it claims is the first multi-function SUMIT-ISM I/O module to combine Wi-Fi, dual Ethernet ports, USB ports, and solid-state disk (SSD) capabilities. Designed to be attached to SUMIT-ready SBCs, the “Corona” module lacks a CPU, but is built around a socketed mini-PCI 802.11a/b/g card, and offers an SDVO-to-VGA converter, as well as extended temperature support.

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Intel announced security and manageability enhancements for its “Sandy Bridge” range of Core processors. Targeting desktop PCs, portables, and embedded devices such as ATMs, the vPro technology includes a “poison pill” that can disable stolen devices, a new identify protection feature, enhanced KVM (keyboard video mouse) operation, plus automated configuration features.

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IEI released two Mini-ITX single board computers (SBCs) featuring the Intel Atom D525 or dual-core D525, both clocked at 1.8GHz. The KINO-PVN-D4251/D5251 and KINO-PV-D4252/D5252 both support up to 4GB 800MHz DDR3 memory, SATA and CompactFlash storage, PCI and PCIe expansion, dual gigabit Ethernet ports, plus USB and serial connectivity, while the KINO-PVN model adds an Nvidia GT218-Ion graphics processor.

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Olivetti announced a 10.1-inch, dual-core Tegra-based tablet equipped with Android 2.2 software. On sale in Italy today for 399 euros ($558) along with a dedicated consumer app store and business-focused Application Warehouse, the OliPad features 16GB flash expandable to 64GB, along with a full plate of wireless and sensor features.

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Despite the iPad's huge lead, an RBC study projects that 40 percent of the 185 million units expected to ship in 2014 will run Android, followed by the iPad with 34 percent. Meanwhile, however, the iPad 2 unveiling was sufficiently impressive to impel a Samsung VP to say his company was rethinking certain “inadequate” features of its Android 3.0-based Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet.

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Asus has revealed two netbooks equipped with AMD “Fusion” processors and HD-capable Radeon graphics. The Eee PC 1015B comes with a 10.1-inch screen and either the dual-core C-50 or single-core C-30, while the Eee PC 1215B has a 12.1-inch screen, dual-core C-50 or E-350 processors, plus optional USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 3.0.

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LynuxWorks announced a new version of its Linux-compatible separation kernel and hypervisor. LynxSecure 5.0 now offers increased performance, support for 64-bit and symmetric multi-processing (SMP) guest OS virtualization, plus compatibility with Intel's Atom E6xx processors and “second generation” Core CPUs, the company says.

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Adlink announced an ETX COM (computer on module) equipped with an Intel Atom N450 or dual-core Atom D510, both clocked at 1.66GHz. The ETX-PVR offers up to 2GB of DDR2 memory, a 4GB solid state drive, dual SATA ports, extended temperature support, and ETX-compliant I/O for Ethernet, USB 2.0, and serial connectivity, says the company.

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The Laptop Dock accessory available with Motorola's Android-based Atrix 4G phone — and soon, the Droid Bionic — is much more than just a novelty, says this favorable eWEEK review. Motorola's barebones, netbook-like device lets users plug in their phone, expanding the display via a Linux- and Firefox browser-based Webtop operating system.

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Android represented 29 percent of U.S. smartphone subscriber share through January, for the first time taking a slim lead over Apple iOS and RIM BlackBerry, says Nielsen. The study also found HTC and Motorola were still out front of Samsung in the U.S. Android market, while Android is more popular among younger people than other smartphone platforms.

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Kontron announced a quartet of boards featuring Intel's “second generation” Core processors. They include the KTQM67M/mITX Mini-ITX board, the KT67/FLEX FlexATX board, the CP6003-SA CompactPCI board, and the VX3035 VPX board, according to the company.

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Genesi announced price reductions and a new Ubuntu 10.10 update for its small-format, fanless line of Wi-Fi-enabled Efika MX computers, which run on Freescale's 800MHz Cortex-A8 i.MX515 system-on-chips. Aimed at emerging markets, the five-Watt Efika MX Smarttop nettop now costs $129, while the 10.1-inch, 12-Watt Efika MX Smartbook netbook is available for $199, or $249 with a 3G option.

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Axiomtek announced an HD-ready digital signage computer that includes a 46-inch touchscreen with a 4000:1 contrast ratio and IP3X/IP65 protection against dust and water. The DSH-146 features a removable board with a choice of Intel Celeron or Core 2 Duo processors, an optional motion detection sensor and infrared touchscreen, Mini PCI Express expansion, and up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM, the company says.

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