CNX Software - Embedded Systems News

August 7, 2018 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 1 Comment

Android 9 “Pie” Released – Download Firmware Images and AOSP Source Code

After several Android P developer previews and Android P beta releases, Google has now officially released Android 9 “Pie” operating system which brings new features leveraging artificial intelligence such as adaptive battery, app actions or slices, as well as support for WiFi RTT indoor positioning, displays with notch, a new neural API, and so on. I’ve already covered the new features in previous posts, so I won’t go over them again in this post. There’s however a new service/app called Digital WellBeing, which I had not heard of before, and which aims at helping you taking time away from your phone. It will officially launch this fall, but Pixel phone owners can apply for the beta version. You can install Android 9 on your phone by downloading the firmware images (or via OTA) if you own one of the following phones “Google Pixel 2 XL “taimen”, Google Pixel 2 “walleye”, […]

August 6, 2018August 25, 2018 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 24 Comments

AIO-3399J Development Board Review with Ubuntu 16.04

AIO-3399J WiFi, Heatsink, USB Firmware Update

Regular readers will know that Firefly team sent me several of their Rockchip boards for evaluation, and I started with a review of ROC-RK3328-CC development board powered by Rockchip RK3328 processor. This time, I went with the high-end AIO-3399J board comprised of a features-packed baseboard and a Rockchip RK3399 system-on-module. Just like with the previous review, I’ve decided to focus on Linux support, in this case Xunbuntu 16.04, and I’ll do an Android review on the company releases Android 8.1 for Firefly-RK3399 board. First Boot with AIO-3399J Board Before booting the board, I inserted the heatsink, and connected the provided WiFi antennas. I also connected some devices and cables, including a mouse, the male to male USB cable to the top USB 3.0 (OTG) port for firmware update, a HDMI cable to my TV, and Ethernet cable, as well as the serial debug board. The final step was to connect […]

August 6, 2018 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 2 Comments

WiFiBoy32 is an ESP32 Portable Game Console and IoT Devkit

I’ve noticed that ever since Hardkernel launched their ODROID-GO “10th anniversary” portable game console based on ESP32 processor, most of the talk on IRC and social media is about this new toy, and people almost seem to have forgotten about the company’s Arm Linux boards 🙂 But recently, I’ve come across a somewhat similar ESP32 device called WiFiBoy32 that acts as both a portable game console and an IoT development kit. WiFIBoy32 specifications: Wireless module – ESP32-WROOM-32 wireless module with 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 LE connectivity Display – 2.4″ 240×320 color SPI TFT LCD display Expansion – 2x 8-pin through holes with GPIOs, SPI, DAC, I2S,ADC, VP/VN, and power signals (3.3V, Vin, GND) Misc Top – 6x large gaming buttons, select and start push buttons, buzzer Bottom – PROG and RESET buttons, user LED USB – 1x micro USB port for power and programming (CP2102) Dimensions – 120 […]

August 6, 2018 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 4 Comments

Chuwi Hi9 Pro 4G Tablet with 2K Display, Deca-Core Processor Goes for $139.99 (Promo)

If you need something larger than a smartphone and still offering 4G data connectivity, Chuwi Hi9 Pro tablet might be interesting with its 8.4″ high resolution display, Mediatak Helio X20 processor, 3GB/32GB memory & storage configuration. It’s especially interesting in the next few days as, Chuwi and GearBest have launched a promotion offering the 4G tablet for just $139.99 shipped. Chuwi Hi9 Pro tablet specifications: SoC – Mediatek Helio X20 (MT6797) deca-core processor with 2x Cortex A72 cores @ 2.3 GHz, 4x Cortex A53 cores @ 1.85 GHz, and 4x Cortex A53 cores @ 1.4 GHz, as well as a Mali-T880 GPU @ 780 MHz System Memory – 3GB DDR3 RAM Storage – 32GB flash, micro SD slot up to 128GB Display – 8.4″ capacitive touchscreen IPS display with 2560 x 1600 resolution, 10-point touch. Audio – 3.5m headphone jack, built-in speaker and microphone Camera – 8MP rear camera, 5MP […]

August 6, 2018 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - No Comments

Exen Proto Arduino Compatible Board is based on Microchip SAMD21 MCU (Crowdfunding)

Nerdonic launched Exen Mini last year as the world’s smallest 32-bit Arduino compatible board, and getting the smallest board possible is very good for some projects, but so not much for other as Exen Mini is limited to just 8 I/O pins. So the company made another larger board called Exen Proto based on the same Microchip SAMD21 Cortex M0+ microcontroller, but offering more I/Os. Exen Proto specifications with difference against Exen Mini highlighted in bold: MCU – Microchip SAMD21 Cortex M0+ MCU @ 48 MHz with 256KB flash, 32KB SRAM I/Os via 2x 12-pin 2.54mm pitch headers Up to 20x digital I/O Up to 19x PWM Up to 11x analog (ADC) up to 12-bit resolution 2x UART Up to 5x I2C 1x reset Limits – 3.3V, 7mA USB – 1x micro USB port Programming – Via micro USB port or SWD header Misc – Power LED, user LED, button […]

August 5, 2018August 5, 2018 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - No Comments

20-Hour Free Blockchain Training Course from the Linux Foundation

If we believe all the talk on the internet, blockchain technology will change the future by offering an ultra secure way to store all sort of data, and as we’ve seen with the IOTA tangle previously, it should impact all types of sectors and applications including the Internet of Things. So even if it is still early it might be worth learning more about the technology, and the Linux Foundation, which normally offers course from a few hundred dollars to several thousands dollars, is also offering a free blockchain training course entitled “Blockchain: Understanding Its Uses and Implications“. You’ll get 20 hours of video content and transcript, and can learn on demand at your own pace. Course outline: Chapter 1. Introduction to Blockchain – This section covers some of the technical aspects that comprise a blockchain and explain why blockchain is different and “works” in comparison with technologies of the […]

August 4, 2018August 9, 2018 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 7 Comments

TS80 USB type-C Soldering Iron Up for Sale for $79.99

TS100 digital programmable soldering iron has been popular in recent years due to its compact size, open source STM32 firmware, fast heating, and it does the job. Another advantage is that the soldering can be powered by a standard 19V laptop power supply. As noted in a post about a separate soldering pen board with audio jack, the company behind TS100 has been working on a new model called TS80 powered via USB type C port, lighter & more compact, and supporting soldering tips that connect through a typical 3.5mm audio jack. The good news is that TS80 is now available for $89.99 on Sainsmart under the ToolPAC brand. Use TS80 coupon for $10 discount. [Update: TS80 is now sold on Banggood for $72.99 shipped] TS80 SUB type-C soldering iron specifications: MCU – STMicro STM32F103T8 Arm Cortex-M3 MCU @ 72 MHz with 20KB SRAM, 64KB or 128KB flash Temperature Range […]

August 3, 2018October 2, 2019 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 16 Comments

Wavlink AC600 Waterproof WiFi Repeater & Router Claims up to 2 km Range

WiFi is used indoors in most cases, but if you are a service provider, or own property with a park or beach, you may want to extend your WiFi coverage outdoors. The only problem is that more routers are not designed to be placed outdoors, and it’s not always easy to protect them from raining, humidity or even sunlight. So ideally in those case, you’d want a weatherproof / waterproof WiFi repeater or touter, and one of those is Wavlink AC600 dual band AC repeater / router which I first found on Banggood for $69.99.Wavlink WL-WN570HA1 AC600 router specifications: Connectivity WiFI Dual band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac WiFi up to ~600 Mbps: 150Mbps @ 2.4 GHz, 433Mbps @ 5 Ghz Encryption mode – WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK Transmission distance – 2km Max Functions – WDS & WPS (No VPN) “Up to 1000 mW of power and enhanced receiver design” Ethernet – Waterproof 10/100Mbps Ethernet port (RJ45) Misc – 3x LEDs for signal strength indication Power Supply – […]