Keep up to date with the latest news and announcements from VIA and its partners at CES 2009 by regularly checking in at VIA’s own video and image sites.

The VIA Video Library will be hosting regular VIA@CES content designed to give you first glimpses of the exciting products that are typically rolled out during the event. There will also be interviews with some of the companies showcasing their products in Vegas, as well as first-look reviews of new devices.

VIA’s image repository, VIA Gallery, will also be regularly updated with photos from the event, and is already home to a variety of photos showing off the impressive array of VIA-powered mini-note PCs that will be displayed at the annual Lunch@Piero's media event.

And of course, we’ll be keeping track of events right here on VIA Arena.

VIA Nano "FreeStyle" netbook hands-on 

The 'book in question is a Nano-driven model that will be sold under the "Dr. Mobile" brand name and dubbed the "FreeStyle." The system boasts a 1.3GHz CPU (which can be clocked to 1.6GHz), runs atop the VX800 chipset, features an 11.6-inch (1366 x 768) display, a proper trackpad with two real buttons, and sports 802.11b/g, Bluetooth, and optional onboard mobile broadband.

Dr. Mobile FreeStyle Mini is powered by VIA Nano CPU

It’s been a while since VIA introduced its OpenBook reference design. A good long while. But now it looks like at least one company is preparing to release a VIA Nano-powered mini-notebook based on the OpenBook design.

VIA's Nano processor finally showing up in systems

I was quite impressed with VIA's Nano when we put the chip to a head-to-head battle against Intel's Atom, but a good deal of that luster has faded in the past six months. For all the processor's potential, we have yet to see a single major North American product launch that would put the chip in the hands of interested buyers. Fortunately, that's about to change.

VIA's dual-core Nano still on track, but it's not the Nano 3000

We know, we can't imagine how this naming convention could be confusing at all, but VIA's vice president of corporate marketing Richard Brown has stepped forward to clarify things a bit. In short, that Nano 3000 we heard about a few days back will not be dual-core, but the firm is still lining up a dual-core version of its Nano processor in order to totally slay Intel's Atom in the future. 

Intel hits into white-box netbook market in China

The sources believe Intel's move to enter the white-box market in China could form a blockade to limit AMD and VIA Technologies from spreading their shares of the netbook market.However, the sources are worried that the support from Intel could bring about a surge in the market share of China white-box netbook makers which would impact brand vendors. The next six months will be the key period to determine whether brand vendors can maintain their ground, the sources noted. 

CES 2009: SanDisk Launches Next-Generation Solid-State Drives for Netbook Market

“SanDisk’s Gen 2 pSSD drives have the best combination of capacity, performance, weight, pricing and power advantages to really excite designers, manufacturers and users of netbooks,” said Richard Brown, VP of Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. “Our latest reference designs will include SanDisk’s Gen2 pSSD drives, and we look forward to working with SanDisk to aggressively address the netbook market’s needs.” 

Pico Home Server: The Worlds Smallest Windows Home Server

Ok, where was I. Oh yeah, VIA has created system builders kit that is based on the VIA EPIA PX-Series Pico-ITX main board. It's called the ARTiGO A1000. For those of you who may not be familiar, Pico-ITX imageis a standard motherboard form factor that is a mere 10 x 7.2 cm (smaller than your wallet). The entire computer, case and all, measures just 5.9" x 4.3" x 1.8" (15cm x 11cm x 4.5cm). Let me be clear about this folks, this system is small! 

The amazing success of "netbooks" 

These days, "netbooks" get a lot of press. You' think a "netbook" were some sort of miraculous new device, a technological breakthrough that lets you do new and wondrous things. In fact, "netbooks" are nothing more than little notebooks. There is absolutely nothing new or exciting about them. And there is nothing that makes them earn the "netbook" name.

AMD takes aim at netbook market

Chip firm Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has revealed details of its Yukon reference designs for ultra thin noteboks.The machines will use the Athlon Neo microprocessor, ATI Radeon X1250 graphics and AMD has a design win in the shape of Hewlett Packard. 

Intel accused of stuffing channel

A report to his clients by Broadpoint tech analyst Doug Freedman claimed that Intel is stuffing the channel and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to "mute" the demand cycle, meaning it is likely to achieve its expected near term goals.

Since the inception of the HP Mini-Note 2133 I have come across dozens of stories where the more geeky among us are trying out new approaches to mobile computing. The video below gives us a glimpse of how some clever individuals have adapted, or ported, Google's Android OS to run on the HP Mini 2133 for a really lightweight, trimmed down environment on a classy compact device.

People mostly use Mininote or Netbook PCs for entertainment, Internet browsing, chatting and emailing, so a complicated, full operating system is far from necessary. Google Android is a very simple open source  operating system currently being used on smartphones. Well known for its easy to use interface and user-friendly features, Android also has the added bonus of supporting thousands of (currently) free apps that users can download and install from the Android Market, making it one of the most customizable and versatile mobile OSes out there.

You'll notice in the video that the HP Mini boots from a USB stick. This is could be real winner in situations where all you need is your web broser and your cloud based apps.

It seems that the VIA Nano is on the verge of making a very significant splash in early 2009. Images have surfaced showing a very attractive looking thin 'n light notebook from a new company called Dr Mobile. The the device is known as the 'Freestyle 1300n ' and is powered by the eagerly anticipated VIA Nano processor.

The VIA Nano processor in the Freestyle PC is clocked at 1.3GHz and is supported by the VIA VX800 media system processor which boasts excellent hardware acceleration for most popular video codecs as well as great audio and networking capabilities including 802.11b/g, Bluetooth, and of course optional 3G connectivity.

The Dr Mobile Freestyle 1300n is expected to retail at around the $500 price point, but what really sets it apart from other affordable products on the market right now, is it's 11.6-inch display which offers much real estate than your average netbook.

Expect to see more of Dr Mobile in the coming week with the Freestyle taking center stage during CES this week.

January is always a busy time of year in the IT industry, not least because of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas which usually falls on the first few weeks of the year. With this in mind the video below features Richard Brown, VP of Marketing here at the VIA offices, talking us through some of the innovative products that VIA will be showing during this years CES event.

From cool mobile products like Dr Mobile's Freestyle thin n' light notebook, to new partners such as Shuttle, Foxconn and Tull with their small form factor desktops, it's certainly clear that 2009 is going to be important and interesting year for VIA.

Nano-powered "FreeStyle" netbook hands-on

We had a chance to sit down with VIA's VP of sales and marketing, Richard Brown, earlier today to discuss the finer points of the company's position in the marketplace. While it was a intriguing conversation (mostly about the state of netbook and smartphone CPUs in 2009), our eye was caught by a prototype netbook he'd brought with him. The 'book in question is a Nano-driven model that will be sold under the "Dr. Mobile" brand name and dubbed the "FreeStyle."  

FreeStyle Features VIA Nano: Outperforms Atom

Engadget is has a few sleek shots of the new FreeStyle Dr. Mobile Netbook which features the VIA Nano Processor, the popular Atom’s new competition.  VIA contends that the Nano will outperform comparatively matched Intel Atom machines.  While the specs of this machine are nothing too different with what we’ve seen of current netbooks,  the design clearly shows that the netbook mold (screen size under 10 inches, cramped keyboard, small trackpad) is starting to change.  Can we expect to see underpowered, full-size notebooks later in the year?  Look for more details as GBM’s CES coverage continues. 

Via claims big Chinese Nano wins

Taiwanese chip company Via claimed it is in the right position to capitalise on the 2009 mobile and so-called netbook market.That will be by aiming at thin and light notebooks using the Via Nano processor and the VX800 and the Via Trinity platform, which we revealed last year.

Via's Dual-core Nano Processor on Track for Late 2009

In May, Via disclosed plans to release a dual-core Nano processor produced using a 45-nanometer process, saying the chip should be ready by the end of 2009. That schedule remains on track, with Brown saying the first dual-core Nano processor is set to arrive during the fourth quarter.

VIA Nano Enhanced with SSE4 to Compete Against Intel Atom

Previously we mentioned about VIA Nano processors Roadmap indicated that the dual-core series that were supposed to reach market place by mid of 2010, now it seems that the Fabless silicon manufacturer, VIA Technologies has pulled in its release plan with early sample availability to board makers by second half of 2009 and potentially mass production readiness by first quarter of 2010. 

Another Android port - HP2133 Mini Note.

Here’s another look at Android on an X86 platform. It’s a VIA-based HP 2133 mini note. We’ll all ask ourselves ‘why’ again but I think if Android carries on getting this much attention, it won’t be long before we say ‘when?  

Move over, Eee: Android now running on HP Mini-Note 2133

Not content with letting the freelancers at Venture Beat hog the spotlight, some HP-loving Canadians decided to take their 2133 Mini-Note and add a dash of Google’s Android OS — the best thing to happen to netbooks since SSD. There isn’t really much in terms of details right now, but if you’re the kind of person who gets totally stoked by watching someone go through a preference pane and empty photo album — without using a mouse, mind you — we’ve got just the video for you after the break. Let’s hope this Android-netbook lovefest doesn’t stop anytime soon.

VIA’s Nano CPU represents foray into 64-bit world

VIA has been a long-time maker of competing x86-based products. Their products have not always been well known as their market share is very small due to limited manufacturing abilities and poorly performing products (their x86 FPU was half-clocked until the most recent iteration before Nano). Still, they have kept the pace over the years and have produced processors that require very little power suitable for low-end notebooks and desktop computer system.s And now, they are prepping a 64-bit version, called VIA Nano. 

Indian PC market to grow

India is likely to buck the worldwide trend and see a huge increase in PC sales, according to analyst firm Gartner.In a press release, Gartner said that that, aided by a surge in demand for laptops, India's PC market will grow by 13.7 per cent to 11.1 million units this year. It will not be companies that are doing the buying, but consumers and government departments, Gartner predicts.

tkArena has published an another guide and a video on CyberLink MediaShow 4. In the last guide on MediaShow 4, tkArena explained how it can be used to manage, enhance and share photos and now, in the second part of the guide you will learn how MediaShow 4 can also be used for editing, managing, enhancing and sharing videos, as well as DVD creation.

Up until 2008, desktops were the king of the PC segment with notebooks trailing behind in terms of sales globally. 2008 however was marked with the success of netbooks and mini-notes which helped propel mobile computing into top slot.

People are looking to VIA to offer a refreshing change in 2009 with increased adoption of its VIA Nano processor in mobile platforms throughout the year. The news that VIA will soon be releasing the Nano dual core processor has been warmly welcomed and will help bolster VIA's position in this highly competitive space. The VIA Nano 3000 family will be compatible with previous VIA chips and will, according to reports, also be based on VIA’s latest 64-bit Isaiah architecture. For more details check out this article on CNET

Netbooks set to go Dual Core - Can VIA and AMD Take on Intel’s Atom?

Though not much can be done to address the first complaint, the second will likely become a moot point in 2009. This is the year we will start to see dual core and graphics accelerated netbooks go main stream. With the Intel Atom 330 already launched, the stakes will be raised considerably with new offerings from both VIA and AMD. As disappointing as this must be for AMD, it appears as though the VIA offering will be the strongest Intel competitor, but this may change closer to launch. The VIA 3000 family will be an X86-compatible processor based on its existing Nano 1000, and 2000 series platform. What promises to give VIA the edge over AMD however, is compatibility with the SSE4 instruction set. This will give them a substantial performance boost in many processor intensive tasks. 

Report: Via readying dual-core Atom rival

Via Technologies is planning a very low-power, dual-core Nano 3000 processor, according to Chinese-language Web site HKEPC.Via's C7-M processor is used in Hewlett-Packard's 2133 Mini-Note, which preceded the crop of Netbooks based on the Atom CPU. Via processors, however, were subsequently eclipsed by Intel's Atom. 

VIA dual-core Nano 3000 CPU coming 2010

VIA are planning single- and dual-core Nano 3000 processors each with very low power requirements, expected to begin to hit the market from late 2009.  The single-core Nano 3000 CPUs will be made using 65nm processes, and offer integer and floating-point enhancement over the existing Nano 1000/2000 series chips; meanwhile the dual-core Nano 3000 will have a native dual-core design, be built using 45nm or 40nm processes and offer twice the performance.

What to expect from CES 2009

Netbooks were the hot technology of 2008, and manufacturers are xpected to continue to push the category with a range of new features. Asus, for example, is widely-anticipated to show off its first touchscreen Eee PC, while rumours swirl that netbook-doubter Sony is about to relent and introduce an Atom-powered 8in VAIO.Samsung recently impressed us with its NC10 netbook and will be looking to build on that success with the NC20, which is thought to be powered by VIA's elusive Nano. 

Microsoft adds to Atom’s restrictions

CPU has to be single-core and no more than 1 GHz unless it’s one of the following: Intel Atom (N270, N230, Z500, Z510, Z520, Z530, Z540); or Intel Celeron 220; or AMD Geode LX, Athlon (2650e, Sempron 210U); or VIA C7-M (ULV), Neon (U2300, U2400, and U2500) CPU.

HP asks Intel to ease Atom restrictions

Taiwanese news wire DigiTimes is reporting that HP is in negotiations with Intel to get the Atom platform restrictions eased.If successful, HP is hoping to be able to offer a netbook that has an 11.6 inch screen in the second quarter of 2009 - current restrictions apparently limit the screen size to just 10.2 inches.

What do we look at when we go to buy a notebook? The answer is performance, power and price. The Enduro RL311 from Relion is based on a 1.6GHz VIA C7-M 765 processor so this notebook meets the three criteria that consumers look for. The 12.1 inch notebook has 84 key planks with the key board which is almost equivalent to a normal sized keypad. It has a brightly lit LCD display screen but the most impressive feature is its battery life. It is able to run 2 hours while playing HD movies.

The Relion Enduro RL311 is available at the modest price range of within US $600 while most of its contemporaries are priced above. The detailed information on its specs and features is available on the Relion official website.

Most iPod docking systems are too basic with just an iPod dock to supply speakers and not much else. Here is not one but two innovative iPod docking system with a lot more to offer than simply playing music files.

"Time to spend your festive season gift money and vouchers! If you’ve already got an iPod or an iPhone then you need to get yourself a microsystem with an iPod dock. The microsystems we feature in this video are not that basic microsystems with just a dock for your iPod. The AV Labs My Tube not only plays music files, it can also play videos from your iPod on its LCD screen.  And the AKAI micro music system is complete with a CD player and radio. Take a look!"- tkArena.

Digital photo frames are an elegant, affordable and convenient way to show off your photos: better than a notebook, PC and printed albums. tkArena has published a video and article to explore sizes and options available in the digital photo frames.

“Sometimes presentation is more impressive than the preparation. Showing photos to your friends and family on a digital photo frame is much easier than showing them in a photo album. We have published a video and an article to show you not one but three innovative digital photo frames - all different sizes and having slightly different uses.”- tkArena.

VIA to Update Processor Lineup with Dual Core Nano in 2009

According to most recent details on the Internet, VIA Technologies is expected to update its Nano processor lineup with the addition of a new Nano 3000 Series and the Via Nano Dual Core processors. The new range of low-power CPUs are expected to provide a performance boost over the company's current Nanos. Availability is slated for late 2009, with the Nano 3000 series due to be released in Q3, whereas the dual-core version of the Nano is expected to become available in the second half of 2009.

VIA Preparing Dual-Core Nano 3000 Processor for H2 2009

VIA, the third active player in the x86 processor market, is known for its low-power processors catering to the ULPC segment of the market. Sources tell HKEPC that the firm is now readying a dual-core variant of its Intel Atom competitor, the Nano 3000. The Nano 3000 series, slated for launches throughout 2009 includes a new architecture by VIA, while bearing the same essential Nano-BGA package.

Notebook Relion ENDURO RL 101

VIA processors for notebook? You may rarely heard. Indeed, the population using a device that VIA processor is very limited in number. Usually, the processor is used for sub-notebook size of 7-9 inches, or netbook that this is the most popular. This is in accordance with the characteristics of the processor, which VIA 'cold' and sparing no electricity, so batteries need chassis or large. 

Windows 7 may add spice to CES

Via's elusive Nano processor may also make an appearance. Rumor has it that Samsung will show its NC20 laptop based on a Nano processor.Some of Intel's competitors, meanwhile, may try to redefine how people think of netbooks by pushing more advanced capabilities. Advanced Micro Devices and Nvidia may talk more about boosting graphics on netbooks. Freescale and Qualcomm could demonstrate netbooks with more communication-savvy chips. 

AMD staff stream out of the door

As a result, the company's expected restructuring charges have rocketed to $70 million from the $50 million it previously predicted, and there are yet more charges expected for the fist half of next year. The company won't put a figure on these, perhaps on the basis that the situation will have changed again by then anyway. 

LCD industry offers optimistic forecast

The optimistic forecast has been attributed to falling inventory levels and a projected increase in orders. In addition, second-tier system manufacturers could agree to a price increase for monitors and notebook panels by mid-January 2009. However, first-tier system makers are unlikely to accept a price hike until February.