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The Ubuntu project released the Beta 1 version of Ubuntu 11.04 (“Natty Narwhal”), which switches the Linux distribution to the homegrown, multitouch Unity desktop environment. Ubuntu 11.04 advances to Linux 2.6.38, adds LibreOffice 3.3.2, offers Firefox 4, and enhances the Software Center with “rate and review” plus an experimental try-before-you-buy function.
Mentor Graphics released an “OpenMCAPI” open source implementation of the Multicore Association (MCA) MCAPI (Multicore Communications Application Program Interface) specification for inter-process communications. The announcement comes two weeks after the MCA released the MCAPI 2.0 spec, adding a new “domain” layer touted for improving messaging routing and security.
Android will represent 45 percent of global smartphone market share by 2016, while Samsung's Bada OS may reach 10 percent, says ABI Research. Contrary to a recent IDC study, which estimated that Windows Phone 7 will be the number two platform in 2015, ABI says Microsoft will achieve only seven percent market share by 2016.
BlueChip Technology announced an ARM Cortex-A8-based SBC (single board computer) aimed at embedded HMI (human machine interface) applications. Clocked at up to 720MHz, the RE2 offers support for a range of display kits and wireless expansion modules, plus standard features including Ethernet, USB, serial, and camera interfaces, says the company.
WiMAX-2, which also goes by the less catchy “WirelessMAN-Advanced” and “802.16m” monikers, has been approved by the IEEE. Touted as offering up to 300Mbps speed, 802.16m may be too late to offset the momentum of rival 4G technology LTE.
Nexcom announced a compact, fanless PC aimed at digital signage applications. The NDIS 125-L uses a dual-core Intel Atom D525 processor, includes 1GB of DDR3 RAM and a 160GB hard disk drive, offers both VGA and HDMI video outputs, and has an internal USB connector for an optional 802.11b/g/n wireless module, the company says.
Mitel announced an updated version of its Linux-based Unified Communications server for the SMB market. The Mitel 5000 CP 5.0 adds support for up to 20 eight-party conferences, bidirectional synchronization of voice messages with email, dynamic extensions for up 10 associated devices, a new web portal, and a System Open Architecture Interface (OAI) Toolkit for third-party app integration.
AMD will continue to take a measured approach to the tablet market, focusing in the short term on the release of powerful new server chips, according to a company executive. These offerings will target the burgeoning cloud computing and virtualization markets, Vlad Rozanovich, director of North America commercial business for AMD told our sister publication eWEEK.
HP released its WebOS 3.0 software development kit (SDK), which takes advantage of new features available on the recently announced HP TouchPad tablet. Meanwhile, HP's new CEO Leo Apotheker offered more details on how HP plans to spread WebOS across multiple devices and establish partnerships with smaller companies to expand the Linux-based platform.
Emerson Network Power announced a service via which customers can create their own customized motherboard or COM (computer on module), then receive initial samples in just a few weeks. Initially focusing on devices with Intel's Atom E6xx processor, “RapiDex” offers “competitive” pricing, orders of as few as 1,000 units, and full product warranties, claims Emerson.
With tight budgets ahead as far as the eye can see, NASA is increasingly looking toward open source technology and the help of a volunteer community to help out. The U.S. space agency hosted its first Open Source Summit this week to reach out to the open source community and explain its often confusing and incompatible open source license.
Google is talking to ARM about the possibility of standardizing both Android 3.x and ARM processors to offer a more consistent experience, says an industry report. Meanwhile, another report says Android device vendors have complained to the U.S. Justice Department over Google's increasingly heavy-handed pressure discouraging UI customizations of Android.
OSADL (Open Source Automation Development Lab) announced four new members, including new “silver” member AMD. OSADL, which has begun testing real-time Linux on AMD's G-Series processors, also announced “bronze” memberships for Spanish software engineering firm DSM4, German automotive technology manufacturer Eberspacher, and Austrian industrial research firm OpenTech EDV.
Axiomtek launched a fanless industrial box computer with an Intel Atom N450 or dual-core Atom D510 processor, each clocked at 1.66GHz. The eBOX620-800-FL supports up to 2GB DDR2 memory, provides PCI Express expansion, offers a variety of connectivity including gigabit Ethernet, and supports a wide temperature range, says the company.
Aaeon announced a fanless embedded controller that has an operating range from -4 to 140 deg. F. The AEC-6625 has a 1.86GHz Intel Celeron P4500 processor, room for one or two 2.5-inch hard disk drives, six USB 2.0 ports, up to three serial ports, and an optional PCI-104 expansion slot, according to the company.