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Google announced that AT&T will begin selling the Google-branded Samsung Nexus S smartphone for $100 on contract through Best Buy July 24. Meanwhile, a Samsung executive revealed to the press that the much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S II smartphone — which, like the Nexus S runs Android 2.3 — will launch in the U.S. in August.
Gumstix announced a controller board designed to integrate its Cortex-A8-based, 1GHz Overo computer-on-module (COM) into robots, for Linux-based planning and other higher-end functions. The RoboVero board includes NXP's Cortex-M3-based LPC1769 processor clocked to 120MHz plus buttons, LEDs, sensors, 3-axis controls, and interfaces ranging from CAN to I2C.
Via Technologies announced a Mini-ITX motherboard that includes a dual-core Nano X2 E-Series processor and, with an optional S3-based graphics module, can support four displays, The VB8004 offers up to 4GB of DDR3 memory, includes HDMI, LVDS, and DVI ports, and provides a special 90-pin I/O connector.
Reporting results for the second quarter of its financial year, Intel said Atom processor revenues have dropped by 15 percent, and lowered its forecast for 2011 PC sales to around nine percent. But revenue and net income were respectively up 22 percent and 10 percent year-over-year, marking a “fifth consecutive quarter of record revenue,” officials added.
Android tablets took a 30 percent share of global tablet shipments in the second quarter, compared to 61 percent for Apple, as part of a 331 percent growth in total sales since Q2 2010, says Strategy Analytics. According to a Good Technology study, however, Android tablets still trail the iPad significantly in the enterprise — where Apple represented 95 percent of second-quarter sales.
Axiomtek announced a fanless DIN-rail computer designed to tolerate temperatures from -40 to 158 deg. F. The rBOX204 provides five 10/100 Ethernet ports — four of which supply power — along with an AMD LX800 processor, up to 1GB of RAM, CompactFlash storage, and redundant power inputs, according to the company.
Lenovo announced two Android 3.1 tablets: a consumer-oriented IdeaPad Tablet K1 claimed to be the first tablet to offer Netflix, and a business-focused ThinkPad Tablet. Each tablet follows the Honeycomb script by offering an Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, a 10.1-inch WXGA display, and dual cameras, but the ThinkPad also features pen support and a standard-size USB port and SD reader.
Aewin announced a gaming computer equipped with a choice of AMD G-Series processors: either the dual-core 1.6GHz T56N or the single-core 1.2GHz T44R. The SGA-2200 is available with one or two gigabit Ethernet ports, six or 10 COM ports, four USB ports, specialized security features, and gaming-specific digital I/O aplenty.
Intel plans to refresh its entry-level Celeron processor line using the same 32nm manufacturing and “Sandy Bridge” architecture as its latest Core CPUs. Expected in September are the dual-core G5xx and single-core G4xx for desktops, plus the dual-core B8xx and the single-core B7xx for laptops, according to a DigiTimes report.
McObject announced a clustering version of its Linux-compatible, in-memory ExtremeDB database management system, said to support distributed embedded as well as real-time enterprise applications. ExtremeDB Cluster manages data stores across multiple hardware nodes, thereby increasing net processing power for data management, reducing expansion costs, and increasing scalability for data-intensive real-time applications, the company claims.
Roku announced three new versions of its Linux-based, Netflix-ready streaming IP media player, all running on less than two Watts and adding support for casual gaming. The Roku 2 HD ($60) supports 720p playback; the Roku 2 XD($80) moves up to 1080p; and the Roku 2 XS ($100) adds USB and Ethernet ports, as well as a motion-control remote and Angry Birds.
Lantronix is now shipping a wireless device server module with a Timesys LinuxLink software development kit (SDK). The PremierWave EN includes a 400MHz Atmel ARM9 processor, an Ethernet port, and a dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n modem, and ships with Linux-based Lantronix firmware — offering secure tunneling, configuration, diagnostics, LAN bridging, and remote access applications.
Aaeon announced a 12.1-inch panel PC that includes a resistive touchscreen and Intel Core i5 or i7 processors. The AGP-3125 is equipped with up to 8GB DDR3 memory, dual PCI or PCI Express expansion slots, SATA storage, two gigabit Ethernet ports, six USB ports, plus resistance to shock, vibration, temperature, and ingress, says the company.
[Updated: 3:30PM] — Open source hacker community Gizmo For You is developing a Linux-based controller and separate receiver device to remotely control a model airplane or other vehicle. Starting at $670, the battery-operated Open Source RC (OSRC) runs Linux on a Gumstix Overo SBC and includes a 4.8-inch display, a smaller monochrome status display, a 2.4GHz RF radio, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for external thumbstick control.
Patent concerns are apparently pushing Chinese phone vendors away from Google's Android operating system and toward Windows Phone 7. Huawei and ZTE plan to adopt Microsoft's smartphone operating system when the forthcoming “Mango” upgrade is released, according to a DigiTimes report.