Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Intel's Penwell mobile processor given a close inspection, stuffs a lot into a little space

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/11/intel-penwell-mobile-chip-given-a-close-inspection/

Intel's Penwell mobile chip given a close inspection, stuffs a lot into a little space

If you're one of those who took the leap into a first wave of Intel-based smartphones like the RAZR i, you're likely the sort to wonder exactly what makes them tick. SemiAccurate certainly does: it just posted some previously inaccessible diagrams that help reveal how Medfield's system-on-a-chip heart, Penwell, is mapped out. As a die shot shows, the Atom core is seemingly the least important part of the design -- the PowerVR SGX 540 graphics, camera processing and input-output interfaces dominate the crowded silicon. Between this dense, all-in-one design and stacking up to 2GB of RAM directly on top, Penwell occupies about 17 percent less space than its Moorestown ancestor and helps explain why we're looking at Atom-powered phones instead of another round of MIDs. We wouldn't get too comfortable with the current generation, though, as Intel is gradually warming up 22-nanometer chips that could make Penwell seem old hat.

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Source: SemiAccurate

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The Arduino Esplora Is the Perfect Beginner Arduino, No Electronics Experience Required

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5967141/the-arduino-esplora-is-an-open-source-controller-packed-with-inputs-for-all-your-arduino-projects

The Arduino Esplora Is the Perfect Beginner Arduino, No Electronics Experience RequiredOne of the most difficult parts of any Arduino project is coming up with a way to actually interact with your creations. The Arduino Esplora is a new device that remedies that, and works as an open source controller for all types of projects.

At a glance, the Esplora looks just like a game controller, but it can be used for a wide variety of means. It has a built-in joystick, four buttons, a light sensor, slider, microphone, temperature sensor, and an accelerometer. It also connects easily with a USB cable, and works essentially like a keyboard or mouse input on your computer. As you'd expect, the Esplora launches with a library of code to get you started. The Esplora certainly looks like a game controller, but since it's the only Arduino that comes with a bunch of different input options it's also a great way to get started with Arduino without worrying about soldering or breadboards.

Arduino Esplora ($58) | Arduino

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Intel's Atom S1200 lays claim to title of world's first 6-watt server-class processor

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/11/intel-atom-s1200-server-data-centers/

Intel's Atom S1200 lays claim to title of world's first 6watt serverclass processor

We often hear talk about the most powerful servers and supercomputers, but the most power-efficient are just as important. On that latter front, Intel has today announced what it claims is the world's first 6-watt server-class processor, the Atom S1200. That's a 64-bit system-on-a-chip designed for use in data centers, and it comes in three variants ranging from 1.6GHz to 2.0GHz, each of which support up to 8GB of DDR3 memory, eight lanes of PCI Express 2.0, and all the basic features an x86-based data center requires. Not surprisingly, going the Atom route also entails a relatively low up-front cost, with the processors starting at just $54 in quantities of 1,000. And Intel is naturally promising even bigger advances in energy efficieny for the future, including a "leap further ahead" in 2014 when it moves to 14nm manufacturing for low-power Xeon processors, and Atoms after that.

Continue reading Intel's Atom S1200 lays claim to title of world's first 6-watt server-class processor

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Source: Intel

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Mozilla launches Firefox OS Simulator 1.0 into the wild, alongside per-window private browsing for nightlies

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/11/mozilla-firefox-os-simulator-download-private-browsing/

Mozilla launches Firefox OS Simulator 10 into the wild let the testing begin

We knew it was en route, and now developers anxious to try out potential apps for Firefox OS can finally get to cracking without the need to source any additional hardware. The 1.0 build of the Firefox OS Simulator enables devs to test their programs for the outfit's new mobile OS without having to find a compatible phone. Mozilla's calling this a "preview" for now -- given that Firefox OS itself is still in development -- but it's still an exciting launch for those who've been waiting patiently to get their code dirty. Moreover, the company is bringing per-window private browsing to Firefox, though it's being reserved for the experimental Nightly versions of Firefox until it's stable enough to hit the release channels. Head on over to the source links for more, or pop past the break for a video demonstration.

Continue reading Mozilla launches Firefox OS Simulator 1.0 into the wild, alongside per-window private browsing for nightlies

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Via: TechCrunch

Source: Mozilla (1), (2)

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Allwinner throws A20 dual-core and A31-quad-core processors into ARM fray

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/11/Allwinner-A20-A31-ARM-cortex-a7-processors/

Allwinner throws A20 dualcore and A31quadcore processors into ARM fray

Whimsically monikered Chinese chip-maker Allwinner has added a pair of ARM Cortex-A7 processors to its lineup supporting Android 4.2 or higher systems. The A20 is a dual-core design with 512KB L2 cache, dual-core Mali 400 graphics and 2160p HD video playback support, while the quad-core A31 packs a 1MB cache, PowerVR SGX 544 graphics and UHDTV (4k) video decoding talents. The A20 is pin compatible with its Linux-hobbyist favorite sibling, the A10 -- meaning devices such as the MK802 mini-PC using that chip could likely be upgraded by manufacturers on the cheap. However, the more powerful A31 seems destined for higher-end Android or Windows RT devices only, considering its beefier PowerVR graphics. On top of the extra zip, licensor Imagination Technologies keeps its source code cards close to the chest -- likely ruling out Linux for that chip.

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Via: TG Daily

Source: Allwinner (translated)

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