Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Marvell's Classroom 3.0 includes Armada-powered SMILE Plug Computer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/marvells-classroom-3-0-initative-armada-smile-plug-computer-ces-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/marvells-classroom-3-0-initative-armada-smile-plug-computer-ces-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/marvells-classroom-3-0-initative-armada-smile-plug-computer-ces-2012/#comments All together now -- "Aww!" Marvell has just outed its Classroom 3.0 initiative here at CES 2012, with the star attraction being the cutie above. That's an Armada-powered plug computer known as SMILE, hailed as the "first plug development kit designed to turn a traditional classroom into a highly interactive learning environment." The device is capable of creating a "micro cloud" within a classroom, with the entire environment able to be controlled by the instructor. The hardware's being launched in tandem with an expanded One Laptop Per Child partnership, with the OLPX XO 3.0 trumpeted as the perfect companion product. It's capable of serving up to 60 clients at once, and it's based on Arch Linux for ARM; there's even a 5V Li-ion battery for back-up -- you know, in case that rambunctious kid of yours pulls the power. It'll be hitting kiddies and teachers alike this Spring, but there's nary a mention of price.

Gallery: Marvell SMILE Plug Computer

Continue reading Marvell's Classroom 3.0 includes Armada-powered SMILE Plug Computer

Marvell's Classroom 3.0 includes Armada-powered SMILE Plug Computer originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armadacesces 2012Ces2012classroom 3.0Classroom3.0clouddesktopeducationMarvellolpcOne Laptop per ChildOneLaptopPerChildplug computerPlugComputersmileSMILE PlugSmilePlugStanfordStanford universityStanfordUniversityuniversitySun, 08 Jan 2012 18:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Google TV officially switching to ARM, Marvell Armada 1500 CPU to lead the charge]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/google-tv-officially-switching-to-arm-marvell-armada-1500-cpu-t/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/google-tv-officially-switching-to-arm-marvell-armada-1500-cpu-t/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/google-tv-officially-switching-to-arm-marvell-armada-1500-cpu-t/#comments After all the rumors including word that Intel was backing away from its Atom CE4100 CPU it's finally official: Google TV is moving from x86 to ARM, and Marvell is letting everyone know its Foresight platform has been selected to power the next generation of Google TV hardware. The Armada 1500 dual-core CPU at its heart promises PC-like performance with cellphone-like power management and support for Blu-ray 3D, video encoding / decoding and upscaling. enabling fanless smart TV products built on the package like this demo box seen above. Marvell Co-founder Weili Dai considers this as an opportunity to fundamentally change the relationship between content producers and consumers, a lofty goal for the second round of products after a lackluster market response to the initial effort.

Of course, there are some early signs that this hardware switch could be just what the doctor ordered, like the fact that similar hardware powers the OnLive Microconsole, and likely lurked in the heart of the Vizio Google TVs we observed with inbuilt OnLive capabilities last year. Beyond the lower heat and power requirements this chip may be able to do it all for less money -- something we're sure $99 Revue buyers can appreciate. Check out the press release after the break for a few more details, we'll wait to find out more about the new partners and hardware before jumping on the Google TV 2.0 hype train along with Eric Schmidt.

Continue reading Google TV officially switching to ARM, Marvell Armada 1500 CPU to lead the charge

Google TV officially switching to ARM, Marvell Armada 1500 CPU to lead the charge originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>88de3100androidarmarmadaarmada 1500Armada1500armv7blu-rayce4100cesces 2012Ces2012connected tvConnectedTvcpudual-coreforesightgooglegoogle tvGoogleTvhdpostcrossintelmarvellqdeoset-top boxSet-topBoxsmart tvSmartTvsocvmetax86Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Android and Marvell to join forces in the Nixeus Fusion XS media streamer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/14/android-and-marvell-to-join-forces-in-the-nixeus-fusion-xs-media/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/14/android-and-marvell-to-join-forces-in-the-nixeus-fusion-xs-media/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/14/android-and-marvell-to-join-forces-in-the-nixeus-fusion-xs-media/#commentsAndroid and Marvell to join the media streamer game in the Nixeus Fusion XS Android's has already hit the set top box world with the Google TV, but that isn't true Android. This is, packing Android 2.2. Or, at least, it will be when it ships sometime toward the middle of the year. It's the Nixeus Fusion XS, a Marvell 88DE3010-powered media streamer with 2GB of flash memory and 512MB of RAM, and unfortunately a little processor fan that hopefully doesn't make too much noise. That's the same Armada processor that drives the OnLive MicroConsole and hopefully it'll give enough oomph for FroYo to serve up HD video content, including BD-ISO support and whatever else the little, ebony thing can pull down over USB or Ethernet, spitting it back over composite and optical audio output or on one string of HDMI. It's looking rather less powerful than the similarly Android-powered Xtreamer PVR, but its anticipated cost of $170 should be a good bit lower. Oh, and we can't wait to see what the hackers do with it either.

Android and Marvell to join forces in the Nixeus Fusion XS media streamer originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>88DE3010androidandroid 2.2Android2.2armadaarmada 1000Armada1000bd-isofroyofusion xsFusionXsmarvellmedia streamerMediaStreamernixeusnixeus fusion xsNixeusFusionXsstreamerMon, 14 Mar 2011 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive Game System review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/onlive-game-system-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/onlive-game-system-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/onlive-game-system-review/#comments We're still a little ways away from completely disposable laptops that do everything in the cloud, but if all you want is a completely virtual game console connected to your TV, you can buy one right now. Eight years after the Phantom slowly got laughed off the face of the planet, the OnLive MicroConsole fulfills the same basic promise: it's a box less than an inch tall that streams games from powerful remote servers. We already told you what to expect from the OnLive's Game System, but now that we've given it our all, we can help you find the answer to the only remaining question: is it worth your funds?

Gallery: OnLive Game System unboxing and hands-on

Continue reading OnLive Game System review

OnLive Game System review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.15.4armadaArmada 1000Armada1000game streaminggame systemGameStreamingGameSystemgamingMarvellMarvell ArmadaMarvell Armada 1000MarvellArmadaMarvellArmada1000OGSOnLiveOnLive Game ServiceOnLive Game Systemonlive microconsoleOnliveGameServiceOnliveGameSystemOnliveMicroconsolereviewset top boxset-top boxset-top-boxSet-topBoxSetTopBoxstbstreaming gamesStreamingGamesvideoThu, 16 Dec 2010 13:52:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive MicroConsole torn down, Marvell Armada found lurking within]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/onlive-microconsole-torn-down-marvell-armada-found-lurking-with/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/onlive-microconsole-torn-down-marvell-armada-found-lurking-with/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/onlive-microconsole-torn-down-marvell-armada-found-lurking-with/#commentsOnLive MicroConsole torn down, Marvell Armada found lurking within When Marvell was still teasing its Armada processor company co-founder Sehat Sutardja said it would be showing up in "a new gaming platform" -- but he kinda left us hanging after that. Four months later it's looking like we might have found it. Reader David Fisher was kind enough to tear his OnLive Microconsole down to its requisite bits, spreading them upon his kitchen countertop and exposing the Marvell Armada lurking within. Other specs include 512MB of RAM, an unknown quantity of Samsung ROM, and networking chips also from Marvell. There you have it: another mystery of the world solved thanks to your friend the screwdriver.

Gallery: OnLive MicroConsole teardown


[Thanks, David]

OnLive MicroConsole torn down, Marvell Armada found lurking within originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armadaconsoledavid allen fisherdavid fisherDavidAllenFisherDavidFishermarvellmicroconsoleonliveteardownTue, 14 Dec 2010 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvell prototypes a few good Android tablets, we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/19/marvell-prototypes-a-few-good-android-tablets-we-go-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/19/marvell-prototypes-a-few-good-android-tablets-we-go-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/19/marvell-prototypes-a-few-good-android-tablets-we-go-hands-on/#comments It's a precarious time to show off new tech at this point -- can't make it to stores in time for holidays, guaranteed to get more exposure if debuted at January's Consumer Electronics Show. Not that Marvell cares, since its expertise is semiconductors -- the stuff with which OEM's dreams are made. The company was on hand at Pepcom showing off some reference designs for HD tablets with Android 2.2: 10-inch, 1280 x 780 resolution, and an Armada 600 chip. Reportedly it can also output to two external monitors, but all we got to see was one hooked up mirroring our game of Angry Birds. Thin and light, if a bit flimsy in its prototype form. We've been told the reference design has been used for a handful of products that'll show up on the CES show floor. Also on hand were a couple of more education-targeted slates with Armada 100 chips and price points planned in the $100 range (Moby, OLPC, is that you?). Check out our hands-on pics below!

Gallery: Marvell prototypes a few good Android tablets

Marvell prototypes a few good Android tablets, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armadaarmada 100armada 600Armada100Armada600hands-onmarvellmarvell armadaMarvellArmadaFri, 19 Nov 2010 00:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvell's quad-core Armada processor won't see tablets or phones, destined for a mystery game platform]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/marvells-quad-core-armada-processor-wont-see-tablets-or-phones/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/marvells-quad-core-armada-processor-wont-see-tablets-or-phones/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/marvells-quad-core-armada-processor-wont-see-tablets-or-phones/#commentsLooks like that quad-core Armada processor won't be having apps for breakfast after all -- confronting Marvell's Jack Kang at Mobilize 2010, he told us the chips proved too power-hungry for devices without a dedicated cord. That doesn't mean we won't see them soon, however, as the man let slip that it's actually the quad-core chip that will appear in a new game system, though we can probably rule out the Nintendo 3DS for the same reason as the phones.

Marvell's still hoping to get in the mobile market in a big way, though, and that's what the tri-core Armada 628 is all about, which uses low power profiles to save battery life. According to Kang, however, the system's actually a little more exciting than that -- its two up-to-1.5GHz cores kick in when the system's under a multimedia strain, but actually shut off completely for day-to-day use, relying instead on the third 624MHz processor which slowly sips your battery juice. All we know is, we'd better find out which devices will sport these chips, and soon -- our curiosity is beginning to gnaw.

Marvell's quad-core Armada processor won't see tablets or phones, destined for a mystery game platform originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARMArmadaarmada 628Armada628Jack KangJackKangMarvellMarvell ArmadaMarvellArmadaprocessorprocessorsquad corequad-coreQuadCoresocsystem-on-a-chiptri coretri-coreTriCoreThu, 30 Sep 2010 20:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvell unveils 1.5GHz triple-core application processor, all current smartphones look on in envy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/23/marvell-unveils-1-5ghz-triple-core-application-processor-all-cu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/23/marvell-unveils-1-5ghz-triple-core-application-processor-all-cu/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/23/marvell-unveils-1-5ghz-triple-core-application-processor-all-cu/#comments Marvell's decided to whip out the "game changer" tag for its latest slice of silicon, but when you read the spec sheet that accompanies it, you might be willing to forgive it. Just this once. The new Armada 628 application processor delivers three cores, two of which crank along at 1.5GHz, and enough graphical prowess to churn 200 million triangles a second. You might remember we were once impressed by the Hummingbird's 90 million -- yeah, not so much anymore. The 628 is capable of 1080p 3D video and graphics (meaning it can sustain two simultaneous 1080p streams, one for each eye) and pledges to have an "ultra" low power profile: more than 10 hours of 1080p video or 140 hours of music playback are on offer. If that's not enough, it's also the first mobile SOC to include USB 3.0 support, adding yet another speed crown to its bulging resume. Now if it can also be SuperSpeedy in coming to market, that'd be just swell.

Continue reading Marvell unveils 1.5GHz triple-core application processor, all current smartphones look on in envy

Marvell unveils 1.5GHz triple-core application processor, all current smartphones look on in envy originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 06:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.5ghz3d628application processorApplicationProcessorarmarmadaarmada 628Armada628game changerGameChangerhardwaremarvellmarvell 628marvell armadamarvell armada 628Marvell628MarvellArmadaMarvellArmada628multicoreprocessorsmartphonessocsuperspeedsystem-on-chiptabletstri-coretriple-coreusb 3usb 3.0Usb3Usb3.0Thu, 23 Sep 2010 06:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Rydeen hopes to cash in on tablet fever with Android-based, Armada-powered PND]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/03/rydeen-hopes-to-cash-in-on-tablet-fever-with-android-based-arma/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/03/rydeen-hopes-to-cash-in-on-tablet-fever-with-android-based-arma/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/03/rydeen-hopes-to-cash-in-on-tablet-fever-with-android-based-arma/#comments You may never have heard of auto electronics provider Rydeen Mobile, but it certainly knows of you -- or more specifically, your desire to obtain a slick new tablet PC -- and has thus created an 7-inch Android tablet that integrates the dedicated map functionality of its GPS machines. The "gPad" GCOM701 won't be a terribly high-end device, mind you, with an 800MHz ARMADA 166 SOC, 256MB of RAM, bring-your-own-microSD-storage and what we're led to believe is a resistive touchscreen, but it sounds like at least Rydeen isn't being stingy on the software front. You'll find a full suite of Google Apps, Adobe Flash Lite 4 and AVI support, not to mention 4 million points of interest thanks to the integrated Navteq client. Connectivity include GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, both mini and full-sized USB ports, plus a front-facing camera for video chat, and there's a 2400mAh battery the company claims will provide six hours of solid use. Find it this November at an unspecified price, no doubt alongside the pictured (but not mentioned) car dock.

Continue reading Rydeen hopes to cash in on tablet fever with Android-based, Armada-powered PND

Rydeen hopes to cash in on tablet fever with Android-based, Armada-powered PND originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidArmadaarmada 166Armada166Flash liteFlashLiteGCOM701gPadGPSmarvellNavteqPNDRydeenRydeen MobileRydeenMobiletablettablet pcTabletPctabletsFri, 03 Sep 2010 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvell says Armada chips will power new game platform]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/marvell-major-customer-launching-new-game-platform/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/marvell-major-customer-launching-new-game-platform/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/24/marvell-major-customer-launching-new-game-platform/#comments Marvell's been teasing potent little processors for over a year now, but we've yet to see the firm's Armada appear in anything we'd actually want... but co-founder Sehat Sutardja just let slip that Marvell silicon will power a genuine game console of some sort. "Approximately 15% of the sequential increase [in quarterly sales] was due to the initial production revenue from our ARMADA application processors, primarily as a result of a major customer preparing to launch a new gaming platform," he told investors in a conference call last week, which roughly translates to "We just sold a load of processors for a new game console, yo" if our business-speak is correct. While there's absolutely nothing connecting this transaction to Nintendo's 3DS (which was confirmed to have a Pica200 GPU), we honestly can't think of a single other game platform slated to launch anytime soon -- so don't be surprised if there's a quad-core Armada 600 under that variably-stereoscopic hood.

[Thanks, Roxanne]

Marvell says Armada chips will power new game platform originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DSArmadaCPUgamingMarvellMarvell TechnologyMarvellTechnologyNintendo 3DSNintendo3dsprocessorprocessorsSoCsystem on a chipSystemOnAChipTue, 24 Aug 2010 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[OLPC sees bandwagon, hops on with XO tablet based on Marvell Moby design]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/olpc-sees-bandwagon-hops-on-with-xo-tablet-based-on-marvell-mob/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/olpc-sees-bandwagon-hops-on-with-xo-tablet-based-on-marvell-mob/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/olpc-sees-bandwagon-hops-on-with-xo-tablet-based-on-marvell-mob/#comments Eh, those kiddos don't need no physical keyboards and power cranks, right? Right! In a presumed effort to both keep with the times and take advantage of what's being served to them on a silver platter, the philanthropic souls over at One Laptop Per Child have teamed with Marvell in order to develop the next OLPC -- which, predictably, will be a tablet. The forthcoming range of XO tablets will be based on Marvell's newly loosed 'Moby' reference design (which we recently toyed with), and given that purported $99 price tag, you can see why the tie-up makes sense. The slate will require but one watt of power to operate (compared to ~five watts on the existing XO laptop), and it'll include a multilingual soft keyboard with touch feedback in order to serve various regions of the globe. As for specs, we're told that the device will boast an ARMADA 610 application processor, "gigahertz processor speed," 1080p encode / decode capabilities, 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth, FM radio support, a GPS module and the ability to play back 3D graphics and Adobe Flash videos (zing!). There's also an integrated camera for live video conferencing, not to mention Moby's ability to support Android, Windows Mobile and / or Ubuntu. All we're told about battery life is that it's designed "expressly" to last a good, long while, and scarily enough, there's no confirmation anywhere that these will actually cost less than a Benjamin whenever they ship. Fingers crossed, though.

Continue reading OLPC sees bandwagon, hops on with XO tablet based on Marvell Moby design

OLPC sees bandwagon, hops on with XO tablet based on Marvell Moby design originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 May 2010 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080padobeadobe flashAdobeFlashandroidARMADAARMADA 610Armada610educationflashlaptoplow-cost laptopLow-costLaptopmarvellmobyMobylizeolpcOLPC XOOLPC XO tabletOlpcXoOlpcXoTabletslatetablettablet pcTabletPcubuntuwindows mobileWindowsMobilexoThu, 27 May 2010 09:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvell pitches $99 Moby Tablet as textbook alternative]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/19/marvell-pitches-99-moby-tablet-as-textbook-alternative/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/19/marvell-pitches-99-moby-tablet-as-textbook-alternative/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/19/marvell-pitches-99-moby-tablet-as-textbook-alternative/#comments When chipmaker Marvell told us its technology would power $99 smartphones, we took the company at its word. We weren't expecting a sub-$100, 10-inch tablet PC, however -- and we definitely weren't expecting Marvell itself to build it. Marketed at students looking to lighten their textbook load, the Marvell Moby will be an "always-on, high performance multimedia tablet" capable of full Flash support and 1080p HD playback -- thanks to those nifty Armada 600 series processors -- and supporting WiFi, Bluetooth, FM radio, GPS and both Android and Windows Mobile platforms for maximum flexibility. No release date has yet been announced; like the OLPC, Marvell will introduce the Moby in pilot programs at participating at-risk schools. While it's far too early to say if the Moby will be the universal educational e-reader Marvell hopes (that depends on software), it's certainly an intriguing device for the price, and we'll admit we're a touch jealous of those kids who'll first get to try one.

Marvell pitches $99 Moby Tablet as textbook alternative originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 02:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080pAdobe FlashAdobeFlashAndroidArmadaArmada 600Armada600Bluetoothe booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readerseducationeducationalflashFM radioFmRadioGPSMarvellMarvell ArmadaMarvell MobyMarvell Moby TabletMarvellArmadaMarvellMobyMarvellMobyTabletMobyMoby TabletMobyTabletOLPCstudentstablettablet PCTabletPcWiFiWindows MobileWindowsMobileFri, 19 Mar 2010 02:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvell's Pantheon platform to bring $99 smartphones, Armada 618 to dominate HD clips]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/12/marvells-pantheon-platform-to-bring-99-smartphones-armada-618/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/12/marvells-pantheon-platform-to-bring-99-smartphones-armada-618/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/12/marvells-pantheon-platform-to-bring-99-smartphones-armada-618/#comments In a presumed effort to get its news out before the whirlwind that is Mobile World Congress officially begins, Marvell has just shot out two vital pieces of information that may very well impact the price and performance of your next smartphone. First off, we've got the new Pantheon platform, which is designed to "provide breakthrough levels of integration that lower the bill of materials for mobile devices while offering consumers excellent performance, connectivity, and a compelling user experience." In other words, this is said to be the core ingredient in a future wave of "$99 smartphones" that can handle 3D gaming, HD media and some random thing called "calling." Next up is the latest member of the Armada family, the 618. Packed with a 1GHz clock speed and the ability to chew through 1080p content, 3D graphics and pretty much anything else you can throw at it, there's a halfway decent chance we'll see this under the hood of a few upcoming tablets, e-readers and bodacious smartphones. Hopefully we'll learn more at MWC next week, and we'll be sure to share it as soon as we get it.

Marvell's Pantheon platform to bring $99 smartphones, Armada 618 to dominate HD clips originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armadaarmada 600armada 618Armada600Armada618chipsetcpuMarvellMWCMWC 2010Mwc2010pantheonprocessorsmartphoneFri, 12 Feb 2010 15:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Skiff and Marvell announce Skiff Reader Develop Kit in a bid to rule the e-world]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/08/skiff-and-marvell-announce-skiff-reader-develop-kit-in-a-bid-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/08/skiff-and-marvell-announce-skiff-reader-develop-kit-in-a-bid-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/08/skiff-and-marvell-announce-skiff-reader-develop-kit-in-a-bid-to/#commentsWe've been hearing a lot about Marvell lately driven, in part, by the rapid growth in e-reader devices. Now it's teamed up with Hearst's ambitious venture, Skiff, to create the Skiff Reader Development Kit (RDK) designed to allow manufacturers to quickly create inexpensive reading devices using Marvell's Armada System-on-a-chip with integrated electronic paper display controller. Naturally, the RDK includes built-in software support for the Skiff eReading service and digital storefront. Interesting, very interesting. It's becoming clear that Skiff's approach to toppling Amazon's early e-reader / service juggernaut is to flood the market with devices hooked into a compelling value proposition for publishers and content owners and then ultimately (sometime later this year), consumers. Hold tight kids, this could be Apple (Amazon) vs. Microsoft (Skiff/Hearst) all over again.

Skiff and Marvell announce Skiff Reader Develop Kit in a bid to rule the e-world originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonarmadacesces 2010Ces2010e-readerhearstmarvellrdkReader Development KitReaderDevelopmentKitskiffFri, 08 Jan 2010 10:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvell debuts quad core Armada ARM processor for kicking your mobile apps in the face]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/marvell-debuts-quad-core-armada-arm-processor-for-kicking-your-m/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/marvell-debuts-quad-core-armada-arm-processor-for-kicking-your-m/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/marvell-debuts-quad-core-armada-arm-processor-for-kicking-your-m/#comments Marvell's already been showing some pretty great devices (like Spring Design's Alex, pictured) based on its Armada 500 (smartbook / nettop) and 600 (mobile) processors, but apparently that was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The real meat is in Marvell's newly announced quadcore versions of those very same GHz+ chips, which should put mobile devices into a different league power-wise -- at least until Marvell's competition hops on board. There's no telling how much these will cost or when they'll show up, but Marvell says they're aimed at the "mass consumer market" and "high volume gaming applications." Gaming, huh? Perhaps Tegra 2 has a little bit of competition in the prospective DS 2 chip race.

Marvell debuts quad core Armada ARM processor for kicking your mobile apps in the face originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armarm processorarmadaarmada 500armada 600armada 610Armada500Armada600Armada610ArmProcessorcesces 2010Ces2010marvellprocessorquad coreQuadCoreWed, 06 Jan 2010 12:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Spring Design Alex hands-on (Update: video!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/spring-design-alex-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/spring-design-alex-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/spring-design-alex-hands-on/#comments Spring Design was poised to take the official wraps off of its dual-screen, Android-based ereader this Thursday, but we were able to catch an up close and personal glance at the device today here at CES Unveiled. Highlighted over at the Marvell booth (understandable given the choice of processor), the reader was intensely thin and remarkably snappy. We had some gripes with the speed of the Nook, but every action we took on the Alex was relatively lag free. We even downloaded a book and watched it open up immediately, and the touchscreen response was also satisfactory. Spring Design also opted to expose the microSD card slot on the rear; you simple mash your card into the slot and listen for the click, and mash it once more to eject it. You better hope nothing pushes it by mistake, but hey, at least you're not stuck removing some rear cover just to swap cards. We've gotta say -- we're digging this thing based on our brief time with it, and we'd invite you to have a peek at the gallery below till our demo video is prepped.

Update: Video is after the break!

Gallery: Spring Design Alex hands-on

Continue reading Spring Design Alex hands-on (Update: video!)

Spring Design Alex hands-on (Update: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alexarmadabreaking newsBreakingNewscesces 2010Ces2010e booke readere-book readerE-bookReadere-readerEBookebook readerEbookReaderEReaderfeatureshands-onmarvellspring designSpringDesignTue, 05 Jan 2010 19:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvell goes Snapdragon hunting, announces Armada 610 mobile processor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/marvell-goes-snapdragon-hunting-announces-armada-610-mobile-pro/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/marvell-goes-snapdragon-hunting-announces-armada-610-mobile-pro/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/marvell-goes-snapdragon-hunting-announces-armada-610-mobile-pro/#commentsMarvell goes Snapdragon hunting, announces Armada 610 mobile processorQualcomm's Snapdragon is king of the mobile hill right now, but you just knew that wouldn't last long, right? Marvell is now after its throne, announcing the Armada 610. It's a "gigahertz class" mobile CPU that can not only do 1080p decoding but can handle encoding too, even able to pump pixels to four high-res (2,000 x 2,000) displays at once -- you know, just in case you have a pocket full of pico projectors. Open GL ES 2.0 is on tap, so 3D gaming should be a cinch, and while there's no specific specs given, the chip is said to need "extremely low power." It certainly sounds like a good combo to us, and that the chip is now shipping in limited samples to OEMs is even better news.

Marvell goes Snapdragon hunting, announces Armada 610 mobile processor originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080parmadaarmada 610Armada610cesces 2010Ces2010marvellmarvell armada 610MarvellArmada610mobile processorMobileProcessorTue, 05 Jan 2010 12:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvell's Armada chip bringing 'HD-quality video, 3D graphics support' to Entourage Edge]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/marvells-armada-chip-bringing-hd-quality-video-3d-graphics-su/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/marvells-armada-chip-bringing-hd-quality-video-3d-graphics-su/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/marvells-armada-chip-bringing-hd-quality-video-3d-graphics-su/#comments We already knew that a potent Marvell chip was under the hood of Spring Design's Alex, but at long last the mystery surrounding the powerhouse within Entourage's Edge is no more. The Armada PXA168 processor will be responsible for steering the world's first "Dualbook" through the stormy seas that'll be created once crazed consumers get ahold of this thing, and while we've no idea if the software will actually support this laundry list of capabilities, the chip should have no issue with "full-featured web browsing, multi-format video and image processing." More specifically, we're informed that "HD-quality video and 3D graphics" will be supported, which could obviously lead to some pretty interesting applications (you know, like actual web surfing on an e-reader). Hop on past the break for a brief look at an early generation model as well as a functioning version of what should hopefully hit shelves in early 2010.

Continue reading Marvell's Armada chip bringing 'HD-quality video, 3D graphics support' to Entourage Edge

Marvell's Armada chip bringing 'HD-quality video, 3D graphics support' to Entourage Edge originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dARMADAARMADA pxa168ArmadaPxa168chipchipsetcpuDualbooke book readere readere-book readerE-bookReadere-readerebook readerEbookReadereDGEentourageentourage edgeEntourageEdgeEReaderMarvellmarvell smartMarvell TechnologyMarvellSmartMarvellTechnologyprocessorpxa168smartvideoThu, 03 Dec 2009 11:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvell teams with E Ink for turnkey ereader processor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/marvell-teams-with-e-ink-for-turnkey-ereader-processor/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/marvell-teams-with-e-ink-for-turnkey-ereader-processor/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/marvell-teams-with-e-ink-for-turnkey-ereader-processor/#commentsAnd so it begins. If you had any doubts whatsoever that the ereader battle was in full effect, let this introduction take all of that worry away. Marvell and E Ink have tag-teamed in order to announce a "highly integrated" ereader processor that'll be made available in "turnkey platforms" aimed at the booming ebook reader market. The ARMADA package includes a 166E application processor, WiFi, Bluetooth and 3G modem, and more broadly, the two have agreed to cross license epaper "timing controllers and system platforms," which may or may not be the cutest, sweetest thing we've ever heard. The goods are expected to be ready for readers in 2010, which means that buying a Kindle or Nook today is guaranteed to cause you all sorts of pain when the next best thing ships within twelve months.

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Marvell teams with E Ink for turnkey ereader processor originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARMADAe booke book readere inke papere readere-book readerE-bookReadere-inke-papere-readerebookEBookReaderEInkEPaperEReadermarvellsocsystem-on-chipTue, 03 Nov 2009 11:17:00 EST