The DK9500SNO10 is a low power, low cost Single Board computer based on the ST-Ericsson’s Nova^TM A9500 processor (Dual Cortex-A9 + Mali 400 GPU) that targets developers wanting to prototype new embedded designs. It will help developers create applications for Android, Meego and Ubuntu.

ST-Ericsson, a world leader in wireless platforms and semiconductors, has launched the Igloo open source community and the Snowball developer board to accelerate the development of system and software innovations that fully harness the capabilities of its cutting-edge smartphone and tablet platforms. Together, the low cost, feature-rich developer board and community will facilitate and drive innovation of software for Android, Ubuntu and MeeGo embedded devices based on ST-Ericsson’s platforms.

The production-grade small-sized Snowball developer board combines ST-Ericsson’s newly announced Nova A9500 dual-core application processor, with innovative MEMS (3D gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer, barometer), GPS and connectivity features. Calao Systems designed the board, while Linaro developed the board’s low-level software, which is optimized for the Nova A9500’s ARM dual Cortex A9-based architecture.

At the heart of the Igloo community will be the web portal, where device developers, manufacturers and application developers can gather, exchange information and ideas, and even solve problems collectively. ST-Ericsson has selected open source specialist Movial to develop, support and run the Igloo community.