Dual-Core Android PC Now Comes On a USB Stick

absolut.evil writes "FXI Technologies has taken a dual core smartphone-esque computer and put it into a little USB stick. Neat. This allows you to plug into anything with a screen, USB port, and input device and run your own instance of Android. It weighs 21 grams and contains 'a dual-core 1.2-GHz Samsung Exynos ARM CPU (same as in the Galaxy S II), 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI-out and a microSD card slot for memory.'"

Comments

Developers

[bjb_admin]

I can understand developers would like this, since the android emulator in the SDK is slower than molasses in (northern) December. I suppose ICS would not be an issue to get on this for the future.

But $200 seems a little steep since a real tablet can be purchased for that price range (although with perhaps with less CPU/RAM). $50-$100 would probably be the sweet point.

Actually this reminds me of something I thought of when Siri came out. How long is it going to take for someone to come out with a screenless / keypadless phone that is pure voice recognition (built into a headset like a BT headset??)? Same thing for GPS units (rather than being distracted by a map you just have to listen to the directions, much like having a person reading you directions "like in the old days"). That would extend battery life, reduce costs, although would also reduce it to the basic functionality (sorry no angry birds).

Re:Developers

[martin-boundary]

Can you imagine all the people on the train playing angry birds by voice command!?

Large metropolis, 7:30 Monday morning, a train heading towards the CBD:

Commuter1: "Caw"
Commuter2: "Caw-caw"
Commuter3: "Caw-caw, caw-caw"
Commuter1: "Caw-ca-caw-caw"
Commuter3: "Caw-caw-caw-caw"
Commuter1: "Caw-caw, Damn, hey Commuter3, keep it down will you? I'm in the middle of a game!"
Commuter3: "Shut up Commuter1, you stupid loser, Caw-caw-caw-caw-caw-caw....caw!"
Commuter2: "Hey guys, stop arguing, it's interfering with my game"
Commuter1: "Fuck you Commuter2, I just lost the high score, want me to come over there and help you? Caw-Caw! How d'you like them birds?"

???

News at 11: "This morning's tragedy in the commuter train will be remembered for a long time..."

Re:!Now

[jduhls]

Wired says it will be less than $200:

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/11/android-cotton-candy-fxi/

Re:Why Android?

[LynnwoodRooster]

Though the current prototype runs Android 2.3, Borgar told us that the ARM-based hardware can run Ubuntu Linux currently and future versions should be able to run the ARM version of Windows 8.

With Ubuntu installed, the Cotton Candy can even be turned into a mobile file or web server!

RTFA next time.

RTFA? RTFA?!?!?!

THIS - IS - SLASHDOT!

Re:!Now

[ozmanjusri]

I mean what is the point of firing up an entire computer only to run ANOTHER full computer in a USB form factor?

I'm beginning to understand why you seem to be trolling all the time. It might help if you slowed down a little and read TFA (yeah, I know...)

Here, this might help:

"When connected to an HDTV, it uses the HDMI port for video, the USB for power, and Bluetooth to connect to a keyboard, mouse, or tablet for controlling the operating system."

Just slow down a little, understand what you're commenting on, and you'll come across as a much nicer person. I'm sure you're a good bloke at heart.

Personally, I'm looking at these things and thinking Amarino. If MIT can get it's act together and make it possible to include Amarino events in App Inventor, toys like this could really fire up home robotics. Imagine being able to use the voice control and face recognition in Ice Cream Sandwich to control real interactions!

These things are very cool, and they'll only get cheaper.

Re:!Now

[ozmanjusri]

Whoosh. You completely missed the point of my post.

I think you're the one missing everybody else's point.

Maybe it's different in the US, but virtually every HDTV sold over here already has at least one USB port. This thing would turn those TVs into a usable computer.