ODROID-U2 on the left... Hardkernel's corporate card on the right? (via Hardkernel)
Hardkernel Co, the open-source hardware company from Korea, has achieved quite a bit of success over the years with the release of several of the world’s first Android, ARM-powered development boards. Their latest release, the ODROID-U2, is an upgrade to its U predecessor sporting a 1.7GHz Quad core platform with 2GB of RAM to offer developers an ultra-compact solution with PC-like performance.
As the world’s first company to offer quad core processing power in a palm-sized platform, the ODROID-U2 continues the trend with the use of a Samsung Exynos 4412 Prime ARM Cortex-A9 Processor with POP 2GB of LPDDR2 RAM. An integrated Mali-400 quad core GPU running at 440MHz is included in the package complete with a little headroom available for overclocking. A stacked hub design provides two high-speed USB 2.0 ports and a 10/100Mbps Ethernet connection. A micro HDMI connector outputs video at full 1080p, an audio codec provides sound through a 3.5mm headphone jack, and power is supplied via 5V2A DC jack. Memory storage and system booting is performed through the onboard Micro SD slot or the eMMC module.
Though limited in on-board feature availability, the ODROID-U2 is meant to provide developers with a simple, ultra compact design for their rapid development needs on a fast and flexible platform. That being said, several modules are available for purchase that will upgrade its on-board features via USB, UART, eMMC, and PWM interfaces such as: cooling fans, a USB to IO expansion board for GPIO/PWM/SPI/UART/12/ADC interfaces, micro HDMI to HDMI cables, bluetooth modules, eMMC memory modules, and WiFi kits. When they say developers, who did they have in mind for such a platform?
The ODROID-U2 will also come packaged with a full-enclosable aluminum shield to cover its incredibly compact 48mmx52mm PCB design (59mm x 57mm x 60mm with case). The fully open ODROID-U2 supports Android & Linux Ubuntu with boot-ready micro SDs available for purchase. The price is currently set at $89 from the Korean manufacturer with worldwide shipping options - and as a heads up, you can expect your device to be shipped at least a full-week after the order has been placed.
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