ARM processors gaining momentum in sub-notebook market

NEW TRIPOLI, USA: Since Qualcomm officially coined the term “Smartbook” in late May 2009 to differentiate between Intel’s Atom-based netbook and ARM’s ARM-based subnotebook (now the Smartbook), the IT industry is moving in high gear to supplant Atom’s dominance in the lucrative netbook/subnotebook market.

We pointed out on March 9, 2009 in press releases and blogs that ARM processors, not Intel’s Atom, will benefit from the current technology-economic cycle. We noted that while Intel’s Atom dominate the market in 2009, a movement is underway that will enable the ARM processor to gain a 55 percent market share in 2012.

The term Smartbook now makes it easy for us analysts to differentiate between the two. Below is our forecast of the market:

Netbook/Smartbook Market ForecastSource: The Information Network

Already, Lenovo, Nokia, Foxconn, Sony Ericsson, and Sharp are planning smartbooks. ARM runs under the Linux operating system. Linux is free, whereas Microsoft charges a licensing fee up to $35 on each netbook. To further keep cost down near the intended $100 price point, enter cloud computing.

Google's Linux-based Chrome OS offers an improved suite of productivity applications, which will influence netbook purchasers toward the ARM system. There is a wide array of open-source software that all Linux distributions share. It is reshaping the software industry by reducing the overall cost structure and represents the future of enterprise software.

As cloud computing becomes more sophisticated, we will see an Internet protocol-based convergence of audio, video, productivity applications, and IT data run on ARM-based netbooks.

Smartbook/Netbook FeaturesSource: The Information Network

We also envisioned on March 9 that subsidized netbooks would start appearing. “Along with the growing competition among software service providers, we will see a new infrastructure taking hold, modeled after Hewlett-Packard (cheap printer, expensive ink) and the mobile service providers (cheap cellphone, expensive monthly wireless charge). This subsidized bundle model will grow the ARM netbook to greater market shares.”

We were correct and AT&T seemed to think it was a good idea. The wireless provider started offering subsidized netbooks for as little as $49.99 in two markets, Atlanta and Philadelphia.

Netbooks are showing 3G connectivity rates ten times that of notebooks. Kindle 2 from Amazon is basically a mobile phone platform. The processor is a Freescale Semiconductor i.MX31 with an ARM11 core, and the 3G communication module uses a chipset from Qualcomm.

Sales of netbooks bundled with 3G services in the Taiwan market reached 15,000 units in August, accounting for 50% of total retail sales. Smartbooks, because of their design and need for cloud connectivity, will grow even stronger.

Netbook PCs: A platform battleground!

USA: Netbooks are a new emerging category of Personal Computers. It has also become a new emerging battleground. There are two battles shaping up. The first is among the chip vendors –- x86 vs. ARM. The second battle is the operating system – Microsoft vs. Linux.

In its latest report, “Netbook PCs: A New Platform Battleground”, Semico Research examines the usage models, market dynamics and key players for this emerging market. What are “smartbooks?” What are the market and technology trends? What has been the impact of netbooks on the MPU market? Learn more about the competition among both chip vendors and operating systems for netbooks, such as Windows and Android.

There have been several efforts over the years for a low-cost and compact mobile PC. The introduction of the Intel Atom microprocessor in 2008 spurred the growth of netbooks, reaching 12.5 million units in 2008.

The success of Atom-based netbooks has spurred interest in competing designs. Via Technologies has been shipping its 80x86 compatible Nano. Several companies have ARM-based designs that hit the market or are expected to launch in 2009. The processor vendors for these netbooks include Nvidia, Texas Instruments, Freescale, and Qualcomm.

The netbook PC market is opening up new opportunities for chip vendors other than Intel.

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

Freescale drives innovation around future netbook concepts, form factors

TAIPEI, TAIWAN: Smartbook devices based on ARM technology are rapidly emerging to fill the gap between smaller-screened smartphones and traditional, PC-like netbook or notebook products.

To develop groundbreaking product concepts for this new device category, Freescale has teamed with a top North American industrial design program, resulting in an array of visionary smartbook prototypes on display this week at the Computex show in Taiwan.

Sporting larger screens than traditional smartphone devices, smartbooks are cloud-computing-centric and characterized by all-day battery life, instant-on functionality and persistent connectivity. They are commonly powered by processors based on ARM technology, such as Freescale's i.MX515 device.

To demonstrate compelling new concepts that leverage these advantages, Freescale engaged with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for a program to explore requirements related to ergonomic issues, user interfaces, alternative form factors and even accessories for next-generation smartbook devices.

"As the smartbook market emerges, new form factors and product categories will evolve to support and better align with user needs, and our engagement with SCAD demonstrates Freescale's intention to lead this evolution," said Glen Burchers, Consumer Segment marketing director for Freescale. "This initiative has given Freescale valuable insight into how end-users prefer to interact with smartbooks, and this knowledge will be fed back into our chip design processes, ultimately resulting in future i.MX processors that enable compelling consumer experiences and entirely new classes of consumer devices."

Tasked with creating new models and paradigms that improve on the designs and user interfaces common to most first-generation netbook products, the participants developed a range of highly innovative, yet practical, designs optimal for leveraging the small, fanless dimensions and low-power operation of Freescale's i.MX515 processor. Students whose designs are selected as truly exceptional will travel to Computex in Taipei to showcase their prototypes with Freescale. They will also participate in a special panel presentation on June 4.

Qualcomm expands Snapdragon platform for smarter smartphones, smartbooks

TAIPEI, TAIWAN: Qualcomm Inc. is expanding the Snapdragon platform with a next-generation chipset that uses 45nm process technology to provide faster processing, significant battery life improvements and other enhancements for the user experience on Snapdragon-powered smartphones and smartbooks.

The new Snapdragon QSD8650A chipset -- scheduled for sampling before the end of 2009 -- offers significant performance improvements including a 1.3 GHz processor for 30 percent higher performance as well as enhanced multimedia and 2D/3D graphics. Using 45nm also allows power consumption improvements such as up to 30 percent lower dynamic power than previous-generation Snapdragon products and an unmatched standby power of less than 10 millwatts.

“This latest addition to the growing family of Snapdragon chipsets will help our customers to develop faster, more power-efficient smartphones and smartbooks,” said Luis Pineda, senior vice president of marketing and product management at Qualcomm CDMA Technologies. “This new 45 nm device shows our continued commitment to extending the capabilities of the Snapdragon platform with leading-edge process technology and an expanded list of integrated features.”

The QSD8650A chipset offers an exceptionally high level of integration. In addition to its faster processor and faster bus speed, the new QSD8650A chipset also offers multi-mode UMTS and CDMA 3G mobile broadband connectivity in the same 15x15mm package as current Snapdragon chipsets.

A standalone, power-efficient 2D graphics accelerator and enhanced 3D graphics core deliver a powerful multimedia experience with better performance of Adobe Flash software. It also features integrated GPS and high-definition video recording and playback, the latest Bluetooth 2.1 technology and support for Wi-Fi, high-resolution WXGA displays and mobile TV technologies such as MediaFLO, DVB-H and ISDB-T.

In addition to the new QSD8650A chipset, Qualcomm's Snapdragon family includes the original 1 GHz QSD8x50 chipsets and the 45nm QSD8672 chipset with dual CPUs capable of up to 1.5 GHz for even faster response and processing. More than 15 manufacturers are now developing more than 30 Snapdragon-based products, the first of which is the Toshiba TG01 Smartphone, introduced in February 2009.