Start with the news release MCU core is smaller and faster than original 8051 from Evatronix, which we summarised at the time by saying "The T8051 microcontroller core is targeted at IC designers who want to make use of complete 8bit architecture functionality while substantially reducing the size of their systems.". Several months prior to that, we featured the news release Low-cost core suits high-volume production from Cambridge Consultants: "Typical applications for an XAP5 processor core include ZigBee and Bluetooth wireless networks, energy metering, sensor networks, tagging and transactions using RFID or NFC.".
 
In July 2008, we covered the news from Alpha Micro Components - take a look at Networking system boosts security which says: "Alpha Micro Components' MatchPort b/g Pro meets the data security needs of applications such as medical records and government data transmissions and financial transactions. ".
 
Take a look also at the news release from MIPS Technologies, Processor cores suit consumer electronics, as well as MCU range expansion includes USB On-the-Go from Luminary Micro, and Accelerated 16bit MCUs gain RTOS support from Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe.