Android

Posted on by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 13 Comments on Rockchip RK6321 Dual Core Cortex A5 SoC Targets Wearables with WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G and GPS

Rockchip RK6321 Dual Core Cortex A5 SoC Targets Wearables with WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G and GPS

Rockchip and Intel started to work on a platform called XMM6321 last year. It featured a dual Core Cortex A5 processor, 3G connectivity, WiFi, and GPS, which was aimed at entry level 3G smartphones and tablets. Fast forward to 2015, Rockchip showcased their RK6321 processor at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair, with very similar specifications compared to XMM6321, but instead it targets wearables such as smartwatches, or children and elderly tracker. So I’ m not quite sure whether Intel XMM6321 and Rockchip RK6321 are the same processor with a different name, or Rochchip tweaked RK6321 specifically for wearables. Key features of Rockchip RK6321 processor: CPU – Two Cortex A5 cores up to 1GHz with 32KB L1 D-cache, 32KB L1 I-cache, and 512KB L2 cache GPU – Supports OpenGL ES 2.0 Memory and Storage I/F – 16-bit LP-DDR2 SDRAM, 8-bit  eMMC, 16-bit NAND Display I/F – MIPI DSI up to FWVGA […]

Posted on by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 5 Comments on BeagleBoard-X15 Board Based on TI Sitara AM5728 SoC Announced, To Sell for $239

BeagleBoard-X15 Board Based on TI Sitara AM5728 SoC Announced, To Sell for $239

We’ve first found out about Beagleboard-X15 open source hardware board about a year ago, and development has taken a bit longer than expected, but Beagleboard.org has now formally launched BeagleBoard-X15, which remains based on Texas Instruments Sitara AM5728 dual Cortex A15 processor, and is expected to ship before Christmas for $239. The key part of the specifications are still the same as last year, but we’ve got a few more details now: SoC – Texas Instruments Sitara AM5728 with: Two ARM Cortex A15 cores @ 1.5 GHz PowerVR SGX544-MP2 3D GPU, Vivante GC320 2D GPU Two Cortex M4 cores @ 212 MHz Dual core C66x DSP @ 700 MHz IVA (Image and Video Accelerator) for 1080p video decode (H.264, VC-1, MPEG 1/2/4, AVS, etc..) Four 32-bit PRUs (Programmable Real-time Units) System Memory – 2GB DDR3L @ 533MHz Storage – 4GB 8-bit eMMC flash, micro SD slot, and eSATA interface (500 […]

Posted on by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 2 Comments on BLOCKS Modular Smartwatch Replaces the Watchband With Smart Modules (Crowdfunding)

BLOCKS Modular Smartwatch Replaces the Watchband With Smart Modules (Crowdfunding)

While Project Ara aims to create a modular smartphone, the guys behind BLOCKS have designed a modular smartwatch with the Core (the main watch) and various hot swappable smart modules that clip together with a clasp make the watch band. BLOCKS’ Core specifications: SoC – Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor System Memory –  512 MB RAM Storage – 4GB flash (ePoP) Display – 1.36″ round display, resolution: 360 pixels diameter Connectivity – 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 Sensors – Accelerometer / Gyro Audio – Microphone Misc – Power button, vibration motor IP Rating – IP67 (but target is IP68) Battery – 400 mAh battery; good for ~1.5 days on a charge Dimensions – TBD Weight – TBD So the Core module is already a standalone smartwatch on its own, and they do provide one without module, but just a simple strap. The watch runs a modified version of Android Lollipop, and […]

Posted on by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 26 Comments on WeTek Core 4K Media Player Unboxing and Teardown

WeTek Core 4K Media Player Unboxing and Teardown

WeTek Core is the latest media player from WeTek Electronics, based on Amlogic S812-H processor with 2GB RAM, and 8GB flash. By default, it will ship with Android 5.1 using DRM libraries enabling Netflix HD, but you’ll also be able to install OpenELEC, and later on Lubuntu once/if the community gets involved like for WeTek Play. The company sent me one sample, and I’ll start by checking out the device and internal hardware. WeTek Core Unboxing That’s the package which lists the specifications and provides links to WeTek Facebook page and forums. The box ships with a 12V/1A power adapter with clippable US, EU and UK plugs, an HDMI cable, WeTek’s IR and RF 6-axis remote control with voice search function, a small (and cool) tool for firmware updates, and a blue document showing the device’s ports. The power button and LED are located on one of the corners at […]

Posted on by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 35 Comments on Zidoo X6 Pro Android TV Box Review

Zidoo X6 Pro Android TV Box Review

Zidoo X6 Pro is a 64-bit ARM Android TV Boxes  based on Rockchip RK3368 processor, promising support for HDMI 2.0 and video decoding up to 4K2K @ 60Hz. While the others I’ve tried so far, such as Beelink i68,  are pre-loaded with some version of Kodi 14.2, X6 Pro comes with a modified version of Kodi 15.1. I published pictures of the Zidoo X6 Pro TV box and board a few days ago, and today I’ll review the box’ features, performance, and capabilities. First Boot, Settings and First Impressions I’ve connected a USB hard drive to one of the two USB ports, as well as a USB hub with two RF dongles for Tronsmart Mars G01 gamepad and MeLE F10 Deluxe air mouse, a USB keyboard, and a USB webcam. I’ve also inserted an Ethernet cable, an HDMI cable, an optical audio cable, a Class 10 micro SD card, as […]

Posted on by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 3 Comments on Walabot MIMO Radar Board Can See Through Walls Thanks to Vayyar 3D Imaging Sensors

Walabot MIMO Radar Board Can See Through Walls Thanks to Vayyar 3D Imaging Sensors

A few days ago, I wrote about Orbbec Astra 3D camera that can analyze distance and depth to form a 3D image of object. However, this solution uses an IR sensors, and while it can fulfill the needs of many application it does not allow to see through object, and that’s exactly what Walabot wideband MIMO radar board promises to do thanks to Vayyar 3D imaging sensor and a dozen of RF antennas. Some of the key features and preliminary specifications of Walabot board include: Vayyar VYYR2401 3D imaging sensor 12 (or is it 14?) non-contact antennas array system based on “Octopus A3 System on chip” Build in Tx/Rx linear polarized wide-band antennas from 3-10Ghz. On-board Cypress FX3 controller for communication and pre-processing EEPROM (for inventory and calibration information) Walabot interface connectors: Micro-USB 2.0 for high-rate data communication. Option to provide supply from USB. Single supply voltage 4.5-5.5v input for […]

Posted on by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 5 Comments on Xiaomi Mi Smart Remote Center Review

Xiaomi Mi Smart Remote Center Review

Xiaomi Mi Smart Remote Center is a tiny box with WiFi connectivity and IR transmitters that is used to control infrared enabled devices such as TVs, medai players, air conditioners and more with your Android smartphone. The good thing is that it only costs $20, so I asked GearBest to send a sample to check it out, which they did. I’ll start this review by checking out the hardware, before running MiHome app to control a television and air conditioner. Xiaomi Mi Smart Remote Center Unboxing and Teardown The package is just a cardboard box with Mi logo. Once you open the page there’s a sticker with the QR core redirecting to MiHome app. You can peel it off, and take the box out of the package, where you’ll also find a USB to micro USB cable for power, and a user’s manual in Chinese only. To open the device […]

Posted on by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 5 Comments on Google Releases Android 6.0 Source Code and Factory Images for Nexus Devices

Google Releases Android 6.0 Source Code and Factory Images for Nexus Devices

Google has pushed Android 6.0 source code to AOSP (Android Open Source Project), and released factory images (MRA58K) for Nexus 6 & Nexus 5 smartphones, Nexus Player, as well as Nexus 9 and Nexus 7 (2013) tablets. You can retrieve the code with the usual repo tool:

Some of keys changes are listed on Android Source microsite and include Doze and App Standby to save battery, new authentication interface sich as Fingerprint, Gatekeeper, and Keymaster, adoptable storage, Bluetooth stylus support, and more. If you want a more detailed changelog at the source code, Opersys got you covered by listing all differences between 5.1.1_r24 (LMY48W) to 6.0.0_r1 (MRA58K) with newly added components,  removed components, and modified components. Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in […]