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Microchip Introduces Accessory Development Kits for Android(ENP Newswire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ENP Newswire - 11 May 2011 Release date- 10052011 - CHANDLER, Ariz. - Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced its Accessory Development Starter Kits for Android, which enable accessory development for Google's Android platform. Specifically, Android versions 2.3.4 and 3.1 and later include a new framework that allows apps to communicate directly with an accessory connected to a smartphone or tablet, via USB. The kits consist of a development board and a software library, available via free download from http://www.microchip.com/get/522D, which enable the fast and easy development of Android smartphone and tablet accessories based on Microchip's large portfolio of 16-bit and 32-bit PIC microcontrollers. These microcontrollers feature industry-leading performance, integrated connectivity and eXtreme Low Power technology for the industry's lowest power consumption in both sleep and active modes. High-res Photos Available Through Flickr or Editorial Contact (feel free to publish): http://www.microchip.com/get/MCG9 Watch a video overview of this kit: http://www.microchip.com/get/6CTU According to the Nielson Company, Android smartphones comprised 40.8% of all smartphone purchases from June to November 2010. This represents a huge potential market for hardware accessories, including automotive, home, fitness/health and business applications. Microchip's starter kits make it easy for designers to quickly design, develop and debug electronics accessories for this large and growing market. In addition to providing the schematics and gerber files for the development boards, the free software library includes a sample application protocol and an abstraction layer, which enables designers to focus on creating the application. The development boards feature a USB connector, an on-board debugger, a programming user interface and standard Arduino connectors, for use with a host of third-party 'Shield' expansion daughter cards. 'These ground-breaking starter kits help Android accessory designers bring innovative products to market faster', said Mitch Obolsky, vice president of Microchip's Advanced Microcontroller Architecture Division. 'With thousands of potential applications for Android phones and tablets, these kits simplify the entire process for developers to create unique and diverse accessories using our large portfolio of 16- and 32-bit PIC microcontrollers.' Example accessory applications include: automotive (car kits, audio, GPS); home (audio docks, remote controls, data backup); fitness/health (glucose meters, fitness equipment); business (credit-card terminals, projectors). Pricing & Availability Microchip's PIC24F Accessory Development Starter Kit for Android (part # DM240415) is available today for $79.99 at http://www.microchip.com/get/2Q3F. The PIC32 Accessory Development Starter Kit for Android (part # DM320412) is expected to be available in the third quarter of 2011 for $79.99. The software library, which works with both kits, is also available today, via a free download from http://www.microchip.com/get/522D. For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at http://www.microchip.com/get/522D. To purchase products mentioned in this press release, go to http://www.microchip.com/get/2Q3F or contact one of Microchip's authorized distribution partners. About Microchip Technology Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at http://www.microchip.com/get/PK4V. Note: The Microchip name and logo, and PIC are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. Android is a trademark of Google. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies. High-res Photos Available Through Flickr or Editorial Contact (feel free to publish): http://www.microchip.com/get/MCG9 Video Available (feel free to post): http://www.microchip.com/get/6CTU Tags / Keywords: Android, Google, Accessory, Android Accessory, Accessory Development, Development Kit, Software Library, Starter Kit, PIC, Microcontroller, Microchip, MCHP, MCU RSS Feed for Microchip Product News: http://www.microchip.com/get/TJL7 Editorial Contact: Reader Inquiries: Eric Lawson 1-888-624-7435 480-792-7182 http://www.microchip.com/get/522D [Editorial queries for this story should be sent to [email protected]] ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) (c) 2011 Electronic News Publishing - |