Xilinx launched an open source Linux platform and developer community for its Zynq-7000 Extensible Processing Platform (EPP), which combines a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor and a 28nm FPGA. The Zynq-7000 EPP Linux Solution offers GNU toolchain, runtime libraries, and debuggers, plus options including a Virtual Platform hardware emulator based on Cadence VSP.

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The Linux Foundation announced a Long Term Support Initiative (LTSI) project created by its Consumer Electronics (CE) workgroup, intended to reduce duplication of effort in maintaining private industry kernel trees. The LTSI project intends to deliver an annual release of a Linux kernel suitable for supporting the lifespan of consumer electronics products and regular updates of those releases for two to three years.

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The Linux Foundation announced Yocto Project Release 1.1, adding that it will host the Embedded GNU C Library (EGLIBC) and integrate it with Yocto. Based on Linux 3.0, Yocto 1.1 adds a GUI-based, customized image builder called “Hob,” plus layer tooling features, 3G cellular support, and small footprint, fast-boot layers.

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Leader International announced two Android tablets, both with full-sized USB ports and microSD slots. The $179 Impression 7 (I7) runs Android 2.2 on a 1GHz processor, and provides a seven-inch 800 x 480 resistive touchscreen, while the $349 Impression 10 (I10) runs Android 2.3 on a 1GHz Samsung Hummingbird, adding a 9.7-inch, 1024 x 768 capacitive IPS touchscreen, an HDMI port, and a two-megapixel camera.

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T-Mobile announced the Samsung Exhibit II 4G, a 3.7-inch Android 2.3 smartphone selling for just $30 with a two-year contract or $200 without, making it the first no-contract 4G smartphone to be sold at most Walmart stores. Meanwhile, eWEEK reviewed T-Mobile's version of the Samsung Galaxy S II, finding it to be on par with the Sprint and AT&T versions but priced $30 higher.

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Axiomtek announced a COM Express module that offers a Type 6 pinout along with a choice of four different Intel “Sandy Bridge” processors. The CEM860 runs at up to 2.5GHz, accepts up to 16GB of DDR3 memory, has eight USB 2.0 ports and two optional USB 3.0 ports, and supports VGA, LVDS, and DDI (digital display interface) displays, the company says.

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eWEEK magazine announced that its content will soon be available via apps written for Windows Phone 7, Android, and iOS phones, plus other devices including iPad and Android tablets. The move by our sister publication will coincide with the discontinuation of a print version as of January 2012, according to parent company Ziff Davis Enterprise (ZDE).

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ARM is set to provide an in-depth look at its recently announced Cortex-A7 processor this week at a Santa Clara, Calif.-based event. Other highlights of ARM TechCon 2011, scheduled for Oct. 25 to 27, will include a keynote by ARM CTO Mike Muller, and a demonstration of a $25 ARM11-based Ubuntu Linux computer from Raspberry Pi.

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Freescale Semiconductor announced a system on chip (SoC) platform, combining a Linux-ready ARM Cortex-A5 application processor with a Cortex-M4 microcontroller intended to run a real-time operating system (RTOS). The company's unnamed “asymmetrical-multiprocessing-architecture” SoC features a wide range of peripherals, and is designed to enable simultaneous real-time control and graphics-rich application processing, primarily in industrial applications.

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Logic Supply announced two fanless, barebone “Neousys” industrial computers with extended temperature support, shock/vibration resistance, and support for Intel Core i5/i7 or Celeron processors. The Nuvo-1003B offers three gigabit Ethernet ports while the Nuvo-1005 supplies five, and both provide a variety of I/O, including six USB 2.0 ports, the company says.

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Android is beating Apple's iOS in app downloads by 44 percent to 31 percent, according to ABI Research. Meanwhile, Millenial Media's latest figures show Android with 56 percent of total mobile ad impressions compared to 28 percent for iOS, and a trio of tablet studies finds that while the iPad's still dominating, Android's on the rise.

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IEI announced an Intel Atom-powered panel PC that includes two expansion slots and a “burglar-proof” internal USB 2.0 port. The PPC-5152-D525 has a 15-inch screen, a 1.3-megapixel webcam, a 2.5-inch drive bay and a CompactFlash slot, dual gigabit Ethernet ports, plus five serial ports, according to the company.

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ViewSonic has begun selling a $200, seven-inch tablet that runs Android 2.3. The ViewPad 7e is equipped with a 1GHz Cortex-A8 processor, 4GB internal storage, 800 x 600 pixel screen resolution, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, dual cameras, and a micro-HDMI port, says the company.

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OCZ Technology announced what it claims is the first 2.5-inch SSD (solid state drive) to include up to 1TB of storage, with a SATA 3.0 version delivering reads at up to 560MB/sec. Also released was a PCI Express-based hard disk/SSD combo that also packs 1TB, but revs performance to 910MB/sec., according to the company.

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Casio Computer announced an Android 2.2-based Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal built around a 533MHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor. The VX-100 business support terminal offers a 10.4-inch, 800 x 600 touchscreen, a secondary 2 x 20 subdisplay, a thermal printer, a sales management application, and the ability to be remotely controlled via email.

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