What a week, what a day, what a show! I am referring to the recent developments at Intel and AMD -- to their respective product launches and announcements, and of course, to Computex, in Taipei, Taiwan! Oh, and to the ongoing battle between AMD and Intel in the global servers market!
First Intel... Late May, Intel previewed the Nehalem-EX, a processor that will be at the heart of the next generation of intelligent and expandable high-end Intel server platforms, which will deliver a number of new technical advancements and boost enterprise computing performance.
The Nehalem-EX is said to feature up to eight cores/16 threads, 24MB of shared cache, integrated memory controllers, four high-bandwidth QPI links, Intel Hyper-Threading, Intel Turbo Boost, and 2.3B transistors. The Nehalem-EX is said to be on track for H2-09 production.
Some time later, Intel put out an in a local news daily, about "Sponsors of Tomorrow" -- a global campaign that conveys the message that gigantic advances of the digital age have been made possible by silicon -- the key ingredient in microprocessors.
And guess what, AMD promptly came up with an invitation to its Istanbul launch, stating that a smarter product today would help battle the slowdown, rather than look at tomorrow!
Quite appropriately, soon after, AMD launched its Istanbul six-core Opteron processor this week, which delivers up to 34 percent more performance-per-watt.
AMD's poking fun at Intel didn't really quite go down well at some quarters. I have always respected and appreciated -- may the best one, win, and if you really have the guts, do it yourself! And let the market decide who is the winner!!
I would surely expect the two heavyweights of the global semiconductor industry to not resort to such tactics. Instead, it would do both of them good to focus on their core businesses. Poking fun at each other will not bring in the dollars!
One AMD executive even went to the extent of highlighting the 'today vs. tomorrow' story on the dias, adding that when Intel comes out with an eight-core processor, AMD will come out with a 12-core processor. And, most importantly, that Intel is talking about tomorrow, but AMD is talking of today! Quite interesting!!
So, who is the winner of round one -- according to me, no one!
Now, switch to Computex Taipei, Taiwan! First AMD announced a flurry of launches -- such as its two new dual-core desktop processors. This was followed by a new chip for HDTV-on-the-PC reception.
Similarly, Intel made a flurry of announcements too, starting with the introduction of four new processors for ultra-thin laptops. Later, Intel's Sean Maloney outlined the industry growth opportunities, especially, future growth throughout the computing and communications industries, particularly in mobile and wireless.
Let's continue this in the next post, lest this grows too long! ;)
Showing posts with label COMPUTEX TAIPEI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label COMPUTEX TAIPEI. Show all posts
Monday, June 8, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
COMPUTEX TAIPEI wraps-up with record size, scale and turnout
TAIPEI, TAIWAN: For five days the organizer of COMPUTEX TAIPEI had only one fear; that the dreaded swine flu would strike at and possibly shut down their event, the world's largest ICT procurement hub. But the only flu at this venue was a fervent fever for everything to do with ICT that established fresh records for the size, scale and turn-out.
While other IT shows around the world had cut back, the visitors in Taipei were astonished to discover COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2009 running at max capacity. In fact, even in the face of adverse market conditions this show still managed to squeeze in growth by hosting 1,712 exhibitors who used 4,498 booths. During its first four days, the show welcomed 32,178 international buyers (+ 1 percent) from 214 countries and more than 100,000 international and local visitors (+ 5 percent). The top five countries for international buyers are from United States, Japan, Hong Kong, Mainland China and Korea with Australia new in the top 10 this year.
Top event in ICT shifts into multi-industry info-hub
This year's show was very different. Convergence was the keyword here. Yes, the venue continued to shine as the worlds top ICT procurement center, but it has also become apparent that its increasing taking on the function as an information hub for numerous industries, including for those one doesn't immediately link to IT.
It is here where everyone came from areas as diverse as medicine, automobiles, aerospace and education to create a multi-industry, multi-faceted venue that reflects the true diversity of the smart revolution.
The show's multi-cultural industry link was reflected with Acer teaming up with Google to unveil the Android Notebook. And it was here where AMD launched the world's first DirectX 11 graphics processor. Asus unveiled 11-inch Eee PC Seashell. Intel introduced Core i7. Microsoft announced the wide adoption of Window 7. Mio demonstrated its Litepad series and MSI displayed its latest line of X-Slim Series Notebook. Meanwhile, Thermaltake launched its Level 10, the latest high-end gaming tower designed by BMW.
Netbooks grab the limelight
Netbooks consolidated their status as the real show grabber especially since Taiwan serves up the perfect combo of computing and mobile Internet tech at affordable prices. Lightweight Netbooks with their long battery life are now part of the next hi tech wave. And with Taiwan way out front in the netbook market, COMPUTEX TAIPEI is the natural venue for international tier-one companies to seek partnerships with local companies.
Companies have spared no effort pushing Netbooks to perfection with the best in design and functions all embedded with core processors such as CPUs and GPUs. Numerous international big brands have introduced products for Netbooks: Ion by Nvidia, the new Atom processors by Intel, and Snapdragon by Qualcomm. They team up with well-known companies from Taiwan such as Asus, HTC, Inventec, and Winstron to render the latest user-friendly Netbooks.
Green technologies on display
The theme "Mobile Technologies for a Green World" of COMPUTEX TAIPEI CEO SUMMIT FORUM serves as a great warm-up for the green technologies and products at the show, including CPU, HDD, PCB, power supply, LED backlight and NB. Intel's Ultra-Low Voltage Intel Core 2 dual core processor and 50 percent less power consumption HDD from Hitachi's EcoTrac Travelstart5K500.B new range are some examples.
The power savers introduced by Compucase and Gigabyte as well as SSD by A-Data, Apacer, and Transcend all reflect the green concept. Also, solar power products, fuel cells and LED applications are also going green. Vivitek's H9080FD Home Theater is the world's first LED Full HD Projector.
Self branding
At COMPUTEX TAIPEI the writing is on the wall. Taiwanese are increasingly heading for self branding. That's seen as Acer readies to overtake Dell as the worlds second-largest PC maker after Hewlett-Packard. Taiwanese started by making products for everyone else which carried foreign labels. But a quick cruise through COMPUTEX TAIPEI reveals That Taiwanese companies are rapidly building their own reputations as technology leaders.
Perhaps, the best example would be Eee PC from Asustek which has rendered the netbook, the hottest selling PC on the market. And nearby is Mediateck which brands their own driver chips, storage chips, designing chips for wireless communications and high-definition digital televisions.
Design and innovation soaring with high-tech trends
COMPUTEX TAIPEI design & innovation awards Ceremony announced its five Gold Award Winners at the international pre-show press conference on June 1. The event highlights the importance of design and innovation in today's ICT world. Thermaltake launched Level 10 Extreme Gaming Station of strong performance and brilliant designa brainchild by the company, AMD, and design consultancy BMW Group DesignworksUSA. Acer introduced its Netbook with Google's Android.
Microsoft strongly promotes Window 7, while around 60 hardware and software partners introduce a number of outstanding operations features onto a variety of practical consumer products. Real-time, interactive, graphic interface are some key features for next generation communications.
Procurement match-making meetings generating $700 million
This year, TAITRA arranged more than 2,000 1-on-1 procurement match-making meetings in three show days. These procurement meetings generated on-site business worth a projected $ 100 million dollars and create $700 million in follow-up business. (This year's three-day affair added an extra day to previous two-day events and attracted 256 overseas companies from 42 countries).
Leader talks were 256 representatives from top firms (invited by Taiwan's Foreign Ministry and TAITRA) with annual sales exceeding US$10 million from 42 countries. Many firms represented emerging markets such as Turkey, Argentina, Russia, India and the UAE. Among them, 20 were from key names such as SIEMENS and Alcatel-Lucen (Germany), Best Buy and Future Shop (Canada), ESPRINET (Italy), and Ryoden (Japan) all globally recognized buyers.
Most buyers showed great interest in notebooks, netbooks, GPS, LCD Monitor, POS, etc. And for them visiting COMPUTEX TAIPEI always lets them source the latest ICT products from the best suppliers. Small- and medium-sized exhibitors agree that COMPUTEX TAIPEI offer the best opportunity for them to approach the SVIP buyers, so key players such as A-Data, Asus, Ritek, and Genius were also at the meetings to seek new clients.
Newest technologies discussed and insights exchanged
This year's COMPUTEX TAIPEI CEO SUMMIT FORUM enjoyed the presence of high-ranking executives from Asus, ARM, Google, HP and TI as keynote speakers and panelists. Around 200 people participated in the event themed "Mobile Technologies for a Green World." COMPUTEX TAIPEI FORUM also had numerous high-ranking officials share their new ideas. Nearly 7,000 participated in 90 forum sessions:
Microsoft forum featured a keynote speech entitled "Windows Makes Life Simpler" by Steven Guggenheimer, Corporate Vice President, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Division attracted 3,300 attendees. There was also the "Future NOW" presentation at e21FORUM 2009 led by Sean Maloney, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Intel, and green technology panel discussion to share green business strategies with Taiwan enterprises.
DRAMeXchange Compuforum 2009 "Survival Battle - Process Migration and Performance" discussed hot topics surrounding the DRAM, NAND Flash, and SSD industries and was joined by 250 leading memory makers, module manufacturers, PC OEMs and financial analysts.
"Enabling the 3C World of Quadplay" was the theme for NGN Forum 2009. 660 people participated in the event discussing how in an all- IP network era, fixed line, mobile, Internet and television have begun to carry out an unprecedented large integration, leading us to whole new life experience, multiple services and business models.
For this year's DIGITIMES COMPUTEX FORUM, the theme of June 3 was Mobile Technology and Design, bringing in the latest mobile market and technology. The discussion on June 4 focused on industrial trends and application of digital signage. In total, around 600 people participated in the show.
COMPUTEX TAIPEI to celebrate 30th anniversary in 2010
First held in 1981, COMPUTEX TAIPEI will celebrate its 30th birthday in 2010. For the past 29 years, COMPUTEX TAIPEI has transformed itself into not only the world's leading ICT procurement platform, but also a perfect world stage for new product and technology launches from home and abroad.
Step into the ICT future next June 1 to June 5 when TAITRA turns on COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2010.
Source: ACN Newswire
While other IT shows around the world had cut back, the visitors in Taipei were astonished to discover COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2009 running at max capacity. In fact, even in the face of adverse market conditions this show still managed to squeeze in growth by hosting 1,712 exhibitors who used 4,498 booths. During its first four days, the show welcomed 32,178 international buyers (+ 1 percent) from 214 countries and more than 100,000 international and local visitors (+ 5 percent). The top five countries for international buyers are from United States, Japan, Hong Kong, Mainland China and Korea with Australia new in the top 10 this year.
Top event in ICT shifts into multi-industry info-hub
This year's show was very different. Convergence was the keyword here. Yes, the venue continued to shine as the worlds top ICT procurement center, but it has also become apparent that its increasing taking on the function as an information hub for numerous industries, including for those one doesn't immediately link to IT.
It is here where everyone came from areas as diverse as medicine, automobiles, aerospace and education to create a multi-industry, multi-faceted venue that reflects the true diversity of the smart revolution.
The show's multi-cultural industry link was reflected with Acer teaming up with Google to unveil the Android Notebook. And it was here where AMD launched the world's first DirectX 11 graphics processor. Asus unveiled 11-inch Eee PC Seashell. Intel introduced Core i7. Microsoft announced the wide adoption of Window 7. Mio demonstrated its Litepad series and MSI displayed its latest line of X-Slim Series Notebook. Meanwhile, Thermaltake launched its Level 10, the latest high-end gaming tower designed by BMW.
Netbooks grab the limelight
Netbooks consolidated their status as the real show grabber especially since Taiwan serves up the perfect combo of computing and mobile Internet tech at affordable prices. Lightweight Netbooks with their long battery life are now part of the next hi tech wave. And with Taiwan way out front in the netbook market, COMPUTEX TAIPEI is the natural venue for international tier-one companies to seek partnerships with local companies.
Companies have spared no effort pushing Netbooks to perfection with the best in design and functions all embedded with core processors such as CPUs and GPUs. Numerous international big brands have introduced products for Netbooks: Ion by Nvidia, the new Atom processors by Intel, and Snapdragon by Qualcomm. They team up with well-known companies from Taiwan such as Asus, HTC, Inventec, and Winstron to render the latest user-friendly Netbooks.
Green technologies on display
The theme "Mobile Technologies for a Green World" of COMPUTEX TAIPEI CEO SUMMIT FORUM serves as a great warm-up for the green technologies and products at the show, including CPU, HDD, PCB, power supply, LED backlight and NB. Intel's Ultra-Low Voltage Intel Core 2 dual core processor and 50 percent less power consumption HDD from Hitachi's EcoTrac Travelstart5K500.B new range are some examples.
The power savers introduced by Compucase and Gigabyte as well as SSD by A-Data, Apacer, and Transcend all reflect the green concept. Also, solar power products, fuel cells and LED applications are also going green. Vivitek's H9080FD Home Theater is the world's first LED Full HD Projector.
Self branding
At COMPUTEX TAIPEI the writing is on the wall. Taiwanese are increasingly heading for self branding. That's seen as Acer readies to overtake Dell as the worlds second-largest PC maker after Hewlett-Packard. Taiwanese started by making products for everyone else which carried foreign labels. But a quick cruise through COMPUTEX TAIPEI reveals That Taiwanese companies are rapidly building their own reputations as technology leaders.
Perhaps, the best example would be Eee PC from Asustek which has rendered the netbook, the hottest selling PC on the market. And nearby is Mediateck which brands their own driver chips, storage chips, designing chips for wireless communications and high-definition digital televisions.
Design and innovation soaring with high-tech trends
COMPUTEX TAIPEI design & innovation awards Ceremony announced its five Gold Award Winners at the international pre-show press conference on June 1. The event highlights the importance of design and innovation in today's ICT world. Thermaltake launched Level 10 Extreme Gaming Station of strong performance and brilliant designa brainchild by the company, AMD, and design consultancy BMW Group DesignworksUSA. Acer introduced its Netbook with Google's Android.
Microsoft strongly promotes Window 7, while around 60 hardware and software partners introduce a number of outstanding operations features onto a variety of practical consumer products. Real-time, interactive, graphic interface are some key features for next generation communications.
Procurement match-making meetings generating $700 million
This year, TAITRA arranged more than 2,000 1-on-1 procurement match-making meetings in three show days. These procurement meetings generated on-site business worth a projected $ 100 million dollars and create $700 million in follow-up business. (This year's three-day affair added an extra day to previous two-day events and attracted 256 overseas companies from 42 countries).
Leader talks were 256 representatives from top firms (invited by Taiwan's Foreign Ministry and TAITRA) with annual sales exceeding US$10 million from 42 countries. Many firms represented emerging markets such as Turkey, Argentina, Russia, India and the UAE. Among them, 20 were from key names such as SIEMENS and Alcatel-Lucen (Germany), Best Buy and Future Shop (Canada), ESPRINET (Italy), and Ryoden (Japan) all globally recognized buyers.
Most buyers showed great interest in notebooks, netbooks, GPS, LCD Monitor, POS, etc. And for them visiting COMPUTEX TAIPEI always lets them source the latest ICT products from the best suppliers. Small- and medium-sized exhibitors agree that COMPUTEX TAIPEI offer the best opportunity for them to approach the SVIP buyers, so key players such as A-Data, Asus, Ritek, and Genius were also at the meetings to seek new clients.
Newest technologies discussed and insights exchanged
This year's COMPUTEX TAIPEI CEO SUMMIT FORUM enjoyed the presence of high-ranking executives from Asus, ARM, Google, HP and TI as keynote speakers and panelists. Around 200 people participated in the event themed "Mobile Technologies for a Green World." COMPUTEX TAIPEI FORUM also had numerous high-ranking officials share their new ideas. Nearly 7,000 participated in 90 forum sessions:
Microsoft forum featured a keynote speech entitled "Windows Makes Life Simpler" by Steven Guggenheimer, Corporate Vice President, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Division attracted 3,300 attendees. There was also the "Future NOW" presentation at e21FORUM 2009 led by Sean Maloney, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Intel, and green technology panel discussion to share green business strategies with Taiwan enterprises.
DRAMeXchange Compuforum 2009 "Survival Battle - Process Migration and Performance" discussed hot topics surrounding the DRAM, NAND Flash, and SSD industries and was joined by 250 leading memory makers, module manufacturers, PC OEMs and financial analysts.
"Enabling the 3C World of Quadplay" was the theme for NGN Forum 2009. 660 people participated in the event discussing how in an all- IP network era, fixed line, mobile, Internet and television have begun to carry out an unprecedented large integration, leading us to whole new life experience, multiple services and business models.
For this year's DIGITIMES COMPUTEX FORUM, the theme of June 3 was Mobile Technology and Design, bringing in the latest mobile market and technology. The discussion on June 4 focused on industrial trends and application of digital signage. In total, around 600 people participated in the show.
COMPUTEX TAIPEI to celebrate 30th anniversary in 2010
First held in 1981, COMPUTEX TAIPEI will celebrate its 30th birthday in 2010. For the past 29 years, COMPUTEX TAIPEI has transformed itself into not only the world's leading ICT procurement platform, but also a perfect world stage for new product and technology launches from home and abroad.
Step into the ICT future next June 1 to June 5 when TAITRA turns on COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2010.
Source: ACN Newswire
COMPUTEX TAIPEI shows influences on global hi-tech industry
TAIPEI, TAIWAN: On the strength of Taiwan's exceptional manufacturing and innovation competence for ICT products, COMPUTEX TAIPEI has become the best occasion for international tier-one companies to showcase their latest technologies and their strategic partnerships with local manufacturers.
At this year's COMPUTEX, several heavyweights, including Sean Maloney, Executive Vice President of Intel and Chief Sales and Marketing Officers, Jen-Hsun Huang, NVIDIA CEO, Warren East, ARM CEO, Steven Guggenheimer, Microsoft's OEM Division Corporate Vice President, Daniel Alegre, Vice President of Asia Pacific Sales & Operations for Google, and Woody Hobbs, CEO of Phoenix Technologies, all actively participates to unveil the latest technology trends.
Taiwanese companies also make endeavors to launch innovative products with leading technologies. Those enthusiastic efforts not only bring rich and splendid contents for COMPUTEX, but also demonstrate its increasing influences on global ICT industries.
New technologies drive netbook to evolve
Netbook, which has been rising quickly in past one year, is still the brightest focus at the showfloor. Characterized with a perfect combination of computing and mobile Internet as well as affordable price, lightweight, and long battery life, Netbook concept products, for sure, will be the most important force to drive the next-wave growth for hi-tech industry.
With comprehensive ecosystem and innovation capabilities, Taiwanese companies are considered the pioneers of creating Netbook market. Consequently, COMPUTEX TAIPEI has become a crucial base for international tier-one companies to seek for partnerships with local companies, in a bid to grab the enormous opportunities.
Taiwanese players trigger the Netbook revolutionary battle. And now, the competition has escalated from form factors and features to core processors such as CPUs and GPUs. For example, GPU vendor NIVIDA teams up with COMPAL Communications, IVENTEC, PEGATRON, and WISTRON to unveil 12 new high-definition MIDs (mobile Internet devices) powered by its Tegra processor.
NTEL, which has the dominating position in Netbook processor market, particularly debuts its next-generation code named "Pine Trail" Atom processor at the COMPUTEX. Through integration processing core and graphic core into one single die, the new chip will be able to help companies develop new-generation Netbooks with lighter weight and longer battery life.
To rival in the market, the Snapdragon platform developed by QUALCOMM has also gained supports from local manufacturers including ASUS, COMPAL COMMUNICATIONS, FOXCONN, HTC, INVENTEC, and WISTRON. QUALCOMM tries to reshape the traditional x86-based market landscape with its ARM-based processor. In addition, QUALCOMM and ARM also unveil the brand new concept of mobile device, Smartbook, claiming that, with all-day battery life, the new class of devices can bridge the functional divide between smartphones and laptops.
New era of diversified software technologies
Eyeing on the huge business opportunities for Netbooks, software vendors also jump on the bandwagon to compete with each other. The software giant MICROSOFT is very active during the show. It officially announces the release date of its long-waiting Windows 7 operating system at COMPUTEX TAIPEI, in an effort to assert its leading position to other vendors.
Meanwhile, the Android platform, which is backed by Google, also causes a stir at COMPUTEX. After Android has successfully moved into smartphone market, the industry is eager to know when it will be designed into Netbooks. ACER answers the question. The company takes the lead to announce at COMPUTEX that it will launch Android-based Netbook in third quarter this year. ELITEGROUP (ECS) also demonstrates a mockup of MID enabled by Android and TI OMAP3 processor.
On the other hand, processor IP core vendor MIPS TECHNOLOGIES announces at COMPUTEX the availability of MIPS architecture for Android platform. Within 60 days, optimized MIPS source code will be available, and MIPS Technologies has built up an ecosystem with partners to realize the development supports for Android.
Furthermore, the Moblin platform, which was initiated by INTEL and had finalized 2.0 version specifications in May, has also gained momentum in the industry. At the Mobiln Executive Summit held during COMPUTEX, both ACER and ASUS endorse this technology and will adopt it in various product lines. It is expected that Moblin-based Netbooks will enter the market in the short term.
Regardless of hardware or software market, we can see that a new era of sprawling technologies has quietly started at COMPUTEX TAIPEI. Consumers will benefit from more diversified choices in the future.
Turning crisis into opportunities with innovations
Even though mobile market shows greater growing momentum recently, desktop manufacturers still try to open new opportunities by launching AIO (All-in-one) PC and Nettops. In particular, in line with the introducing of MICORSOFT's Windows 7, which supports touch screen function, many companies, such as ACER, BENQ, ASUS, ECS, MSI, and GIGABYTE, display various Windows 7-enabled new products, in a bid to grab the long-expecting replacement market opportunities.
And, in traditional NB market, many local companies showcase series of ULV (ultra-low voltage) models, echoing the requirements of ultra-portable, power-saving, and affordable price. Having over 80 percent of worldwide NB shipments, Taiwanese manufacturers will soon drive the ULV NBs to the mainstream.
Sean Maloney, Executive Vice President of INTEL, mentioned in the keynote speech of COMPUTEX TAIPEI that Taiwan has made an outstanding record of shipping more than 1 billion Intel-based desktop motherboards. He recognizes that Taiwan industry has unmatched sense of urgency, cost focus built into DNA, drive for innovation, and ambition for growth, the advantages that other countries can't never surpass.
Maloney emphasizes that DT is dead is just a fallacy. Driven by the new technologies including Windows 7, HDMI, AIO PC, and Nehalem processors, Taiwanese companies will be able to create next billion DT requirements.
Many tier-one international companies such as INTEL and MICROSOFT make use of COMPUTEX TAIPEI to unveil new technologies and to seek for partnership with local manufacturers, a fact that highlights Taiwan's great advantages and influences on global ICT industries.
Many foreign heavyweights admire the optimistic atmosphere and dynamics here, as well as Taiwanese companies' confidence in turning the crisis into opportunities. With various new products and technologies launching, the impact of global financial turmoil is hardly seen at the showfloor. For the ICT industries all over the world, COMPUTEX TAIPEI is not only the No. 1 procurement platform, but also an important stage to showcase future industrial trends and the outstanding capabilities of Taiwan's hi-tech industry.
Source: ACN Newswire
At this year's COMPUTEX, several heavyweights, including Sean Maloney, Executive Vice President of Intel and Chief Sales and Marketing Officers, Jen-Hsun Huang, NVIDIA CEO, Warren East, ARM CEO, Steven Guggenheimer, Microsoft's OEM Division Corporate Vice President, Daniel Alegre, Vice President of Asia Pacific Sales & Operations for Google, and Woody Hobbs, CEO of Phoenix Technologies, all actively participates to unveil the latest technology trends.
Taiwanese companies also make endeavors to launch innovative products with leading technologies. Those enthusiastic efforts not only bring rich and splendid contents for COMPUTEX, but also demonstrate its increasing influences on global ICT industries.
New technologies drive netbook to evolve
Netbook, which has been rising quickly in past one year, is still the brightest focus at the showfloor. Characterized with a perfect combination of computing and mobile Internet as well as affordable price, lightweight, and long battery life, Netbook concept products, for sure, will be the most important force to drive the next-wave growth for hi-tech industry.
With comprehensive ecosystem and innovation capabilities, Taiwanese companies are considered the pioneers of creating Netbook market. Consequently, COMPUTEX TAIPEI has become a crucial base for international tier-one companies to seek for partnerships with local companies, in a bid to grab the enormous opportunities.
Taiwanese players trigger the Netbook revolutionary battle. And now, the competition has escalated from form factors and features to core processors such as CPUs and GPUs. For example, GPU vendor NIVIDA teams up with COMPAL Communications, IVENTEC, PEGATRON, and WISTRON to unveil 12 new high-definition MIDs (mobile Internet devices) powered by its Tegra processor.
NTEL, which has the dominating position in Netbook processor market, particularly debuts its next-generation code named "Pine Trail" Atom processor at the COMPUTEX. Through integration processing core and graphic core into one single die, the new chip will be able to help companies develop new-generation Netbooks with lighter weight and longer battery life.
To rival in the market, the Snapdragon platform developed by QUALCOMM has also gained supports from local manufacturers including ASUS, COMPAL COMMUNICATIONS, FOXCONN, HTC, INVENTEC, and WISTRON. QUALCOMM tries to reshape the traditional x86-based market landscape with its ARM-based processor. In addition, QUALCOMM and ARM also unveil the brand new concept of mobile device, Smartbook, claiming that, with all-day battery life, the new class of devices can bridge the functional divide between smartphones and laptops.
New era of diversified software technologies
Eyeing on the huge business opportunities for Netbooks, software vendors also jump on the bandwagon to compete with each other. The software giant MICROSOFT is very active during the show. It officially announces the release date of its long-waiting Windows 7 operating system at COMPUTEX TAIPEI, in an effort to assert its leading position to other vendors.
Meanwhile, the Android platform, which is backed by Google, also causes a stir at COMPUTEX. After Android has successfully moved into smartphone market, the industry is eager to know when it will be designed into Netbooks. ACER answers the question. The company takes the lead to announce at COMPUTEX that it will launch Android-based Netbook in third quarter this year. ELITEGROUP (ECS) also demonstrates a mockup of MID enabled by Android and TI OMAP3 processor.
On the other hand, processor IP core vendor MIPS TECHNOLOGIES announces at COMPUTEX the availability of MIPS architecture for Android platform. Within 60 days, optimized MIPS source code will be available, and MIPS Technologies has built up an ecosystem with partners to realize the development supports for Android.
Furthermore, the Moblin platform, which was initiated by INTEL and had finalized 2.0 version specifications in May, has also gained momentum in the industry. At the Mobiln Executive Summit held during COMPUTEX, both ACER and ASUS endorse this technology and will adopt it in various product lines. It is expected that Moblin-based Netbooks will enter the market in the short term.
Regardless of hardware or software market, we can see that a new era of sprawling technologies has quietly started at COMPUTEX TAIPEI. Consumers will benefit from more diversified choices in the future.
Turning crisis into opportunities with innovations
Even though mobile market shows greater growing momentum recently, desktop manufacturers still try to open new opportunities by launching AIO (All-in-one) PC and Nettops. In particular, in line with the introducing of MICORSOFT's Windows 7, which supports touch screen function, many companies, such as ACER, BENQ, ASUS, ECS, MSI, and GIGABYTE, display various Windows 7-enabled new products, in a bid to grab the long-expecting replacement market opportunities.
And, in traditional NB market, many local companies showcase series of ULV (ultra-low voltage) models, echoing the requirements of ultra-portable, power-saving, and affordable price. Having over 80 percent of worldwide NB shipments, Taiwanese manufacturers will soon drive the ULV NBs to the mainstream.
Sean Maloney, Executive Vice President of INTEL, mentioned in the keynote speech of COMPUTEX TAIPEI that Taiwan has made an outstanding record of shipping more than 1 billion Intel-based desktop motherboards. He recognizes that Taiwan industry has unmatched sense of urgency, cost focus built into DNA, drive for innovation, and ambition for growth, the advantages that other countries can't never surpass.
Maloney emphasizes that DT is dead is just a fallacy. Driven by the new technologies including Windows 7, HDMI, AIO PC, and Nehalem processors, Taiwanese companies will be able to create next billion DT requirements.
Many tier-one international companies such as INTEL and MICROSOFT make use of COMPUTEX TAIPEI to unveil new technologies and to seek for partnership with local manufacturers, a fact that highlights Taiwan's great advantages and influences on global ICT industries.
Many foreign heavyweights admire the optimistic atmosphere and dynamics here, as well as Taiwanese companies' confidence in turning the crisis into opportunities. With various new products and technologies launching, the impact of global financial turmoil is hardly seen at the showfloor. For the ICT industries all over the world, COMPUTEX TAIPEI is not only the No. 1 procurement platform, but also an important stage to showcase future industrial trends and the outstanding capabilities of Taiwan's hi-tech industry.
Source: ACN Newswire
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