Libelium Launches 3G Module for Arduino Platform
Libelium introduced a 3G module for the Arduino platform. The 3G shield for Arduino enables the connectivity to high speed WCDMA and HSPA cellular networks. It features transfers up to 7.2Mbps, which is 20 times faster than with GPRS technology. The module also includes an internal GPS that enables the location of any Arduino both outdoors and indoors, combining standard positioning data from satellites with mobile cell triangulation in the assisted mobile mode (A-GPS).
Radicom Research Launches RB1000 Embedded Bluetooth Modules
Radicom Research introduced the RB1000 family of embedded Bluetooth modules for OEM’s. There are two platforms available: RB1000 and RB1000HM. The RB1000 is a surface mount PCB module with on-board antenna. The RB1000HM is a DIP, through-hole module. The RB1000 and RB1000HM single-mode Bluetooth modules are now available. Prices start at $9 in quantity of 1,000 each for the RB1000. The Radicom embedded Bluetooth modules are ideal for watches, AMR, medical sensors, mice, TV remote controls and fitness trainers.
Roving Networks Acquired by Microchip Technology
Microchip Technology has acquired Roving Networks. Their easy-to-use solutions are tailor made for embedded applications, and broaden the range of wireless connectivity options to help engineers enable their products. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive on a non-GAAP basis.
Mentor Graphics, Stonestreet One Integrate Bluetopia Protocol Stack with Nucleus RTOS
Mentor Graphics and Stonestreet One teamed together to integrate the Nucleus Real Time Operating System (RTOS) with the Bluetopia protocol stack. Seamless integrating Stonestreet One’s Bluetopia with Mentor’s Nucleus RTOS will enable developers to create innovative products for low power and connectivity with ease and reliability.
NI Unveils Data Dashboard for LabVIEW Apps for iPhone, iPad, Android
National Instruments introduced Data Dashboard for LabVIEW mobile apps. The apps for iPhone, iPad and Android devices help engineers integrate the latest mobile technology into their applications. The NI Data Dashboard for LabVIEW mobile apps help engineers access measurement data from data acquisition and embedded monitoring systems. The new apps combine the portability, ease of use, faster start-up time and longer battery longevity of mobile devices with the power of LabVIEW.
Wireless Innovation Forum Issues Call for Contributions
The Wireless Innovation Forum (SDR Forum version 2.0) has issued a call for contributions for the Open Source Framework for Commercial Baseband Software. The project focuses on reducing cost and time to market in deploying 3G and 4G, 3G+ systems, including: Fixed WiMAX (802.16d), Mobile WiMAX (802.16e), WiMAX-Advanced (802.16m), LTE (3GPP Release 8) and LTE-Advanced (3GPP Release 10). The Wireless Innovation Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to driving the future of radio communications and systems worldwide.
Big Surprise: Smartphone Owners Want Bigger Screens
According to research by Strategy Analytics, smartphone owners in the US and UK prefer device screens in the 4″ to 4.5″ range, as long as the device is also thin. Almost 90% of existing smartphone owners surveyed chose a prototype smartphone with a display larger than their current device. This trend is driven by increased mobile web browsing capability, and engaging video and gaming experiences. However, in order for smartphone owners to adopt larger devices, it is important for handset manufacturers to ensure that mobile devices are not too heavy and that the devices remain thin enough for purses and pockets.
Embedded Wi-Fi Chipsets to Eliminate Separate Wi-Fi Combo ICs
The Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 class processors will have integrated baseband processors for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 3G/4G cellular standards. According to NPD In-Stat, other processor manufacturers will soon follow suit. These companies have been acquiring both cellular and Wi-Fi intellectual property over the last two years. According to NPD In-Stat, new processors with embedded Wi-Fi baseband may eliminate the need for separate monolithic Wi-Fi combo chipsets. In-Stat expects the Wi-Fi combo chipset revenue loss could be as high as $590 million in 2015.
Panasonic, Red Bend Software Protect Personal Data on Android Smartphones
Panasonic teamed with Red Bend Software to develop a new solution to protect personal data such as photos, videos, documents and emails stored on Android smartphones. The new solution will be integrated into its future smartphone models. The solution prevent leakage of personal data from lost smartphones and unintended behavior of downloaded applications.
Smartphones with Quad-core Processors Coming Soon
According to Berg Insight, smartphones with dual-core application processors had sales of 60 million units worldwide in 2011. At the start of last year, the first smartphones with dual-core processors were launched. Now, about a year later, several handset vendors are expected to announce their first smartphones with quad-core processors. Quad-core processors will eventually accelerate adoption of dual-core processors for the mid-range smartphone segment.
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