Summary of Via Unveils AI System Powered by Qualcomm®️ Snapdragon 820E
VIA Technologies launched the ALTA DS 3 Edge AI, a compact mini-PC running Android 8.0 on the Snapdragon 820E processor. Designed for edge computing in New Retail, it supports neural networks via Qualcomm's SDK and enables applications like facial recognition and immersive signage. The device features 4GB LPDDR4 memory, 16GB eMMC storage, an SD slot, and an M.2 NVMe slot. It includes dual HDMI outputs for 4K displays, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 ports, and a mini-USB port, measuring 175 x 118 x 25mm.
Parts used in the VIA ALTA DS 3 Edge AI:
- Snapdragon 820E processor
- Android 8.0 Oreo BSP
- 4GB LPDDR4 in POP package
- 16GB eMMC
- SD slot
- M.2 slot for 2280 NVMe SSDs
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- Mini-USB port
- Three USB 3.0 ports
- Dual HDMI ports with integrated HDMI 2.0 transmitter
VIA Technologies has unveiled a mini-PC that runs Android 8.0 on a Snapdragon 820E named the VIA ALTA DS 3 Edge AI. The VIA ALTA DS 3 Edge AI operates an Android 8.0 “Oreo” BSP for the Snapdragon 820E, which also powers the Arrow/Qualcomm DragonBoard 820c SBC. The Snapdragon 820E is a close replica, variant of the Snapdragon 820, in league with other embedded Snapdragon variants with 10 years lifespan such as the Snapdragon 600E.
Like the 820, it has four Kryo cores two at 2.35GHz, and two at 1.6GHz plus a 624MHz Adreno 530 GPU, a Hexagon 680 DSP, and a 14-bit Spectra ISP. the Alta DS 3 uses Qualcomm’s Neural Processing SDK for operating various neural network models trained in Caffe/Caffe2, ONNX, or TensorFlow using the CPU, GPU or DSP,” according to VIA.
The VIA ALTA DS 3 provides tightly-integrated system platform that accelerates innovation at the edge for multimedia-rich New Retail applications that boost customer convenience and engagement
says Richard Brown, Vice-President of International Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. This includes applications that combine AI algorithms with “immersive multimedia signage display content.”
Other applications to benefit from this operating system include “facial recognition check-in systems for hotels, train stations, airports, and payment authentication systems for cashierless stores, vending machines, and ticket kiosks.
The mini PC which is 175 x 118 x 25mm in size is equipped with 4GB LPDDR4 in a POP package, as well as 16GB eMMC and an SD slot. There’s also an M.2 slot for 2280 NVMe SSDs. The ALTA DS 3 also has a GbE port, a mini-USB port with “fastboot mode only”, and 3x USB 3.0 ports. Dual 4K display including dual display mirrors and independent video playback are available via the dual HDMI ports, which are described as offering an “integrated HDMI 2.0 transmitter and dual DSI to HDMI 1.4 converters.”
Read more: Via Unveils AI System Powered by Qualcomm®️ Snapdragon 820E
- What operating system does the VIA ALTA DS 3 Edge AI run?
The device runs Android 8.0 Oreo BSP for the Snapdragon 820E. - Can the VIA ALTA DS 3 support neural network models?
Yes, it uses Qualcomm’s Neural Processing SDK to operate models trained in Caffe, Caffe2, ONNX, or TensorFlow. - What are some specific applications supported by this mini PC?
It supports facial recognition check-in systems and payment authentication for cashierless stores and vending machines. - Does the device have multiple display outputs?
Yes, it offers dual 4K display capabilities including mirrors and independent video playback via dual HDMI ports. - How much RAM and storage does the VIA ALTA DS 3 include?
It is equipped with 4GB LPDDR4 and 16GB eMMC storage. - Is there an option to add faster storage to the system?
Yes, there is an M.2 slot available for 2280 NVMe SSDs. - What connectivity ports are available on the front or side of the unit?
The unit has a GbE port, a mini-USB port for fastboot mode, and three USB 3.0 ports. - What are the physical dimensions of the VIA ALTA DS 3?
The mini PC measures 175 x 118 x 25mm in size.
