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The newly independent Qt Project announced a new release of its Linux-ready cross-platform development framework. Qt 4.8 adds Qt Platform Abstraction for easier porting of Qt to different windowing systems, threaded OpenGL support, multithreaded HTTP, optimized file system access, and a browser update to QtWebKit 2.2.1, says the project.
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is apparently mulling over licensing ARM architecture for forthcoming mobile-oriented processors. “Making sure that you're able to be ambidextrous is definitely a winning hand,” recently appointed CEO Rory Read has been quoted as saying with regard to the move.
Via Technologies demonstrated Android 2.2 on an Em-ITX single board computer (SBC) equipped with a 1.2GHz dual-core Nano X2 E processor. Running Android on an x86 platform offers increased I/O, performance, and cost-saving advantages for embedded applications such as in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) and interactive kiosks, Via claims.
Nixeus Technology announced an Android 2.2-based multimedia player selling for as low as $160. Offering 1080p playback, web browsing, and third-party Android app downloads, the Nixeus Fusion XS Network Media Player includes a dual-core, 900MHz Marvell Armada 1000 system on chip (SoC), an Ethernet port, dual USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI port, and audio I/O.
Pogoplug announced a new version of its Linux-based file-sharing and backup device. The Pogoplug Series 4 adds more local storage options, including two USB 3.0 ports and a SATA port compatible with Universal Storage Module-compliant devices such as SeaGate GoFlex hard disk drives.
E-Fun announced a nine-inch Android 2.3 tablet for $280. The Nextbook Premium 9 is equipped with a 1GHz Rockchips RK2918 processor, 4GB of storage, a two-megapixel camera, and a 1280 x 800-pixel capacitive display, says the company.
IEI announced a 15.6-inch panel PC that offers a capacitive touchscreen, modular expansion capabilities, and a choice of Intel or AMD processors. The AFL2-W15A features a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 or 1.5GHz AMD Athlon X2 Neo L325 CPU, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, hard disk or CompactFlash storage, a VGA port, and dual serial ports, the company says.
Axiomtek announced a four-slot, fanless PC equipped with a single-core D425 Intel Atom or dual-core D525, each clocked to 1.8GHz. The IPC924-212-FL supports up to 4GB of DDR3 memory, provides a choice of four PCI slots or two PCI slots, one PCI Express x16, and one PCI Express x1 slots, and offers CompactFlash, SATA, gigabit Ethernet, USB, and serial connectivity.
Nexcom announced an Intel Atom-powered PC designed for DIN-rail mounting. The NISE 90 includes two gigabit Ethernet ports, three serial ports, eight-channel digital I/O, three USB 2.0 ports, and CANbus support, according to the company.
Intel is ramping up its efforts to move into the tablet and smartphone spaces via a reorganization that is bringing together four divisions to create a mobile and communications unit. It will be headed by Mike Bell, an Intel executive who worked on iPhone development while at Apple, according to reports.
Android Market, Facebook, and several Google applications are among the most popular apps accessed via Android smartphones, according to Nielsen. The research showed remarkable consistency among three age groups ranging from 18 to 44, although Pandora and YouTube did better among the younger users and Angry Birds was more popular among the oldies.
Solid-Run is shipping an open source mini-PC platform for developing Android TV and media center apps. Measuring 2.17 x 2.17 x 1.65 inches and consuming less than three Watts, the CuBox runs Android 2.2 or Linux 2.6 on an 800MHz Marvell Armada 510 CPU, has 1GB of DDR3 memory and a microSD slot, and includes eSATA, USB, infrared, S/PDIF, HDMI, and gigabit Ethernet interfaces.
AndersDX has begun distributing CompuLab's Linux-compatible fit-PC3 mini-PCs in Europe, two weeks after CompuLab started shipping them from its online store in Israel. The fanless devices offer dual-core AMD G-series processors, up to 8GB of DDR3 memory, plus proprietary expansion modules, Mini PCI Express slots, and both HDMI and DisplayPort video outputs.
DSL (Datasound Laboratories) announced two little SOMs (system on modules) employing “under-two-Watt” DMP processors. The VDX-200RD-PCI-B combines an 800MHz Vortex86DX processor, PCI expansion, and up to 512MB of RAM, while the VDX-304-PI-B has a 300MHz Vortex86SX CPU, PCI/ISA expansion, and up to 256MB of memory, the company says.
Faced with the unsavory alternatives, HP made the right choice in releasing WebOS to the community under open source license, says this analysis by eWEEK's Chris Preimesberger. Even if WebOS ends up dying on the open source vine, befriending the development community should have long-term public relations benefits, and the company gets a juicy tax break, too.