The mobile and low-voltage versions of Intel's upcoming “Ivy Bridge” processors have been leaked by the website VR-Zone. The eight Core i5-3xxx and i7-3xxx devices include two dual-core models with low, 17-Watt TDPs — the Core i5-3427U (2.8GHz) and the Core i7-3667U (3.2GHz) — that are ripe for adoption in next-generation Ultrabooks and embedded devices.

(more…)

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is reportedly backing the Android-x86 open source project, which on Nov. 30 posted early Android 4.0 code for x86 processors, starting with AMD Brazos chips. Meanwhile, Intel — which signed a separate pact with Google to develop authorized Android-on-Atom ports, including an Android 4.0 release it now says is ready — is reportedly spurning the effort.

(more…)

IBM and Micron say they'll collaborate to create a 3D memory chip that uses vertical TSV (through-silicon via) conduits, for speeds 15 times faster than today's technology. Meanwhile, Micron and Intel announced the “world's first” 20nm, 128Gbit MLC (multi-level-cell) flash device as well as mass production of a 64Gbit version.

(more…)

Verizon Wireless announced 4G LTE versions of Motorola Mobility's Xoom 2 tablets, running Android 3.2 — and eventually Android 4.0 — on dual-core 1.2GHz processors. The Droid Xyboard 10.1 and Droid Xyboard 8.2 respectively offer 10.1- and 8.2-inch IPS (in-plane switching) displays plus on-contract prices of $530 and $430, and both include 4G LTE networking as well as five- and 1.3-megapixel cameras.

(more…)

Stream TV Networks is shipping an upgraded version of its seven-inch eLocity Android tablet for $230. The eLocity A7+ is equipped with a “1.0-1.2GHz” Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, offers 4GB of internal storage, and improves the seven-inch capacitive screen to 1024 x 600 resolution — but aside from the much lower price is otherwise much the same, right down to its Android 2.2 operating system.

(more…)

Carrier IQ, whose diagnostic firmware has been criticized for supposedly monitoring keystrokes on Android devices, has been hit with at least eight lawsuits, most of which also target major device vendors and mobile carriers. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers and European regulators are looking into Carrier IQ, and a security researcher is claiming the snooping claims are overblown.

(more…)

Datasound Laboratories Ltd. (DSL) announced a 3.5-inch single board computer (SBC) with an 800MHz Vortex86DX processor, 256MB or 512MB of DDR2 RAM, and a PC/104 or PCI-104 expansion interface. The ICOP-6326 also includes three Ethernet ports, a Mini PCI expansion slot, a CompactFlash slot, and an available DOM (disk on module), according to the company.

(more…)

Xamarin announced the availability of an Android 4.0 version of its Mono software, letting .NET and C# developers use Microsoft Visual Studio build Android applications in a familiar environment. Mono for Android 4.0 is the first version to support Android tablets, and it adds an “incremental” build technology that significantly reduces debugging and development cycles, says the company.

(more…)

Fujitsu-Toshiba announced an Android 2.3 smartphone for Japan's KDDI network that features IPX5/8 waterproofing, an ultra-thin 6.7mm (0.26 inch) profile, and a low, 3.7-ounce weight. Built around on a 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, the Fujitsu Arrows-ES IS12F offers a five-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, infrared, NFC, and even a TV tuner.

(more…)

Ainol Electronics has begun shipping what it claims is the world's first Android 4.0 (“Ice Cream Sandwich”) tablet. Now available in China for only $99, the Ainovo Novo7 comes with a MIPS-based, 1GHz Ingenic JZ4770 XBurst processor, seven-inch capacitive multitouch screen, dual cameras, an HDMI 1.3 port, a microSD slot — and a testimonial from Google's Andy Rubin.

(more…)

Names, specifications, and performance comparisons have leaked for some of Intel's 22nm “Ivy Bridge” processors, scheduled for introduction during the second quarter of 2012. The Core i5-3xxx and i7-3xxx CPUs have TDPs ranging from 35 to 77 Watts, up to 25 percent better performance in office applications, and up to 200 percent improvement in graphics benchmarks, according to XBit Labs.

(more…)

Norco announced an EPIC form-factor SBC (single-board computer) aimed at low-power embedded applications. The EMB-4670 is equipped with an Intel Atom E620 processor — with a lowly 600MHz clock rate, but a TDP of only 2.7 Watts — and offers Mini PCI Express, PCI Express, and PC/104 expansion, plus a wide range of I/O that includes CANbus.

(more…)

Advantech announced a fanless automation computer that offers an optional PC/104+ expansion slot. The UNO-1170A/AE is equipped with an Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM and 512KB of battery-backed static RAM, CompactFlash and hard disk storage, and external and internal USB ports, the company says.

(more…)

Acer announced a new 10.1-inch tablet, initially featuring Android 3.2 but due for an January upgrade to Android 4.0 in January. The Nvidia Tegra 2-based Iconia Tab A200 is slightly leaner and lighter than the earlier 10.1-inch A500, also adding a USB 2.0 host port, but it lacks its predecessor's HDMI port and rear-facing five-megapixel camera.

(more…)

François Simond (“Supercurio”) has created a “Voodoo Carrier IQ detector” app that detects the presence of Carrier IQ — the “diagnostic” firmware that can monitor every keystroke made on most Android devices and many other smartphones. Since Carrier IQ was exposed earlier this week, both its vendor and carriers have denied they're tracking users, but legal experts say it may be violating several laws.

(more…)