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Android has jumped past Apple for a second-place 27 percent market share among new smartphone subscribers in the U.S. during the second quarter, says The Nielsen Company. According to Canalys, meanwhile, Android subscriptions have grown 886 percent worldwide in the second quarter, while unit sales in the U.S. gave the operating system a market-leading 34 percent share.
Stealth Computer announced what's claimed to be its smallest mini PC ever, packing Intel Core 2 Duo processors rather than the Atom that might have been expected. The LPC-100 includes up to 4GB of RAM, 500GB of hard disk storage, VGA and DVI-D video outputs, three USB 2.0 ports, two serial ports, and two PS/2 ports, the company says.
A special master appointed by a judge ruled that Intel's business practices, including giving OEMs discounts to limit their use of AMD products, did not harm consumers, and in some cases those discounts were passed onto consumers. He denied the request for class-action status for the lawsuit.
MSC Vertriebs announced a Qseven COM (computer on module) that offers a choice of Intel Atom Z5xx processors plus an optional 4GB of flash storage. The MSC-Q7-US15W-FD offers up to 1GB of RAM, a PCI Express x1 interface, dual (CRT and LVDS) display support, and eight USB 2.0 ports, the company says.
Axiomtek announced a fanless box computer notable for its extensive serial connectivity. The eBOX622-831-FL is equipped with an Intel 945GSE Express chipset, supports an Intel Atom N270 processor with up to 2GB DDR2 memory, and offers a front-accessible CompactFlash socket, SATA storage, two gigabit Ethernet ports, four USB 2.0 ports, and six serial ports, says the company.
Japanese mobile Linux software firm Access announced a major push toward Android, joining the Open Handset Alliance (OHA) and releasing a free “Graffiti” handwriting recognition app for Android, among other developments. Meanwhile, Access' IP Infusion subsidiary has added MPLS-Transport Profile support to its ZebOS Network Platform software, says the company.
Adlink Technology announced a 6U CompactPCI processor blade equipped with 32nm, dual-core Intel Core i7 CPU models ranging up to the 2.53GHz i7-610E. The cPCI-6510 Series incorporates two PMC sites and a PCIe site, and is available in a multitude of versions varying by processor model, I/O, storage options, and temperature range.
Intel is negotiating to buy Infineon Technologies' wireless chip business for about $1.3 billion, according to published reports. At the same time, Samsung reportedly is making its own mobility play for Infineon's business.
Berlin-based Raumfeld is shipping a Linux-based, UPnP and AV/DLNA-ready multi-room audio system claimed to be “hacker/DIY friendly.” The Raumfeld System comprises a handheld controller with a 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen, Wi-Fi-enabled speakers, a 160GB music server and access point, and a “Connector” box that integrates existing A/V equipment, says the company.
Amazon announced a third generation of its Linux-based Kindle e-reader, featuring a lighter and smaller body, a screen claimed to have 50 percent better contrast, and a battery life of up to one month. Still available with 3G, the device is also offered in a Wi-Fi-only version that includes a WebKit-based browser, the company says.
While Amazon announced a smaller, lighter version of its Kindle e-reader today, the device still has a monochrome-only screen. Color E Ink displays are on the way, however, as today's announcement of a relevant controller chip — the Epson S1D13524 — made clear.
Monsoon Multimedia announced a Linux-based IP set-top and DVR that supports streaming to and from remote PCs and Macs, plus the iPad as well as Android, BlackBerry, and iOS phones. The HD-ready Vulkano ranges in price from $259 to $379, starting with the Vulkano (8GB or 16GB storage) and advancing to the SATA-equipped Vulkano Pro (500GB or 1TB).
STMicroelectronics (ST) announced an SoC (system on chip) claimed to be the industry's first to combine two ARM Cortex-A9 cores with a DDR3 memory interface. The SPEAr1310 offers dual cores clocked at 600MHz, gigabit Ethernet, plus connectivity including USB, SATA, and PCI Express, the company says.
Infrax Systems announced a version of the HTC Desire Android smartphone designed for encrypted voice and data communications. In other HTC-related news, HTC will sell Android phones under its own name in China, HTC's “Sense” skin will move to Android 3.0, T-Mobile posted a teaser page for what may be the HTC G1 Blaze, and the carrier has discontinued HTC's original G1.
Synaptics announced a range of capacitive touchscreens that will range up to 10.1 inches in size and support 10 simultaneous finger touches. Meanwhile, Digitimes predicted that demand for glass-based capacitive panels will grow steadily, at the expense of resistive touchscreens.