Via announces $49 APC Android PC, ships in July

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Officially launched today by Taiwanese Electronics Company Via, the APC is an inexpensive $49 Android PC that allows you to run a modded Android 2.3 as a desktop operating system. Your $50 will get you a 800MHz processor, 512MB DDR3 memory, 2GB NAND Flash, and support for graphic resolutions up to 720p. It also includes Ethernet, inputs and outputs for HDMI, VGA, 4 USB 2.0 slots, microSD, and audio out/mic in. The APC is clearly not a mass-market product, because it comes as just a naked board without a case. However, we definitely think there will be a market at just $49 when it ships in July. Preorders are expected to open soon through the company’s website. Below are images of the device and UI, as well as the full press release from Via:

VIA Initiates APC: The $49 Android PC
Taipei, Taiwan, 22nd May, 2012 – VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient computing platforms, today unveiled the $49 APC Android PC system. Powered by a WonderMedia ARM processor, APC integrates memory, storage, and a full set of consumer I/O features in a small footprint Neo-ITX motherboard that can be connected to a TV or monitor. The system also features a custom build of Android that has been optimized for keyboard and mouse input, and comes with a browser and a selection of preinstalled apps.

“APC brings the familiarity and convenience of Android to the PC at a US$49 price point that will open up exciting new markets and applications,” said Richard Brown, VP of Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. “Like a bicycle for your mind, APC will enable more people than ever before to explore the vast online universe.”
APC is based on the new Neo-ITX form factor measuring just 17cm x 8.5cm and can be housed in any standard Mini-ITX or microATX chassis, providing enthusiasts with unrivaled flexibility to create new mods and DIY projects as well as ensuring rapid time to market for
system integrators and OEMs utilizing the platform. APC consumes only 4 watts when operating at idle power and 13.5 watts at maximum load. This is ten times less than a standard PC system and ensures significant power savings in large scale deployments.

APC Features
APC combines an optimized version of Android with a rich hardware package to deliver the best of the internet to users. With the inclusion of hardware acceleration for the most demanding video formats, the APC delivers stunning HD quality multimedia, either streamed from sites such as YouTube or stored locally and delivers a great gaming experience on a large screen monitor or TV.

Key Features:
• Optimized Android OS
• HD TV support
• Hardware acceleration of the most demanding video formats
• VGA and HMDI display ports
• Four USB 2.0 ports
• One microSD slot
• One 10/100 Ethernet portVIA Initiates APC, a $49 Android PC 2/3
• Audio-out/ Mic-in
• VIA WonderMedia ARM 11 SoC
• 2GB NAND Flash
• 512 DDR3 SDRAM
• 15W power adaptor

Information Links
For more information about APC please visit: www.apc.io
For images related to this press release, please visit:
http://www.viagallery.com/Products/apc.aspx

To watch a short introductory video about APC, please visit: http://youtu.be/EAGxRqJZHE8
Pricing and Availability
Priced at just US$49, APC will be ship in July 2012. For more details, please visit
www.apc.io.