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Linaro member boards get accelerated builds of Android Ice Cream Sandwich
Remember Linaro? How could you forget, right? The non-profit engineering organization that formed back at Computex 2010 has been plugging away for over 1.5 years now, and its most recent development involves everyone's fav-o-rite build of Android: Ice Cream Sandwich. The company has just released ICS builds supporting accelerated graphics on two of its member's low cost development boards: the Samsung Origen and ST-Ericsson Snowball. The outfit already displayed videos of Android 4.0.1 running on TI's PandaBoard and Freescale's i.MX53, and the accelerated graphics support that has been made available today makes use of the ARM Mali-400 processor. For those unaware, developers are able to create optimized Linux-based devices with the support of Linaro, and if you're in one of those member groups, you'll also enjoy DS-5 with Gator and libjpeg-turbo support. Head on past the break for a smattering of videos.
Linaro and Samsung roll out Exynos 4210-based Origen development board for $199
You may recall a little group of Linux-loving chums called Linaro, which was formed almost a year ago in the hopes of speeding up Linux development. Today at Computex, the company's taking one step further with the announcement of the Origen development board. Based on Samsung's beefy Exynos 4210 dual core chipset, the kit packs all the essential ports -- including HDMI, USB 2.0 host, SD slot, etc. -- for keen developers to get their hands dirty on, and its base board is also removable to accommodate future chipsets. Potential buyers are told to keep an eye on Insignal, which will soon be offering the basic Origen package for $199, along with optional parts at an extra cost.
OrigenAE cranks out sexy 1080p LCD-equipped HTPC chassis
HTPC enclosures with front-mounted LCD screens certainly aren't new, with firms such as VoodooPC and Okoro Media Systems (just to name a couple) have been pumpin' them out for quite some time, but OrigenAE's take on the LCD-equipped chassis involves quite a bit more distinction than the other ho hum attempts. The S21T is practically one-piece aluminum (black or silver) case that just oozes sleekness, and would probably become the instant standout in any AV rack. Gracing the front is a recessed 12.1-inch motorized LCD that touts an (admittedly tough on the eyes) 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, and just might beat out the actual TV sets this beast will end up connected to. Regardless, the enclosure also features a host of internal fans, matching optical drive bezel, removable motherboard tray, support for 10 internal hard drives, and a bevy of ports including USB 2.0, FireWire, audio in / out, and multi-card flash reader. Of course, it doesn't really matter how sensational the innards of this thing are, just click on through for a few more snapshots and see how great it looks completely empty.[Via MissingRemote]
Zune zooms straight past gaming?
Microsoft has confirmed the existence of Zune, a brand-name that will eventually come to represent an entire line-up of portable media devices. The first device is said to be shipping this year, with more to come in 2007. At the moment, Microsoft seems to be attempting to draw attention to Zune's music and movie capabilities, which is no doubt an attempt to position the brand as a direct competitor to the iPod. This announcement (and the media blitz surrounding it) is intended to put a maximum amount of pressure onto Apple; mentioning Zune's gaming capabilities would dilute the "iPod killer" message that Microsoft is trying to plant in people's heads. Despite this, there are certain tidbits that we can extract from this official announcement that could influence how Microsoft's entry into portable gaming will play out.Rumors about J. Allard's disappearance were true; he's emerged as one of three people heading the project, alongside Robbie Bach and Bryan Lee. Don't be surprised if J. Allard turns out to be the "face" of Zune, just like he was the "face" of Xbox 360. The drive-based and integrated WiFi aspects of the design as well as the community orientated software strongly suggest that the gaming device will feature Xbox Live Anywhere. What's still unclear is how Microsoft will market their portable gaming machine. With the introduction of a new brand name representing portable entertainment, how will this link to Microsoft's established Xbox brand? Are we talking "Zune w/Xbox" or will the portable gaming device be distinctly associated with one of the two brands, to the exclusion of the other? One way the two brands appear to share a connection is through their respective viral campaigns: they both feature rabbits (Origen, Coming Zune).The overriding message conveyed by this announcement is that Microsoft is going out of its way to tackle the different portable entertainment markets on an individual basis. This approach contrasts sharply with Sony's entry into portable gaming. With the PSP, the company simultaneously took on the likes of the iPod, the Nintendo DS and more expensive video-only devices. As a result, the PSP has suffered from a degree of brand dilution which has resulted in the near failure of the UMD format and has limited the device's popularity as a gaming machine. By ignoring the gaming capabilities of the Zune (for now) and singling out the iPod and other portable media players, Microsoft is attempting to learn from Sony's mistake. Currently the Zune's immediate target is the iPod, and to some extent, future video-centric iPods, but when Microsoft finally decides to reveal the gaming capabilities of Zune, expect gaming to be singular focus.
