VIA Embedded Supporting Android

It's no secret that HTC has enjoyed huge success by being one of the first smartphone manufacturer's to back Google's Android operating system. Could it be that HTC's Chariman, who is married to VIA's CEO, influenced the decision for VIA's embedded platforms to support Android also?

When HTC first starting supporting Android it was a watershed decision; could the same hold true for VIA's x86 platforms? Could this be a catalyst for Android to find itself in more than just smartphones and the odd tablet PC?

"VIA says that the ability to run Android on this embedded designed allows more flexibility for use in things like kiosks and in-car entertainment systems. Most of the Android OS development has been centered on ARM (News - Alert) processors, which are used in most smartphones and tablets today. However, VIA has changed that with their new x86 project extending the Android operations to its mainboards." Source: High-Definition-Digitla.com

Build a Dedicated BitTorrent Box with a ZOTAC

VIA Mini-ITX motherboards have long been used as file servers; Linux boxes, home data storage and even as servers in cloud storage data farms. This new guide from LegitReviews explains, in quite a bit of detail, how to build a BitTorrent dedicated machine with a ZOTAC ZBOX Nano.

"We were lucky enough to get our hands on a new ZOTAC ZBOX Nano that is powered by VIA’s Nano X2 CPU. The ZOTAC PC comes in two flavors: One that is a bare-bones PC with only the CPU installed or a model that is fully outfitted with memory and hard drive. The price for the barebones PC is $169.99 plus shipping, while the the Zotac ZBOX Nano with HDD and DRAM included is $249.99 shipped. The VIA Nano X2 contains the VIA VX9 00H chipset that is designed to deliver an low-cost and energy-efficient micro-PC solution."

An introduction to Mini-ITX on eHow

eHow is like the Wikipedia for DYI, with 'contributors' publishing guides on all sorts of topics. On Christmas Eve, and article was published on "Mini-ITX Performance". The article largely provides an introduction to VIA's Mini-ITX platform, with quite a focus on Mini-ITX and its place in the VIA story.

"VIA developed the Mini-ITX for use their ultra low-power Eden and C3 microprocessors; however, other computer parts manufacturers adapted the specification to allow netbook processors like the AMD C- and E-Series and the Intel Atom. Read more: Mini-ITX Performance"

eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_12212968_miniitx-performance.html#ixzz1hmSV9Uy8

Android on a VIA x86 Board in Action

VIA have released this video showing Android running on an EITX-3002 Em-ITX board. Great resolution for video playback!

VIA's x86 embedded boards support Android

The embedded market just got a new option, with VIA announcing support for Google's Android operating system, starting with the EITX-3002 Em-ITX board. The Android operating system has become the most-used smartphone operating system and it also features on various tablet PCs, most of which run ARM processors. This new support for VIA's x86 platform opens the door for Android to be found on embedded computing devices like entertainment systems in vehicles and information kiosks.



"Key advantages for Android on x86 include leverage of Android development resources and existing apps, rich I/O flexibility, greater CPU performance as well as higher display resolutions of up to 1920 x 1080. In addition VIA has released SMART ETK, an Embedded Tool Kit which allows monitoring and control of peripheral devices through the Android OS, allowing for greater environmental control of kiosk and other installed environments."

Find more information here.

Computing on a silver platter

Here's an image of the VIA ARTiGO I hadn't seen before ...

Just add RAM, storage and power

At USD$89 the new VIA VE-900 Mini-ITX board is an alluringly inexpensive way to build a PC that is well set up for multimedia use. BIOSLEVEL.com have reviewed the new board with pleasing results.

"I'm not sure I've ever seen a Via chip outperform a competitor from Intel, but the VE-900's 1.4GHz Nano X2 processor accomplishes this without breaking a sweat or needing overclocked. Paired with 8GB of RAM, I found the performance from the VE-900 to rival that of desktop systems from only a few years ago, all while using a fraction of the power."

With the right packaging and marketing an astute start-up could revitalise the desktop market with and affordable small form factor PC based on the VE-900.

Desktop computer with power and finesse

At 5.7" x 3.9" x 2" (14.6 cm x 9.9 cm x 5.2 cm) the VIA ARTiGO is the smallest fully featured PC on the market, available in a handy kit form that's great for entry level enthusiasts and still enticing enough for a seasoned PC builder.

The new A1150 edition comes with a 1.0GHz dual core VIA Eden X2 processor and it supports HD video playback and Gigabit Ethernet, making it an itsy bitsy solution for the family room, and quiet and small enough to be unobtrusive but really handy as a media solution in a bedroom.

But why focus on the multimedia aspects so much? The thing is, this setup ticks all the boxes for a desktop for the vast majority of people. Why on earth would you have a hefty beige or silver box whirring away taking up desk or foot space when you can have this literally sitting under the profile of most LCD monitors?! Crazy!

"VIA redefines dual core low power compact computing, bringing all the features of a regular desktop PC into a form factor that needs to be seen to be believed," said Epan Wu, Head of the VIA Embedded Platform Division, VIA Technologies, Inc. "VIA has a long history in creating leading edge form factor systems, and the VIA ARTiGO A1150 pushes the bounds for ultra-compact desktop computing.”

More at the official Press Release.

VIA launches new dual-core Mini-ITX

One of the things that the original VIA Mini-ITX board was touted for was a lounge room media PC and this latest Mini-ITX board is designed with that purpose in mind. The VE-900 is the first VIA Mini-ITX board to feature the dual-core Nano processor, the 1.4GHz VIA Nano X2 dual core.

The feature set of this board also includes 1080p video support care of the VX900 media system processor and there's HD audio as well.

"The VIA VE-900 Mini-ITX Mainboard, measuring 17cm, x 17cm, pairs a 1.4 GHz VIA Nano™ X2 CPU with the VIA VX900 MSP. In addition to enabling support for up to 8GB of DDR3 system memory, the VIA VX900 MSP features the latest ChromotionHD 2.0 video engine, boasting comprehensive hardware acceleration for the latest VC1, H.264, MPEG-2 and WMV9 HD formats at screen resolutions of up to 1080p without incurring a heavy CPU load. Display connectivity support includes onboard HDMI and VGA."

The board is available " ... worldwide at incredibly competitive pricing."

Dual core brought to Em-ITX form factor

I always appreciate the write up of new VIA embedded boards done by LinuxForDevices.com. They are very thorough. Here are the highlights of the new EITX-3002 board:

"As far as we're aware, Via has never publicized TDPs for either of these CPUs, though it has naturally made all the usual noises about low-power operation. The company does, however, reveal that the overall EITX-3002 uses 24.86 Watts with the Eden X2, and 27.67 Watts with the Nano X2. Both processors are supported by the VX900H chipset and a single SODIMM slot that accepts up to 4GB of RAM, Via says. Persistent storage is catered for by SATA ports and a CFast expansion slot, adds the company."

This board has a lot of output options, including support for dual displays.

A long time coming. HP finally endorses low power CPUs for datacenters

The benefits of low power processors has been a story that VIA has been promoting for at least a decade. If you're running a gaming rig then sure, invest in the fastest processor you can afford, but it's long been the case that business have been forking out money on processors that exceed the speed requirements of the user. This is particularly true when it comes to hosting, servers and data centers.

HP have now gone so far as to endorse ARM processors for hyper-scale datacenters. I wonder if VIA's Wondermedia can get on board with these projects? [Source: FT.com]

VIA chips feature in IGEL's new Windows Standard 7 thin clients

One of the first Windows Standard 7 thin clients is to feature the VIA Nano processor and VX900 system media chip. The IGEL UD5 is set up for remote management and can be applied to a wide variety of environments.

"A sound investment: 5-year guarantee for high-performance hardware The IGEL UD5 W7 comes with an extended 5-year hardware guarantee as well as free firmware updates for a period of up to three years after the product has been discontinued. The high-performance IGEL UD5 W7 hardware with 1.3 GHz VIA Nano processor, VX900 chipset and fast DDR3 RAM facilitates high-level computing and video performance even for multiple, simultaneous applications or demanding multimedia applications."

The setup promises a long life span for IGEL and its customers.

Source: TechZone360.

Zotac adding a VIA based system to their Zbox range

Zotac have been making Mini-ITX sized media centre PCs for years now and this isn't the first time that they've launched a model with VIA chips. The new Nano VD01 features a VIA Nano X2 1.2GHz dual-core processor and the VIA VX900 system media processor.

The look of the VD01 is the same as a previous AMD based Xbox model. Linux for Devices.com notes that the price hasn't been released yet, but that it's probably going to be cheaper, aimed at the entry level market.

Other specs include:
* Processor -- Via Nano X2 U4025 (dual-core, 1.2GHz)
* Chipset -- Via VX900
* Memory -- single SODIMM slot; VD01 Plus model bundles 2GB of DDR3 RAM
* Storage:
o 6-in-1 memory card reader (SD/SDHC/MS/MS Pro/xD/MMC)
o 2.5-inch drive bay, supporting 3.0 Gb/sec. SATA devices; VD01 Plus adds 320GB drive
* Networking -- gigabit Ethernet
* Wireless:
o 802.11b/g/n with antenna
o Bluetooth 3.0
o onboard IR receiver with remote
o USB IR receiver
* Other I/O:
o eSATA port
o 2 x USB 3.0
o 2 x USB 2.0
o HDMI
o DisplayPort
o audio -- mic in, headphone out, S/PDIF out
* Power -- 19VDC via bundled AC adapter
* Dimensions -- 5.0 x 5.0 x 1.7 inches

New thin client gets upgrade to VIA Nano

The new Ingel UD5 thin client offers a 1.3GHz VIA Nano processor and the VX900 media system processor, alongside DDR3 memory. This is an upgrade from the 1.5GHZ VIA C7 and CN896 chipset previously used in this model.

It's a tip of the hat to VIA that Igel has upgraded using VIA hardware. VIA's processors are ideally suited to the thin client environment, where passive cooling and low noise levels are ideal.

The new version of the UD5 also runs Windows Embedded Standard 7 configuration, or Linux can be used.

Source: LinuxforDevices.com

VEPD supports VxWorks RTOS

The VIA Embedded Platform Division (VEPD) has announced that they will be releasing a Board Support Package (BSP) for the VX900, Gigabit LAN chips and the VIA Nano X2, to support Wind River's VxWorks real-time operating system (RTOS).
"The VIA EPIA-M900 Mini-ITX board will be the first VIA motherboard to offer the BSP for VxWorks. Wind River’s VxWorks is a robust, reliable RTOS with a small footprint that offers fast booting and increased security suitable for resource-constrained environments critical in medical, industrial automation, transportation and other mission-critical applications."

More information is available from VIA's official Press Release.

VIA upgrades an EPIA board; a clever way to retain customer designs

VIA has been manufacturing their own branded embedded boards for ... let me think ... it must be close to a decade now? Many embedded designs have a long shelf life, but in the end all things need a replacement or upgrade. The VIA EPIA-LN design from 2007 has been upgraded to include the VIA VX900 media system processor, this upgrading several key features of the board. Re-named the EPIA-M720, this is a smart move by VIA, allowing embedded system designers to easily upgrade their EPIA-LN machines very easily.

"Combining a VIA 1.0GHz C7 processor with the VIA VX900 unified all-in-one media system processor, the VIA EPIA-M720 delivers a highly optimized platform that boasts comprehensive HD video performance, HD audio and HDMI support in a compact, power-efficient package to meet the broader scope of needs for today's advanced digital signage, POS, Kiosk, ATM, home automation, healthcare and media client system design applications."

More from the official Press Release.

Zotac ZBOX with VIA Nano arrives in Japan

In Australia, you can't seem to get the Zotac ZBOX with the VIA Nano processor. Although it was on display at Computex earlier in the year, the models in Australia feature AMD or Intel processors. Lucky Japan is getting the dual core VIA X2 version though, according to VR-Zone.

The quiet, fanless, low power consuming VIA model of the ZBOX is a lovely compact PC that's ideal for customer information terminals, media boxes, file storage, and even as quiet low profile desktop replacements.

The VIA AMOS-5001 modular chassis wins an award

The PC/104 and Small Form Factors Magazine has given the VIA AMOS-5001 chassis an Editor's Choice award out of appreciation for how well the product makes development easier.

“VIA Technologies has made prototyping hardware and software designs easier with the VIA AMOS-5001 chassis kit,” says Chris A. Ciufo, OpenSystems Media, Group Editorial Director, Military and Aerospace Group. “This flexible kit measures up to be tough enough to withstand harsh conditions but is moldable to many different applications.”
- More.

Small form factor Editor's Choice award

VIA's AMOS systems are customizable embedded chassis that are adaptable to a range of purposes, but as SmallFormFactors.com points out, it's also a great development kit.

"Getting started can be the hardest part of the design process. But VIA Technologies has made prototyping hardware and software designs easier with the VIA AMOS-5001 chassis kit. Whether or not the final design uses VIA’s x86 CPUs or the Em-ITX form factor, it’s still a useful platform to begin with and makes that whole getting started thing much more doable."

The VIA AMOS-5001 fits VIA Em-ITX form factor boards which have a modular design that lets you add new features as your development takes shape. For its adaptability and convenience, the VIA AMOS-5001 has earned an Editor's Choice award.

Home system integration interested in ZOTAC ZBOX

A site dedicated to home automation picked up on VIA's recent announcement about the ZOTAC ZBOX Mini-ITX system. They commented that "While perhaps they may not pack enough power for doing much beyond streaming content or surfing the web, often this is what most people are after in the first place when it comes to their Home Theater PC (HTPC) and leave the more CPU intensive applications for the beefier computers in the home."

Like home automation devices, the ZOTAC ZBOX offers a function, in this case of a lounge room entertainment device, rather than simply being a regular PC stuck in a lounge room.

New VIA VB8004 offers mutliplicity of display options

VIA has announced a new Mini-ITX board targetting the digital signage segment. The VB8004 can support up to four displays, but with all different sorts of connections if need be. This makes it super-adaptable.

To get the full four display support you actually need to add an S3 graphics 5400E module, and then you can hook up HDMI, LVDS and DVI.

The VX900 chipset on the board supports 1080p and DirectX10.1. - Press Release.

ZOTAC ZBOX featuring VIA Nano X2 to debut at Computex

The ZOTAC ZBOX has to be one of the first designs to be launched to feature the new VIA Nano X2 processor. This mini-PC is just the size of a regular man-sized palm making it a neat fit for the lounge room or the office.

Why put up with a full-sized desktop PC in your entertainment unit when you could have a PC that's got all the ports you'd need positioned conveniently on its smooth chassis? Similarly, for an office environment, the ZBOX can sit comfortably on a desk, taking up less room than a book.

The VIA Nano X2 E-series processors were announced just last month. - Press Release.

Want details about the new EPIA-M860 for POS systems?

Eric Brown from Windows for devices sure does like details. His article on Windowsfordevices.com covers the specifications, board placement, I/O placement, the VIA VX900 chipset in detail and even the pin headers! If you're building a new POS system, check out the information on the VIA EPIA-M860 here.

VIA launches new POS board

The new VIA EPIA-M860 is the first VIA board to support Microsoft's Windows Embedded POSReady 7 operating system. As a platform the VIA and Microsoft combination offer a solid foundation for commercial embedded systems, but also a lot of flexibility.

"Designed as a full featured entry level VX900 board, the EPIA-M860 is the first EPIA board which supports Windows Embedded POSReady 7, a flexible operating system designed to seamlessly connect Point of Service (POS) solutions with peripherals, servers, services and the cloud. The VIA EPIA-M860 offers PCI, PCIe and Mini PCIe support, combined with mainstream DDR3 memory and both ATX and DC-in power support." - Press Release.

VIA's Nano processors hailed as the start of micro-servers

An article appearing in The Register has credited Dell's DATA Center Solution's VIA based micro server as the first realisation of the concept of the micro server, a concept that has continued to evolve. There's no shortage of demand for low-medium web servers, and VIA's hardware offers low power consumption and an excellent space saving.

VIA Dual Core processors for embedded market sampling now

VIA are in it for the long haul when it comes to embedded computing, guaranteeing a minimum seven year support and manufacturing cycle for the new VIA Nano X2 E-series dual core processors. With native support for 64-bit operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, Windows CE and Linux, they can support a wide variety of development platforms. The processors still have VIA's unique hardware level encryption as well. The Press Release notes that the product won't go into mass production until Q2, but samples are being provided for projects now.

"VIA Nano X2 E-Series processors are natively 64-bit compatible, facilitating an essential transition for the future of the embedded industry as 64-bit operating systems such as Windows® Embedded Standard 7 allow for vastly improved data throughput per clock cycle. This makes it easier to manipulate large data sets and improves overall performance. VIA Nano X2 E-Series processors are also fully compatible with Windows CE and Linux operating systems."

6th VIA AMOS system announced

When you create a new platform for embedded systems, part of the challenge is getting someone to manufacture cases or chassis that fit. VIA solved this a long time ago by designing and manufacturing chassis designed specifically for EPIA boards. This has included the VIA AMOS-1000 for Mini-ITX, the VIA AMOS-2000 for Nano-ITX and the VIA AMOS-3000 for Pico-ITX. With a couple of variations along the way, the VIA AMOS-5001 just announced by VIA is the sixth in the AMOS series (if I've counted correctly!).

This one is designed for use with the VIA Em-ITX form factor boards, specifically the EITX-3001 series. The complete system in the chassis is small and light enough to be mounted at the back of a screen. The design includes heatsinks on either side of the chassis, providing a cool but fanless design that's useful for various embedded computing uses.

Windows for devices gives the skinny on the new VIA ART-5450

A couple of weeks back VIA launched a new fanless box PC for fleet management services. Windows for devices which tracks each and every VIA release in some detail, has written up all the details, revealing the design behind the "new" PC. "Frankly acknowledged by Via is the fact that the ART-5450 employs a previously released motherboard, along with a newly designed expansion module. At its heart, for example, is the EITX-3000 motherboard (right). First released in March 2009, the EITX-3000 was Via's first (and, we think, remains the only) use of the Em-ITX format, billed as an "open industry standard." A key advantage of the 6.7 x 4.7-inch Em-ITX format was said to be its form factor's rectangular shape, providing dual "coastlines." .... Via's ART-5450 employs a new module known as the EMIO-3430. Pictured above, this includes two Mini PCI Express slots primarily designed to accept the mobile broadband and Bluetooth modules mentioned earlier in this story." - Source.

An oldie but a goodie

The VIA EPIA M motherboard was the first EPIA board to really make it big. Featuring decent (for the time) onboard graphics, 512MB of onboard RAM and a VIA C3 Eden processor with a ground-breakingly low power consumption, the board became a modder's paradise, and a cheap and easy way to build a home server. On eBay at the moment you can pick up a used EPIA M, that was used as a home server for years, for a meagre $50. Check it out.

VIA launches new ART-5450 in-vehicle management box

Using its own EPIA boards and extension modules, VIA has put together a complete package for fleet management. Using a VIA EITX-3000 Em-ITX board and the EMIO-3450 expansion module, the ART-5450 box PC can be fitted inside taxis, cars, trucks, etc, as the integral part of an in-vehicle monitoring system. With an operating temperature range of -200 - 700C, the boxes would be reliable even in extreme conditions.

There's quite a choice of 3G modules, including HSPA, WCDMA, EDGE and GPRS. Other features include a SIM card slot, 20 channel GPRS receiver and W-Fi.

VIA is handling orders on a project by project basis. - Source: Press Release

VIA announces dual-core Eden processors

At the Embedded World 2011 show in Germany this week, VIA has announced that in Q2 they will start supplying dual-core Eden processors. The VIA Eden X2 will feature 2 64-bit Eden cores on the one die. This should give a boost to multi-tasking, multimedia playback, and of course make them wickedly future-proof for Windows Embedded Standard 7. Speaking of future-proofing, the Eden X2 will come with a gaurantee that they'll be in production for 7 years, which gives embedded developers peace of mind that any design they come up with can be produced with VIA's Eden X2 for a seven year period. Other boons of the Eden X2 include VIA VT virtualization and VIA Padlock Security:

"VIA Eden X2 processors bring additional features that include VIA VT virtualization, a technology that allows legacy software and applications to be used in virtual scenarios without impacting on performance. The unique VIA AES Security Engine offers hardware-based data encryption on the fly, and essential tool in content protection and system security." - Source: Press Release.

Vision Intelligence Displays launched by VIA Embedded

You know how in Science Fiction movies, starting in the '70s or '80s, people stand around touching screens to get information. In today's world you're more likely to do that with a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet, but the technology is out there for touchscreen displays to be used more in the public sphere and in industry.

The Vision Intelligence Display (VID) series of digital touch screens for embedded applications from VIA, are designed for interactive kiosks, POI and POS embedded systems, and industrial automation controls.

These embedded systems are available with screen sizes ranging between 7 and 19 inches. They are designed to be integrated for use with VIA AMOS or EITX solutions. - Source: Press Release.

VIA shows of HD digital signage at Las Vegas Expo

It seems kind of appropriate that in the city of flashy lights and signs, a Digital Display Expo should be held. The Las Vegas strip property owners ought to go and check out what's on offer. Elvis can now be in HD, with multiple content streams, DirectX 10.1 and the latest OpenGL, thanks to the VIA eH1, a low profile card featuring the S3 Chrome 5400E GPU, designed as an add-on for embedded systems.

At the Expo, will will also be showing off both ARM and X86 based products for digital signage.

"A range of VIA EPIA Mini-ITX boards with additional graphical and HD multimedia muscle will be demonstrated, including boards based on the multimedia-focused VIA VX900 chipset and the latest VIA Nano X2 dual core processor.

Complete digital solutions systems will be shown, including the robust VIA VIPRO panel series which combine a comprehensive range of features in a high quality, industrial-grade LCD panel. Other signage systems include and the VIA VMPC, a fanless, ultra thin system featuring an industry-first thru-chassis VESA mounting design, turning any standard display into a digital signage device in moments. "

The show runs until tomorrow, 24th February. Source: Press Release.

VIA Nano goes 40 nanometer and multi-cores

We all knew that it was coming, and the thing is I think we still have to count it as "coming soon". VIA has chosen the week of the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas as the timing to announce the VIA Nano X2 processor, but the Press Release only gives the basic details; no information on actual model numbers and features has been released, and that leads me to believe that using the word "available" would be a little preemptive.

Based on the Isaiah architecture in current Nano processors, the Nano X2 models will use a 40 nanometer fabrication process and the Press Release says that this will mean that they can use multiple cores without increasing the power draw.

VIA usually hand out some samples to the testing geeky media crowd. It'll be nice to see them come up trumps against Intel's Atom again. Read the full Press Release here.

VIA appoints Simmtronics as distributor/manufacturer

VIA is teaming up with Simmtronics who will "assemble a full range of low-power, highly-integrated pc-1 motherboards in its advanced manufacturing facility in Roorkee, Uttaranchal, India, and distribute the products through its channel partners in India and other markets, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Dubai, UAE, Turkey, Iraq, Algeria, and Ghana."

This is therefore much more than a simple distributor agreement, with Simmtronics actually manufacturing VIA products in India, rather than shipping completed systems into the country.

VIA leverages S3 to release graphics card for embedded market

VIA's acquisition of S3 Graphics eleven years ago has seen many S3 Graphics designs incorporated into integrated graphics solutions in VIA chipsets and digital media processors. Whilst VIA has included the Chrome series in EPIA boards before, they have now launched a new PCI Express graphics card, which they claim is the first low profile discrete card ever designed for the embedded industry.

The features of the card include:

PCIe 2.0 Bus Interface
512MB DDR3
Low profile form factor
Dual-Link DVI and HDMI (with HDCP)
Fully programmable DirectX 10.1 Unified Shader Core
OpenGL 3.1 + OpenGL ES 2.0
GPGPU on OpenCL 1.0
H.264 and VC-1 support for Blu-Ray
Support for resolutions up to 2560x1600
1080p/1080i/720p HD-decode
Steroscopic 3D capable
Dual display support

The embedded industry is increasingly finding that customers want better display output and more complex multi-monitor support. The eH1 card aims to fulfill this need.