VIA merges Android with a tiny motherboard or a $49 package

Most of what the average person does on a computer doesn't require a lot of computing power and doesn't require a desktop level operating system with full-blown software. General web surfing, social media, email, basic desktop publishing and blogging can all be handled by apps. Android is a free app-based operating system that is most often found on mobile phones, but also the occasional tablet. It has been tried on netbooks too, but now VIA is bundling it up with an ARM-based motherboard, measuring just 17cm x 8.5cm. The $49 motherboard with built in Flash storage and RAM just requires a monitor (or TV), keyboard and mouse to set up a fully functional Android PC. The USB ports mean that additional external storage can be added easily.

This setup is ideal for lounge room PCs, kids PCs, a PC for the kitchen bench top, etc and is also ripe for development into kiosks, car PCs and other applications.

"Powered by a WonderMedia ARM processor, APC integrates memory, storage, and a full set of consumer I/O features in a small footprint Neo-ITX motherboard that can be connected to a TV or monitor. The system also features a custom build of Android that has been optimized for keyboard and mouse input, and comes with a browser and a selection of preinstalled apps."

[Source]

VIA's new AMOS 3002 touted as infotainment solution for vehicles

I've heard the story of entertainment in cars for at least ten years now. The excitement started with getting MP3 players in cars. Then it was video. Then it was GPS. Then it was general Internet access. Now it's social media. To run it all you need a small computer that can handle bumps and heat and cold. Enter the VIA AMOS 3002. As Embedded M2M Solutions reports ...

"The AMOS (News - Alert)-3002 can serve a variety of applications including digital signage and kiosks, telematics and M2M controller, but the design may be primarily marketed for in-vehicle infotainment. The tiny computer measures approximately 8” by 4” by 2” and can handle up to 50G’s of shock and can function in temperatures ranging between -4F and 140F."

New VIA credit card sized COM module

VIA's miniaturisation of the X86 form factor continues with the release of the VIA COMe-8X91 module which measures just 84mm x 55mm. The tiny board features:

• 800MHz VIA Eden X2 dual core processor
• VIA VX900 MSP 
• 18/24-bit single-channel LVDS and either one display port or one HDMI port 
• SATA II ports
• GigaLAN port
• 8 USB 2.0 ports shared with one USB client port
• 1 HD audio digital interface
• 2 serial ports
• 1GB of onboard DDR3

OEMs and manufacturers who use the board in their embedded designs will find SDK, system monitoring tools, design guide, display guide and other materials, ready for their project.

More information.