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Supply chain battles for much improved levels of price/performance competitiveness
Current snapshot:
Intel rejects 50% Ultrabook CPU price cut demand from notebook players [Aug 16, 2011]
Intel’s Oak Trail platform, paired Atom Z670 CPU (US$75) with SM35 chipsets (US$20) for tablet PC machine, is priced at US$95, already accounting for about 40% of the total cost of a tablet PC, even with a 70-80% discount, the platform is still far less attractive than Nvidia’s Tegra 2 at around US$20. Although players such as Asustek Computer and Acer have launched models with the platform for the enterprise market, their machines’ high price still significantly limit their sales, the sources noted.
As for Ultrabook CPUs, Intel is only willing to provide marketing subsides and 20% discount to the first-tier players, reducing the Core i7-2677 to US$317, Core i7-2637 to US$289 and Core i5-2557 to US$250.
As for Intel’s insistence, the sources believe that Intel is concerned that once it agrees to reduce the price, the company may have difficulties to maintain gross margins in the 60% range and even after passing the crisis, the company may have difficulty in maintaining its pricing. Even with Intel able to maintain a high gross margin through its server platform, expecting Intel to drop CPU prices may be difficult to achieve, the sources added.
Update: ASUStek seems to maneuver by far the best among them (special early ultrabook engagement with Intel, with popssible higher discount, in addition to exploiting the Tegra 2 opportunity best via the only successful so far EeePad Transformer):
– Asustek expects better business performance in 2H11 [Aug 17, 2011]
Asustek Computer expects its performance in the second half of 2011 to be better than that of fellow Taiwan-based companies, according to CFO David Chang.
Asustek is likely to hit record quarterly revenues in the third quarter and is optimistic about business operation in the fourth mainly due to the launch of second-generation Eee Pad Transformer tablets and ultrabook notebooks, Chang said.
Asustek aims at a 14% market share for notebooks in China, and
became the largest vendor in Eastern Europe’s notebook market in the second quarter. In addition, Asustek is poised to make forays into Latin America, especially Brazil and Mexico.Asustek expects to ship 14 million notebooks and 4.5-5 million Eee PCs in 2011, Chang indicated. Asustek shipped 11.4 million motherboards in the first half and expects to ship 22.5-23 million for the year.
Tablet players expected to cut price to digest inventory overstock [Aug 16, 2011]
Non-Apple tablet PC players, facing the fact their devices are having weaker sales than their order volumes, while demand from the retail channel has been quickly shrinking, are expected to start cutting their tablet prices by the end of September to digest inventory and minimize losses, and the decisions are expected to trigger a new price war within the tablet industry, according to sources from notebook players.
The sources pointed out that most non-Apple tablet players had weaker-than-expected performances and Asustek, which had a rather better performance, had shipments of 700,000 tablets from May to July with actual sales only reaching 500,000 units.
RIM and High Tech Computer (HTC) are already placing their hopes in 2012 with Samsung and Motorola both seeing their tablet demand weaker than expected, while some other players such as Acer are gradually reducing their orders.
Motorola, Hewlett-Packard (HP), Asustek and Acer have all recently reduced their tablet prices with the lowest price currently at US$370; however, with their inventory will become harder to digest, the sources believe there will be at least two waves of price cuts from the end of September to the year-end holiday, reducing the tablet average price level to US$350 and may even drop further to US$300 in the future.
More: Acer & Asus: Compensating lower PC sales by tablet PC push[March 29, 2011 with updates upto Aug 2, 2011]
AMD’s Bright Outlook Likely to Boost Taiwan’s Supply Chain [Aug 16, 2011]
Taiwan’s IC supply chain is expected to benefit from good business performance of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD), which is projected to outperform archrival Intel Corp. in the third quarter with increased shipment of accelerated processing units (APUs).
The Taiwan supply chin is mainly composed of manufacturers including foundry Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), packager Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd., tester STATS ChipPAC Taiwan Semiconductor Corp., and substrate maker Nanya Printed Circuit Board Corp.
AMD estimates its revenue for the third quarter to rise 8-12% from the second quarter, compared with Intel’s projected 8% revenue growth. According to AMD, it has enjoyed robust APU shipments since the second quarter, with both its PC and laptop APU shipments hit new highs.
AMD has contracted TSMC, currently the world’s No.1 pure foundry, to make its Ontario [C-series], Zacate [E-series], and Desna [Z-series, specific for tablet PCs, a power optimized version of C-series, which are also for ultra-thin notebooks: Z-01 of 5.9W vs. C-50 9W in both cases with two 1 GHz “Bobcat” CPU cores + 6250 GPU] processors using 40-nanometer process technology as well as its Hudson chips using 65nm process technology.
While increasing foundry outsourcing to TSMC, AMD has augmented packaging and testing contracts to Taiwan’s providers as well. Nanya is also expected to land contracts via Japanese partner NGK Spark Plug, which has directly received substrate contracts from AMD.
In the second quarter, AMD saw its revenue slightly dip 2% from the first quarter to US$1.57 billion, while its gross margin was 46%, up from 45% recorded in the first quarter this year.
AMD Llano processor shipments reach 1.3-1.5 million units in July [Aug 4, 2011]
AMD shipped about one million Llano [A-series, for mainstream notebooks, all-in-one PCs and desktop PCs: with up to four up to 2.9 GHz x86 CPU cores and with an integrated DirectX 11-capable discrete-level graphics unit that features up to 400 Radeon cores along with dedicated HD video processing on a single chip] APUs in June and 1.3-1.5 million units in July, and with the appearance of the company’s new Llano APUs in the fourth quarter, annual shipments of Llano in 2011 should reach 7.5-8 million units, according to sources from motherboard players.
The sources pointed out that AMD is pushing its 40nm-based C series (Ontario) and E series (Zacate) APUs for the entry-level market, while it is pushing 32nm-based Llano-based APUs for the mid-range to performance and mainstream markets, and is pushing 32nm AM3+ FX series (Zambezi) processors for the high-end market in the fourth quarter.
In 2012, AMD will launch a new APU series codenamed Krishna using a 28nm process from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), targeting mini PCs, and all-in-one PCs with an APU series codenamed Trinity to replace Llano for the mainstream market, adopting a 32nm process from Globalfoundries. For the high-end market, AMD will launch an APU series codenamed Komodo.
AMD shipping Llano APUs; prices leaked [May 23, 2011]
AMD has started shipping its Llano APUs to notebook clients and will begin to market the APUs to channels in July 2011, according to sources from notebook makers.
AMD targets to ship one million notebook-use Llano APUs in June, 1.5 million in July, and a total of 8-9 million for the whole of 2011, revealed the sources, citing AMD’s internal estimates.
If the shipment goals are realized, AMD will be able to boost its share in the notebook CPU segment to 15% by the end of the year, the sources commented.
Additionally, AMD will also launch six Llano and four Bulldozer APUs for desktops.
AMD: Llano and Bulldozer APU prices (k unit) Core Model Price Competing Intel model Llano/quad-core A8-3550P US$170 Core i5-2300 Llano/quad-core A8-3550 US$150 Llano/quad-core A6-3450P US$130 Core i3-2120/2010 Llano/quad core A6-3450 US$110 Llano/dual-core A4-3350P US$80 Pentium G6960/6950 and Sandy Bridge G800/600 Llano/dual core E2-3250 US$70 Pentium G620 Bulldozer/octo-core FX-8130P US$320 Core i7 2600K/2600 Bulldozer/octo-core FX-8130 US$290 Bulldozer/6-core FX-6110 US$240 Core i5 2500K/2500 Bulldozer/quad-core FX-4110 US$220
More: Acer repositioning for the post Wintel era starting with AMD Fusion APUs[June 17, 2011]
Apple cancels supply schedule of iPad 3 for 2H11 [Aug 16, 2011]
US-based tablet PC players Apple has recently canceled its iPad 3 supply schedule for the second half of 2011, forcing other tablet PC brand vendors that are set to launch same-level product to compete, to follow suit and delay their launch; however, supply of the iPad 2 in the second half will still be maintained at 28-30 million units, according to sources from the upstream supply chain.
Apple was originally set to launch its iPad 3 in the second half of 2011 with a supply volume of 1.5-2 million units in the third quarter and 5-6 million in the fourth quarter, but Apple’s supply chain partners have recently discovered that the related figures have all already been deleted, the sources pointed out.
The sources believe that the yield rate of the 9.7-inch panel that feature resolution of 2,048 by 1,536 may be the major reason of the supply delay since such panels are mainly supplied by Japan-based Sharp with a high price and Apple’s other supply partners Samsung Electronics and LG Display are both unable to reach a good yield. Since Apple is unable to control a certain level of supply volume, the iPad 3 is unlikely to be mass produced as scheduled, the sources added.
Sources from panel players also pointed out that the 9.7-inch panel with high resolution requires a much larger backlight source and a single edge light bar is hardly able to reach satisfaction levels. Due to iPad 3’s requirements over the physical thinness, rich color support and toughness will all conflict with the panel’s technology restrictions; therefore, this could cause a delay in the launch.
In June, LG Display supplied three million panels for the iPad 2 with Samsung supplying 1-1.5 million units and Chimei Innolux (CMI) 10,000-20,000 units. In July, LG’s supply volume dropped to 2.8 million units with Samsung maintaining its same levels, and CMI’s volume increased to 450,000-500,000 units.
Update: CMI fails to become iPad 3 panel supplier, say sources [Aug 19, 2011]
Chimei Innolux (CMI) has failed to become a LCD panel supplier for the Apple iPad 3 due to technological hurdles, according to industry sources.
CMI has cut into the supply chain of iPad 2, which uses IPS panels, but the new Apple tablet is more demanding in terms of resolution, the sources said. The iPad 3 will feature a 9.7-inch panel with resolution of 2,048×1,536 compared to the iPad 2’s 1,024×768.
CMI has been developing panels trying to meet the iPad 3 specifications, but problems with transmittance and yield rates of the panels have resulted in its failure to receive certification for the iPad, the sources said.
CMI began developing IPS panels last year after receiving license from Hitachi in July 2010. The license covers IPS, Super-IPS, Advanced-Super IPS, IPS-Pro, and IPS-Pro-Prolleza.
CMI previously scheduled mass production of IPS panels to begin as early as the end of 2010 or early 2011. But low yield rates delayed the mass production until recent months. The maker’s IPS panel monthly output in July 2011 reached nearly 500,000 units. It is looking forward to an output of one million units in August 2011, the sources said.
The sources noted that the iPad 3’s resolution requirement of 2,048×1,536 pixels is also a challenge even for iPad panel regular suppliers such as LG Display (LGD) and Samsung Electronics. Apart from the two Korea makers, Japan’s Sharp has als been selected to supply panels for the iPad 3, the sources said.
They noted that CMI still stands a chance of becoming a regular supplier for iPad 3 if it can improve its panel quality to meet Apple’s requirements. The maker recently invested NT$800 million to NT$1 billion [US$28 million to US$35 million] to improve manufacturing facilities, the sources said.
Chimei Innolux Continues Suffering Loss in Q2 [Aug 16, 2011]
Chimei Innolux Corp., the largest maker of thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panels in Taiwan, reported a loss of NT$13 billion (US$448.3 million) in the second quarter, deeper than institutional investors` forecast.
Industry sources said that the four major makers of large-sized TFT-LCD panels, i.e. AU Optronics Corp. (AUO), Chimei Innolux, Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd. (CPT) and HannStar Display Corp., together reported total loss of about NT$120 billion (US$413.8 million [US$4.15 billion]) in the past about one year.
Some institutional investors said that the all-size panel prices are expected to fall slightly, implying that makers` losses in the third quarter would not be less than second quarter`s.
At its recent half-year online shareholder meeting, Chimei adjusted down its capital spending to NT$50 billion to NT$60 billion (US$1.7 billion to US$2.1 billion) from NT$75 billion to NT$70 billion (US$2.6 billion to US$2.4 billion) lowered previously and NT$100 billion (US$3.4 billion) announced in early this year. Chimei said that this year the company would focus mainly on high-level equipment and R&D projects for touch-panel technology.
AUO, Chimei Innolux`s major rival and the No. 2 panel maker in Taiwan, recently also adjusted down its capital spending goal to under NT$70 billion (US$2.4 billion) from NT$90 billion to NT$95 billion (US$3.3 billion to US$3.1 billion).
Chimei Innolux is a merger between three companies, including Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corp. (CMO), Innolux Display Corp., and TPO Displays Corp. (TPO), formed in the second quarter of 2010, and began reporting loss starting the third quarter of last year that has continued for four seasons.
AUO reported an accumulated loss of NT$36 billion (US$1.24 billion) in the past three quarters.
Eddie Chen, Chimei Innolux`s chief financial officer, said that his company focused on shipments of core businesses and cut many system assembly works in the second quarter. The company`s second-quarter shipments of large-sized panels increased about 10% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ), but its revenue generated from small/medium-sized panels fell 18.4% QoQ due to the falling panel prices. J.C. Wang, president of Chimei Innolux`s Southern Taiwan Science Park (STSP) branch, pointed out that his company decided to cut system-assembly business because it takes too many labor forces and that`s not his company`s core competitiveness.
Wang said that the third quarter is a traditional high season, but the market now seems relatively weaker than it should be. In the second quarter, Chimei Innolux`s capacity utilization rate was about 80%, the company said that it would adjust according to market conditions.
LCD maker CPT still deep in red in second quarter [July 30, 2011]
LCD panel maker Chunghwa Picture Tubes Ltd (CPT, 中華映管) yesterday reported its 12th consecutive quarterly loss as prices for slim-screen panels for televisions and computers dropped on sluggish end demand.
The company added that outlook for the third quarter remained sluggish, with demand expected to fall below the seasonal norm.
However, Chunghwa Picture said it has no plans to cut its capital spending this year of between NT$2 billion (US$69 million) and NT$2.5 billion, which would be used to improve its equipment to produce high-definition flat panels used in tablet devices and smartphones.
Earlier this week, its bigger local rival, AU Optronics Corp (友達光電), said it planned to slash capital spending by 30 percent.
In the quarter ending June 30, Chunghwa Picture’s losses widened to NT$3.13 billion [US$108 million] from losses of NT$2.33 billion [US$80 million] in the first quarter. The Taoyuan-based company posted losses of NT$1.5 billion in the second quarter of last year.
“Market demand, especially for TVs and IT products [computers], slumped in the first half. Oversupply caused panel prices to drop further,” company president Lin Sheng-chang (林盛昌) said during a teleconference with investors.
“As the visibility for IT panels is unclear, we will make inventory management our priority,” Lin said.
Days of inventory increased to 37 days last quarter from 31 days in the first quarter, the company said.
The fragile economic recovery in the US and Europe is expected to curtail demand for consumer electronics, while demand for notebook computers should pick up slightly after new models hit the shelves, Chunghwa Picture said.
To combat these difficult times, Lin said the company would have to accelerate its shift to high-margin products, such as tablet panels, touch sensors and smartphone screens, in the second half.
Its newly formed strategic partnership with the world’s biggest e-paper display supplier, E Ink Holdings Inc (元太科技), will help it reach this goal, Lin said.
Last week, E Ink agreed to spend NT$1.5 billion [US$52 million] to subscribe to Chunghwa Picture bonds. Chunghwa Picture agreed to supply LCD panels to E Ink.
Besides e-paper displays, E Ink also supplies high-definition flat panels to LG Display and tablet device makers.
Shipments of LCD panels used in smartphones, tablets and consumer electronics should grow by 20 percent to 25 percent in the second half, from 200 million units shipped in the first half, Lin said.
Last quarter, revenues from small-and-medium LCD panels used in tablets and smartphones accounted for a larger share, 42 percent, of Chunghwa Picture’s total revenues of NT$15.93 billion, from 37 percent in the prior quarter, according to the company’s financial statement.
Chunghwa Picture also said it would terminate its money-losing cathode-ray-tube (CRT) business. The company plans to revamp its CRT factories in Malaysia and in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, and shift to touch panel assembly.
HannStar posts operating loss [Aug 15, 2011]
HannStar Display has announced unconsolidated results for second-quarter 2011, with total sales rising 10% sequentially to NT$1.15 billion (US$387.4 million). But it recorded an operating loss of NT$1.04 billion and a net loss of NT$ 1.57 billion [US$54 million], which was translated into a loss per share of NT$ 0.27.
Gross, operating, and net margin in the second quarter were 7%, -9%, and -14% respectively. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was 1%.
HannStar said the operating loss in the second quarter was the result of an effort to enlarge its manufacturing capacity in Nanjing, China, which cost it an extra NT$1.88 billion [US$65 million] in operation.
Capacity utilization of HannStar was nearly full in second-quarter 2011. Small- to medium-size panels under 10-inch took up about 45% of its total revenues. Notebook panels accounted for 10% and monitor panels 45%.
HannStar is expected to enhance notebook panels’ share to 15% and small- to medium-size panels to 55% in third-quarter 2011. Monitor panels’ share will be lowered to around 30%.
HannStar expects small- to medium-size panels’ share to reach 60% by end of 2011 and notebook panels to grow to 20%.
Explanatory excerpts from Pixel Qi’s first big name device manufacturing partner is the extremely ambitious ZTE [Feb 15, 2011, with updates up to June 3, 2011]
… to engage some of the largest factories that have ever been made, and for that to work their economics need very high volumes. We need to have customers who really commit to large purchase orders almost before we start to design.”
…
The display business can be considered to be the worlds biggest non-profit industry, the 5 biggest LCD makers who produce 90% of the worlds LCDs, produce for $120 Billion in screens every year but can only make small profit margins out of that because of the strong competition and the large volumes shipped. Those companies that produce the worlds LCD screens have very high costs, very high risks, little flexibility.
Intel: accelerated Atom SoC roadmap down to 22nm in 2 years and a “new netbook experience” for tablet/mobile PC market
Update: Intel will be able to maintain the original 22nm timetable with delivery of Haswell and next-gen Atom products on 22nm in Q2 2013 (see: Intel Haswell: “Mobile computing is not limited to tiny, low-performing devices” [Nov 15, 2012]). This progress, however, will not be enough against the 28nm ARM SoCs of that time, so it is proceding further as fast as only could to 14nm. Expect products from this in H2 CY2014: Intel progressing in development of 14nm technology, says CTO [DIGITIMES, Dec 5, 2012]
Intel CTO Justin Rattner on December 4 said that Intel’s development of 14nm technology is on schedule with volume production to kick off in one to two years and development of 18-inch wafers is under way through cooperation with partners.
Rattner also noted that Intel’s aggressiveness over technology advancement will allow Moore’s Law to extend for another 10 years.
At the end of 2013, Intel will enter the generation of 14nm CPUs (P1272 [process: a shrink from the previous P1270 22-nm process as well as a reduction in power consumption]) and SoCs (1273), while expanding its investments at its D1X Fab in Oregon, and Fab 42 in Arizona, the US and Fab 24 in Ireland, and will gradually enter 10nm, 7nm and 5nm process generations starting 2015.
As for Intel’s competitors, Samsung is already set to enter 20nm in 2013 and is already working on its 14nm node, while Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) 20nm process will enter small volume production in the second half of 2013 with the first 3D-based FPGA chips to also start.
Globalfoundries has previously announced its 14nm FinFET process will start pilot production at the end of 2013 and enter mass production in 2014.
As for 18-inch wafers, Intel has invested in Holland-based ASML for its EUV technology, and related technologies are expected to start entering production in 2017.
See also: Intel’s industry position and prospects for years ahead [Dec 9, 2010]
Follow-up:
– Intel’s SoC strategy strengthened by 22nm Tri-Gate technology [May 10, 2011]
– Netbook prices starting $50 less at $200 via Intel MeeGo strategy [July 29, 2011]
Intel adjusts netbook strategy [April 14, 2011]
Intel has recently adjusted its netbook strategy and is set to cooperate with its partners including Asustek Computer and Acer to launch netbook devices priced below US$199 in regions such as the Middle-East, Latin America and Eastern Europe, according to sources from notebook players.
As for markets such as Europe, the US and China, Intel will continue to push netbook models using the new Cedar Trail-M platform and will add new technologies such as Wireless Display (WiDi) and wireless audio into these devices, for a price of US$299-599 depending on specifications and operating system.
Netbook models priced at US$199 will adopt Intel’s own MeeGo operating system and Intel is currently working on developing content and applications that suit each region and has already demonstrated engineering samples to its partners. Asustek, Acer and several China-based second-tier white-box netbook players have already prepared to launch machines with Intel’s US$199 platform in the second half of 2011.
Updates from Computex 2011:
– Chip Shot: Intel Unveils Innovative New Concept Design, “Keeley Lake” [May 31, 2011]
At Computex, Intel unveiled “Keeley Lake ” an innovative, newly-developed convertible design based on the upcoming Intel® Atom™ netbook platform, codenamed “Cedar Trail.” Whether creating with a keyboard or browsing with touch, “Keeley Lake” will offer customers the best of both worlds with stylish designs, sleek form factors, new capacitive multi-touch displays and thinness from 17mm-20mm. Designs like “Keeley Lake” based on “Cedar Trail” will provide the most flexible platform of choice by enabling operating systems including Chrome OS, MeeGo and Windows. Intel has enabled ODMs with the “Keeley Lake” design and already started to see the demand.
– Chip Shot: Medfield – The Next Generation of Tablets from Intel [May 31, 2011]
At Computex, Intel reiterated its Atom System on a Chip (SoC) roadmap, highlighting “Medfield,” which will be built using Intel’s 32nm high-k metal gate process technology. The purpose-built solution will provide lower power, a smaller footprint and more integration of features and performance for the tablet market. “Medfield” will enable sub-9mm tablets that weigh less than 1.5 pounds and provide all day battery life. The processors will be in production later this year for tablet designs in market the first half of 2012 and support a range of operating systems including Google Android (“Honeycomb”), Windows and MeeGo.
– Chip Shot: MeeGo Netbooks Based on Intel Atom Arrive at Computex [May 31, 2011]
The ecosystem around MeeGo-based netbooks expands with the introduction of devices including the Acer Aspire One Happy 2, Asus Eee PC X101, Samsung N100 and Lenovo IdeaPad S100 at Computex. These systems are based on the new, 1.33 GHz single-core Intel® Atom™ processor N435. These netbooks will provide new levels of affordability for market expansion. Acer and Asus netbooks will come pre-loaded with the Intel AppUpSM center in select countries. Also at Computex, Acer demonstrated a MeeGo-based tablet on stage at the Intel netbook, tablet and software focused satellite event.
– A Brief Interview with Intel’s Sean Maloney [May 27, 2011]
Editor’s Note: A few days before traveling to Taipei, Taiwan, where he is slated to deliver a keynote address at Computex 2011, Intel Free Press had a chance to sit down for a brief conversation with Intel Executive Vice President Sean Maloney, the newly named chairman of Intel China. Maloney returned to work in January after suffering a stroke last year.
…
IFP: How do you challenge the critics who are saying that some of this is too little, too late — that the ARM ecosystem is too firmly established now, particularly in tablets and phones?
Maloney: The ARM ecosystem is really well established, but I don’t think that anyone is in the position that Intel is in to get all the way from the bottom to the top. In process technology, we are still 2 years or more in front. I think it will be a good 4 or 5 years.
IFP: Intel has talked a lot about accelerating the SoC (System-on-a-Chip) roadmap, which according to some pundits can’t happen fast enough. Why is it taking so long for the company to accelerate Atom SoCs and is there anything you can do to make it go faster?
Maloney: Well, unfortunately 2 years ago we thought that the market was not moving as fast as it has moved. Now we’ve announced that we will be doing one new process generation every year for the next 3 or 4 years. That’s pretty fast. It’s a big acceleration from where we are now.
IFP: Intel CEO and President Paul Otellini mentioned during the recent investors meeting that China is poised to be No. 1 in the PC market next year. What does that mean for Intel?
Maloney: It means everything, right? The U.S. was the first and foremost market for 43 years at Intel. Now it’s going to be China, No. 1. That’s amazing. Really, I am excited about China. It’s the first market for Intel next year. There are so many things we can do in China, and we’re going to do them.
– Accelerating the Intel® Atom™ Processor Roadmap (part of Intel’s Maloney Talks Mobile Growth, Industry Opportunities at Computex [May 30, 2011], emphasis is mine)
Maloney highlighted key milestones and additional details on upcoming generations of Intel Atom processor-based platforms for tablets, netbooks and smartphones. The Atom processor will outpace Moore’s Law, accelerating from 32nm through 22nm to 14nm within 3 successive years. Having a cadence of a new-process-generation every year will result in significant reduction in transistor leakage, lower active power and an increase of transistor density to enable more powerful smartphones, tablets, and netbooks with more features and longer battery life.
Reaching its 100 million-unit milestone this month, Intel is preparing its next-generation netbook platform, codenamed “Cedar Trail.” “Cedar Trail” is the first netbook platform based on Intel’s 32nm technology, and will enable ultra-thin, fanless designs with new capabilities such as Intel® Rapid Start technology which provides fast resume, Intel® Smart Connect Technology which enables an always updated experience even during standby, Intel® Wireless Display and PC Synch, which let users wirelessly update and synchronize documents, content and media across multiple devices. In addition, the new platform is expected to enable more than 10 hours of battery life and weeks of standby. “Cedar Trail” will support leading operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows*, Google Chrome* and MeeGo*.
In addition, Maloney showcased more than 10 tablets, running on three different operating systems, that are available today based on the Intel Atom processor Z670. The platform already has more than 35 design wins since its launch in April, with several convertibles, sliders and other innovative designs on shelves now and more coming through the rest of the year.
[Medfield relevance is only upto 00:48.
Please note at 00:27: “… initially on Android, later on MeeGo …”]
Maloney also discussed “Medfield,” Intel’s first purpose-built 32nm platform for smartphones and tablets. “Medfield” has been optimized for both low power and high performance and will deliver long use-time, rich media and gaming, and advanced imaging capabilities. To illustrate this point in tablets, Intel showcased a “Medfield” design running Google Android* 3.0 (“Honeycomb”) for the first time. In production later this year, the platform will enable sub-9mm designs that weigh less than 1.5 pounds for tablet designs in market the first half of 2012. It will support a range of operating systems including Android and MeeGo.
According to Maloney, “The work Intel is doing with the Intel® Atom™ processor roadmap, coupled with the significant changes we are making to our Intel® Core™ processor roadmaps, will continue to enhance Intel’s ability to deliver complete hardware solutions with a choice of software platforms across a full spectrum of computing — from back-end servers that power the cloud to the billions of devices that access the cloud.”
– Computing Becomes More Personal at Computex [June 7, 2011] (emphasis is mine)
Reflecting on Computex last week, I’m once again in awe of all the time and energy across the company (and around the world!) goes into pulling off this event. For Intel, it was a great show. We highlighted several technologies and innovations that will push the envelope when it comes to enhancing what we’re calling “companion computing.” As Intel Executive Vice President Sean Maloney pointed out in his keynote, “computing is taking many forms” and Intel innovation is the “catalyst” for exciting new technologies that will empower our mobile lifestyles.
I hope you heard our big news around the introduction of a brand new category of ultra-slim laptops called “Ultrabooks,” targeted to penetrate 40 percent of the market by end of 2012.
Along that same vein, the Netbook and Tablet Group at Intel, made some exciting disclosures to help meet the varied expectations of the companion device market. One of those was “Keeley Lake,” a brand new, convertible design based on the upcoming Atom netbook platform, “Cedar Trail.” With its swivel and fold monitor design, “Keeley Lake” packs in the power and performance of a netbook and the functionality of a tablet.
It will have more than 10 hours of battery life and will include Rapid Start, Smart Connect and Intel Wireless Display for displaying content on TVs and PC Synch.
Intel also highlighted “Medfield,” its first purpose-built 32nm platform for smartphones and tablets. Optimized for low power, high performance and longer use-time, these processors will be in production later this year and you can see “Medfield”-based tablets out in the market in the first half of 2012.
Both “Keeley Lake” and “Medfield” will support a range of operating systems including Windows, Google Android and MeeGo.
Speaking of MeeGo, the ecosystem around MeeGo-based netbooks is expanding. At Computex devices such as the Acer Aspire One Happy series, the Asus Eee PC X101, the Lenovo IdeaPad S100 and Samsung N100 were introduced. These systems are based on the new 1.33 GHz single-core Intel® Atom™ processor N435 and will provide new levels of affordability for market expansion.
At the show, we demonstrated the traction our formerly codenamed “Oak Trail” platform, now the Intel Atom processor Z670, has received since it began shipping in April. “Oak Trail” has garnered huge market acceptance and already has more than 35 design wins, 10 of which were showcased on the Computex stage. In addition, several convertibles and sliders are on shelves now, with more coming through the end of the year.
Mobile computing is indeed taking many new forms and I’m looking forward to the future to see how these shapes evolve. Computex 2011 has definitely set the tone for the exciting times ahead!
End of updates from Computex 2011
Intel pushes Android plans [April 14, 2011]
Intel, in the third quarter of 2011, is set to announce a new plan for tablet PCs – PRC Plus, pushing an Intel/Android 3.0 platform, after nearly half of year of negotiations with Google, according to sources from notebook players. However, Intel declined to comment on market rumors.
The sources pointed out that the PRC Plus plan is to use Intel processor’s advantage of stronger performance than ARM-based processors and improve on the operating system’s user interface and user experience. The new plan is also expected to save costs from Windows licensing fees for downstream vendors.
In addition to pushing an Intel/Android 3.0 platform, Intel is also set to adopt a similar strategy as in the PC industry and pay a subsidy of US$10 for each Intel CPU-based tablet PC to attract first-tier notebook vendors.
Asia-based Acer, Lenovo and Asustek Computer have all agreed to start up new netbook projects in the second half of 2011, while Cisco is also set to launch devices adopting Oak Trail/Android 3.0 targeting the enterprise market, the sources added.
As Android for tablets falters, opportunity for Intel [CNET, April 15, 2011]
Intel has been criticized here and in other venues for being late to the tabletparty. But Android’s slow start in tablets may mean latecomers aren’t necessarily losers.
Intel was demoing an Atom-based tablet at its developer conference in Beijing this week (Credit: Intel)
A stroke of serendipity has arrived in the form of a tepid consumer reception so far for tablets beyond Apple’s iPad. Sales of the Motorola Xoom are, to date, anemic, while the sell-through to consumers of Samsung’s Android tablet has also been underwhelming.
And Digitimes reported todaythat tablet suppliers Asus and HTC are delaying Android tablet rollouts.
Meanwhile, RIM’s BlackBerry PlayBook–which is more like an appendage to a BlackBerry phonethan a standalone tablet–is not targeted at the high-volume consumer space.
So, with tablets based on chips from companies like Nvidia (Xoom, Samsung Galaxy Tab) and Texas Instruments (PlayBook) not likely flying off the shelf, are Intel’s chances any better now?
“The door to this market is open. The longer it takes for these other products to get rolling, the more opportunity there is for Intel,” said Richard Shim, an analyst at DisplaySearch.
But:
– No hope: Intel’s new Oak Trail chip headed for tablet limbo [Ars Technica, April 13, 2011]
Everything about the Android tablet experience, from the hardware and software to the price point, is inferior to the iPad. So what hope is there for Intel’s Oak Trail to swoop in and change the game?
There is no hope, but that’s not really the point of Oak Trail. Intel’s latest stab at an MID/tablet-oriented hardware platform is just one more step on its long march to the smartphone, a destination it’s unlikely to reach until it gets a future Oak Trail successor down to 22nm. Until then, Intel will keep producing these “tablet” chips, which will find their way into designs from a number of OEMs, some of which are neat in a gimmicky sort of way, and none of which are likely to sell well.
If netbooks were still selling like hotcakes, this could significantly improve Oak Trail’s prospects, because it will be a solid netbook part. But they aren’t, so we’re left to watch Intel mark time in this fashion for another year or so until it finally catches up to the ARM ecosystem.
– Intel does fondleslabs with Atom ‘Oak Trail’ [The Register, April 11, 2011]
Monday’s announcement of the Oak Trail rollout, while welcome news to Intel fans, may not be “longer-term” enough to make significant inroads into a market now dominated by ARM variants. Although it’s too soon to tell, those same fans may have more reason to hope that the soon-to-follow Cedar Trail might have the chops to move the Intel architecture into a critical mass of “Companion Computing” devices.
Doug Davis: Devices and the Future of Personal Computing [Keynote webcast, April 12, 2011] (some parts transcribed here with their corresponding slides)
[8:20] According to the Moore’s law every two year we delivered a new generation of process technology. … Our 32 nm technology – for example – deliveres 25% increase in performance at the same power level, at the same leakage, OR we can deliver 10X lower leakage at the same performance level [8:41][8:59] Now Intel is accelerating the Atom SoC road map. Over the next several years we’re going to move faster than Moore’s law. … Our 45 nm volume products are shipping today. 32 nm will ship in volume over the next 6 months, and 22 nm will be in volume within 24 months. [9:25]
[9:38] The 1st generation of Atom processor was built on 45 nm technology. That product line brought about 10X thermal power reduction vs. our lowest power Celeron products. The 2nd generation Atom added a new set of power management capabilities and features. The focus there was to drive idle power at platform level down by 50X and we beat our own goals.Our 3d generation Atom will continue to bring new architectural innovations to improve performance and power. With 10X lower leakage on the 32 nm SoC process enables longer standby and idle power improvements as well.
Our 4th generation of Atom will again continue to drive new architectural innovations , and performance and power. It will be built on 22 nm process technology. The most important benefit of 22 nm process technology is to continue to provide very low leakage, and [it] also will provide about 2X reduction in active power along with about 2X improvement in transistor density as well. All this compared to our 32 nm process technology. [10:55]
[14:00] … [New] features [on the upcoming 32 nm Cedar Trail] we are bringing to these new netbook experiences:We will have things like Intel Wireless Display that allows to project what is on the screen of your netbook onto a larger system like the television in your home.
Intel Wireless Music which allows you to take a playlist on your netbook and to be able to stream it to almost any power speakers in your home. You can listen to that music while you are looking at those pictures from your last vacation.
Always Updated is the technology that keeps tweets and RSS feeds, and e-mail, all of those types of things updated on your netbook even when it is in standby. So when you open up the system and you want to do something all of your information is up to date.
The Intel App Up allows you to have applications from thousands of different developers.
PC Sync is a great technology that allows you to seamlessly connect all the devices in your home so that they stay in sync automatically.
And my personal favorite is Fast Flash Standby. This allows you to be able to come up and use the device instantly. It is really [the case that] the device is ready for a new meeting. [15:24]
Netbook Nation: IDF Beijing 2011 Round Up [April 15, 2011] (emphasis is mine)
If you want the inside scoop on what went on at IDF Beijing 2011 you’ve come to the right place. Netbook News was the only English speaking blog at the Chinese conference. So what went on? We’ll we’ve got a video showing you our favorite products and announcements below, but if you perfer reading, I’ll spell it out for you. Cedartrail Intel’s latest Netbook platform was launched. No details on performance gains, but three new features were added: Intel Wireless Streaming [rather: Wireless Display], Intel [Wireless] Music and Wireless file sharing [rather: PC Sync]. During the Day 1 Keynote we were able to grab a video of the on stage demo in case you’re curious. [the demo of those 3 features is from [4:44] to [6:08] of the below video]
Oak Trail was officially announced with tablets hitting the streets in May. So far all the tablets are 10.1 inches and about 10mm thick. Nothing to get too excited about as we have yet to see what kind of battery life we might be getting. Some tablet manufactures like Evolve Three came out with a unique design integrating a kick stand and keyboard into the hard cover. We’ve included a hands on in the Netbook Nation video if you’re keen to grab a look. [see between 2:40 and 3:45]
Taking a look at gaming hardware there was only one notable announcement and that was by Razer who is bringing the Switchblade, the most innovative Oak Trail device to date to the Chinese market first. And Tencent, China’s largest ISV is going to be providing the installed gaming user base! Razer and Tencent are bring four immensely popular online games with roughly 600 million monthly gamers to mobile. Razer is going to focus optimization of the Switchblade on League of Legends as well as Dungeon & Fighter, Crossfire and QQ Speed. Tencent sees 130 million active monthly users between the four games and views Oak Trail as the mobile computing platform able to deliver a powerful gaming experience. Though the Switchblade is currently running Windows 7, both Tencent and Razer concluded that they were interesting in the possibility of delivering MeeGo on the device.
So check out the video below that also shows off a special PRC skin of the MeeGo tablet UI! [see between 6:16 and 8:24]
Intel Developer Forum: Executives Talk Evolution of Computing with Devices that Touch People’s Daily Lives [April 11, 2011]
Doug Davis: Reinventing Personal Computing for Devices
During his keynote presentation, Davis discussed how companion computing devices, including netbooks, tablets and other devices are tranforming the world we live in through personal, mobile and connected experiences. He described how Intel, over the next 3 years, is accelerating the Intel Atom product line on a pace faster than Moore’s Lawto deliver increased battery life, enhanced performance and new features for amazing user experiences.Davis also unveiled the highly anticipated Intel® AtomTM Z670 processor and Intel® SM35 Express Chipset platform, formerly codenamed “Oak Trail,” with a range of innovative tablets and form factors. These devices are available from leading customers with operating system of choice including Android*, Windows 7* and MeeGo* starting in May.
Highlighting the evolution of netbooks, Davis also disclosed “Cedar Trail,” Intel’s next-generation netbook and entry-level desktop platform. Based on Intel’s leading-edge 32nm process technology, “Cedar Trail” will include more than 10 new features that will improve media, graphics and power consumption in upcoming netbooks. The chip’s design, efficiencies and latest manufacturing process technology will enable fan-less, fully enclosed and thus ultra-sleek devices. Davis said other new features will be disclosed in the coming months, with the processor due in the second half of the year.
Renée James: Creating the Ultimate User Experience
During her keynote, James discussed Intel’s transition from a semiconductor company to a personal computing company, and emphasized the importance of delivering compelling user experiences across a range of personal computing devices. To develop and enable the best experiences, James announced a strategic relationship with Tencent*, China’s largest Internet company, to create a joint innovation center dedicated to delivering best-in-class mobile Internet experiences. Engineers from both companies will work together to further the mobile computing platforms and other technologies.James also announced new collaborations for the Intel AppUpSM center and the Intel AppUp Developer Program in China to help assist in the creation of innovative applications for Intel Atom processor-based devices. Chinese partners supporting this effort include Neusoft*, Haier* and Hasee* and Shenzhen Software Park*.
Oak Trail Press Deck [April 8, 2011] slide #12:
Intel® Atom™ Processor Z670 (512K Cache, 1.50 GHz) (some extracted specification)
# of Cores 1
# of Threads 2
…
Max TDP 3 W
…
Tray 1ku Budgetary Price $75.00
…
Max Memory Size 2 GB
(dependent on memory type)
…
Integrated Graphics Yes
Graphics Base Frequency 400 MHz
…
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology Yes
…
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology YesEnhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology is an advanced means of enabling very high performance while also meeting the power-conservation needs of mobile systems. Conventional Intel SpeedStep Technology switches both voltage and frequency in tandem between high and low levels in response to processor load.
More information:
– Oak_Trail_Atom_Processor_Factsheet [April 8, 2011]
– Embedded_Oak_Trail_Factsheet [April 8, 2011]
– Oak_Trail_Press_Deck [April 8, 2011]
– Oak_Trail_Press_Presentation [April 8, 2011], from which one slide is worth to show here:
Intel® Atom™ Processor Z650 (512K Cache, 1.20 GHz)
The same specifications except the clock speed and there is no price given.
Intel® SM35 Express Chipset (some extracted specification)
Product Name Intel® 82SM35 PCH
Code Name Formerly Whitney Point
…
Max TDP 0.75 Watts
…
Integrated Graphics Yes
…
Graphics Output HDMI
More information: Intel® SM35 Express ChipsetOverview
Intel, on the go [April 16, 2011]
Intel has finally taken an important step in its shift toward making chips for mobile devices, ending a year of speculation.
The processor manufacturing giant on Monday launched a new processor, a low-power version of Intel chips slated for tablets, notebooks and smartphones.
The next-generation Intel Atom processor platform, formerly code-named “Oak Trail,” will appear in 35 tablet computers and other mobile devices, including those made by Lenovo and Fujitsu, in May and throughout 2011, California-based Intel announced.
…
Other device makers using the new Atom Z670 include Motion Computing, Razer and Viliv. The new chip, like other processors from the line, supports Google Android, MeeGo and Windows operating systems.
With the launch of the new Intel Atom processor platform, Intel is finally making progress in the world of chip manufacturing for mobile devices, which has been predominantly occupied by the Cambridge-based ARM.
During the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in Beijing, which opened on Tuesday and ended on Wednesday, Intel also announced that its AppUp center, currently optimized for netbooks and laptops, will be extended to support mobile devices, including tablets and smartphones, in the near future.
The localized Intel AppUp center and Intel developer program for the Chinese market, in cooperation with some local partners, is also expected to debut at the end of the year, Intel said during the IDF. The chip giant also announced at the forum the launch of a joint innovation center with Tencent to focus on mobile computing platforms.
Steering away from purely serving as a technology provider to creating a more user-friendly experienceis a tough job which cannot be done overnight, Yang Xu, president of Intel China, told reporters during the IDF.
…
Razer Switchblade
San Diego, California-based gaming hardware producer Razer showcased at the forum its gaming handheld concept device Switchblade, powered by the new Intel Atom processor. Running on Windows 7, the handheld, with a size of 172mm x 115mm x 25 mm, supports both WiFi and 3G. The gadget combines a new dynamic tactile keyboard and a multi-touch-screen, and, if required, a mobile gaming mouse.As a concept for now, the device is expected to be available soon in the market, but its exact availability and pricing remains uncertain.
Evolve III Maestro C tablet
[A stand can be kicked off as well as a wireless keyboard has been integrated into the hard cover so the cover is freely detachable. See the excerpts from the video hands-on in the “Netbook Nation” article seen before. A truely innovative design.]Sydney-based tablet maker Evolve III will join the likes of Lenovo and Fujitsu to become the first batch of manufacturers to use the new Intel Atom Z670 processor. The firm unveiled at the IDF its Maestro Convertible tablet, based on a 1.5-gigahertz Intel Z670 processor. The tablet, featuring a 10.1-inch capacitive touch display, is convertible and will be offering a triple booting of Windows 7, Android and MeeGo.
The weight of the device is 910g. The device, which mainly targets a business clientele, will first go on sale in the US and Europe around June, retailing for $729, according to Warrick Dainter, executive director of the Australian tablet maker. The device is also expected to hit the Chinese market in July or August, which will be the first launch of the firm’s products in China, Dainter said.
More information:
From Intel Newsroom:
The Fujitsu Stylistic Q550 is a business-class slate PC designed for the high-security requirements of mobile enterprise computing, and with the Intel® Atom™ processor Z670 inside, the device provides all-day battery life.
Lenovo Ideapad Slate
The new Intel® Atom™ processor Z670 inside Lenovo’s IdeaPad Slate enables reduced power consumption, extended battery life and full 1080p HD video support. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slate is powered by the new Intel® Atom™ processor Z670, as well as 2GB of RAM and a 30GB SSD for storage with a form function offering both finger and stylus input.
Motion CL900 Tablet PC
The Motion CL900 tablet is the first 10-inch, rugged tablet that enables both touch and stylus input on the display along with a full day of battery life using Intel’s next generation Intel® Atom™ processor Z670. The CL900 incorporates the new Intel® Atom™ processor Z670 to provide the ideal balance between power and battery consumption while running multiple enterprise applications. The new Intel® Atom™ processor Z670 inside the Motion CL900 enables lighter devices, allowing users to work faster and more effectively in today’s decentralized work environments.
The slimmest Windows 7 tablet yet, the Viliv X70 Slate offers a custom-split keyboard to ease thumb typing, Clear Type LCD screen and an Intel® Atom™ processor Z670 to provide the ideal balance between power and battery consumption.
New Intel® Atom™ Processor for Tablets Spurs Companion Computing Device Innovation [April 11, 2011]
Company Outlines Plans to Accelerate Intel Manufacturing Lead with Intel® Atom™ Processor Family and Move Faster than Moore’s Law
Intel Corporation today announced that the Intel® Atom™ platform, formerly codenamed “Oak Trail,” is now available and will be in devices starting in May and throughout 2011. Over 35 innovative tablet and hybrid designs from companies including Evolve III*, Fujitsu Limited*, Lenovo*, Motion Computing*, Razer*, and Viliv* are based on “Oak Trail” and running a variety of operating systems.In addition, at the Intel Developer Forum in Beijing, the company will give a sneak peak of its next-generation, 32nm Intel Atom platform, currently codenamed “Cedar Trail.” This solution will help to enable a new wave of fanless, cool and quiet, sleek and innovative netbooks, entry-level desktops and all-in-one designs.
“The new Intel Atom ‘Oak Trail’ platform, with ‘Cedar Trail’ to follow, are examples of our continued commitment to bring amazing personal and mobile experiences to netbook and tablet devices, delivering architectural enhancements for longer battery life and greater performance,” said Doug Davis, vice president and general manager of the Netbook and Tablet Group at Intel. “We are accelerating the Intel Atom product line to now move faster than Moore’s law, bringing new products to market on three process technologies in the next 3 years.”
The new Intel® Atom™ processor Z670, part of the “Oak Trail” platform, delivers improved video playback, fast Internet browsing and longer battery life, without sacrificing performance. The rich media experience available with “Oak Trail” includes support for 1080p video decode, as well as HDMI. The platform also supports Adobe* Flash, enabling rich content and Flash-based gaming.
With these significant improvements in power-efficient performance, the Intel Atom processor Z670 allows applications to run on various operating systems, including Google* Android*, MeeGo* and Windows*. This unique flexibilitydelivers both new experiences and more choice when it comes to tablets and hybrid designs that combine the best features of the netbook and tablet together.
The platform also helps deliver smaller, thinner and more efficient devices by packing integrated graphics and the memory controller directly onto the processor die. The processor is 60 percent smaller than previous generations with a lower-power design for fanless devices as well as up to all-day battery life1. Additional features include Intel® Enhanced Deeper Sleep that saves more power during periods of inactivity as well as optimized Intel SpeedStep® technology. An integrated HD decode engine enables smooth 1080p HD video playback at a fraction of the power consumption.
In addition, Intel Atom Z670 processors come with the Intel® SM35 Express Chipset, delivering a lead-free2, halogen-free3 design with high-speed USB 2.0 for greater performance and Intel® High-Definition Audioto enable premium home theater sound.
Also ideal for small form-factor and portable embedded designs, the platform provides an excellent solution for a range of tablets in retail, medical and industrial applications. Solutions such as mobile clinical assistantsallow medical staff to directly input data into patients’ electronic files and avoid paper charting. This can result in a reduction in errors, better workflow, higher productivity and reduced paper handling and overhead costs. In addition to the Intel Atom Z670, Intel is offering the Intel® Atom™ processor Z650 for embedded devices with 7-year lifecycle support on Windows and MeeGo operating systems.
Based on Intel’s leading-edge 32nm process technology, the next-generation “Cedar Trail” platform will feature improvements in graphics capabilities including Blu-ray 2.0 support, a dedicated media engine for full 1080p playback and additional digital display options including HDMI output and DisplayPort. New features will include Intel® Wireless Music, Intel® Wireless Display, PC Synch and Fast Boot. In addition, the enhancements made in power consumption and TDP will enable fanless designs with longer battery life. This means great acoustics without the hum of a fan and improved ruggedness and aesthetics of the design. Intel is currently sampling “Cedar Trail” to all major OEMs and ODMs. Users can look forward to a new generation of innovative mobile and desktop designs based on the “Cedar Trail” platform in the second half of 2011.
More information:
Maestro Tablet Runs Three Operating Systems [Jan 18, 2011]
…
IFP: Is this the first tablet that can switch between Android, MeeGo and Windows operating systems?
Warrick: Yes, we believe we will be the first to offer a triple boot OS for customers. We have been working on the dual boot tablets for a long time, working to get the boot interface to run nice and smoothly. Now the hard part is over. We can offer MeeGo over to the dual boot tablet making it a triple boot really because of the in-depth work that we are going with Intel directly.
…
We would like to work with Honeycomb, however we are devoting most of our efforts to make sure that MeeGo and Windows 7 is 100 percent supported, as we feel that the new MeeGo platform alongside Windows 7 is a more stable platform over the android platform.
Also, using the devices myself, I can’t live without Microsoft’s PowerPoint and Excel and Outlook while on the go. You can’t beat a company dedicated to creating OS platforms as a main market share product (Microsoft/Win 7). These guys have helped us get through the hard parts of moving an OS ecosystem revolving around keyboard and mouse, over to complete touch integration.
We’re getting 7 percent support on Android, compared to nearly 100 percent support from Microsoft and Intel for the MeeGo and Win 7 platforms.
IFP: How has it been working with MeeGo – what makes it different than Windows and Android?
Warrick:MeeGo has been fantastic. It feels great to me, as it’s on the forefront of the platform. We also felt very proud to showcase the new MeeGo platform (at CES), as a lot of internal people – even the guys working at the MeeGo stand had never seen our version of MeeGo. This was the very latest, genuine version of the MeeGo platform. It is so flexible to work with, and the fact that Intel gives us a world of support to move ahead, is a giant difference to developing on the Android platform, where we’re getting very little support.
IFP: What are some of the technologies or features you like most, ones that help set you apart from other new tablets?
Warrick: Some of the things we have been have been working on with Intel is to try to create the slimmest hard drive. To create a 4mm thick external hard drive, we have had to go through some serious R&D thinking to get around some of the issues associated with developing a product like this. For example, do we sacrifice speed for thickness (SATA port is 6mm thick, as opposed to a 1mm thick Micro USB port)? But in all, we want to deliver the best balance between speed and portability.
Once you get down to the nitty-gritty of things …. it’s the ability to access the hard drive remotely via WiFi. I mean, let’s face it, does everybody always want to be accessing their hard drive by plugging a USB into their SSD? Not really, so why not make it accessible via WiFi and USB? A WiFi-accessible hard drive is kind-of cool, but it’s also something people will find useful.
Intel’s support has allowed us to implant the Intel memory wafer directly into our own transistor with our own driver in the chip rather than an external chip, allowing us to create smaller packaged devices, revolving around a completely customized product, rather than taking an existing product and modifying it.
IFP: Why create a custom hard drive?
Warrick: Business is tough in the hard drive market, so we are in tune to be different, and this has evolved from a need for these devices to exist. Memory constraints for devices such as tablets and mobile phones are getting smaller and smaller because everything is getting held on the cloud. We see the need to still be able to store our data locally, but we want this data to be available to all of our devices, not just the one you plugged into.
on App Up:
– From Intel Developer Forum (IDF) Beijing: New Industry Collaborations in China [April 12, 2011]
– How to build an AppUp app from a web page using AppUp encapsulator [April 15, 2011]
– Calling all web app developers…we’ve got something for you! [April 11, 2011]
The Intel AppUp℠ developer program is excited to announce a new opportunity for web app developers to transform web apps into Intel AppUp℠ center apps. This opportunity, called Intel AppUp™ encapsulator, allows web app developers to expand their customer base and revenue potential by making an app from their existing web code that is compatible and available for the Intel AppUp℠ center.
How does this work? The Intel AppUp™ encapsulator embeds the web code into a native application wrapper (a hybrid app) and then creates installer packages. The native application wrapper integrates the Intel AppUp™ SDK for store authorization and QT WebKit which provides the HTML5 and Javascript engines that execute and render the web app code. After talking with one of the developers, Andy Idsinga, I got so excited because Andy said that this process is relatively simply and doesn’t require anything special to get the web code to work with the Intel AppUp™ encapsulator. In fact, developers can use their own web APIs, 3rd Party APIs, and even other 3rd party widgets. Essentially, the developer builds the web code just like other web apps utilizing html, css and javascript, images and AJAX.
Keep in mind that the developer will still need to test and debug the app. But the cool part about it is that the developer can run Intel AppUp™ encapsulator many times as the developer chooses in order to get the app to its desired final product. Once done, then the developer submits the final product to the Intel AppUp center. It’s just that simple!
For more information about Intel AppUp™ encapsulator, please read the FAQs for detailed information. If I’ve convinced you, and you’re ready to expand your customer, then launch the tool and get started now!
– Intel MeeGo 1.2 Tablet UX now open sourced. This and more now on MeeGo.com [April 4, 2011]
Mid February of this year, Intel released the MeeGo 1.2 Tablet UX pre-alpha to our developer community. And now a month later we are happy to announce that this release has been fully open sourced, where it is supported and available under the open source MeeGo project at MeeGo.com. At the time of this post, the open sourced version is pre-alpha and is released as the MeeGo Tablet Developer Preview. Via MeeGo.com:
We are pleased to open up development of the tablet user experience project. This release provides a touch-optimized user interface for MeeGo tablets, introducing the new panels UI concept and including a suite of built-in applications for Web browsing, personal information management and media consumption. This project is a work-in-progress under active development and considered pre-alpha. We welcome your involvement and contributions.
As you likely recall, Intel initially released the MeeGo tablet UX 1.2 pre-alpha in February to coincide with the release of the AppUp SDK beta for MeeGo. This release allowed developers to have the tools & user experience needed to start developing, testing, & submitting tablet applications for AppUp. At the time of initial release the tablet UX could not be fully open sourced, thus was initially released under the AppUp developer program site.
However, with the MeeGo tablet UX released as open source, it sits side-by-side the other device user intefaces (UI’s) from MeeGo.com, such as; the MeeGo Netbook UI, ivi UI, Handset UI and Smart TV UI. Along with these open source device UI’s, the tablet UI is available for the MeeGo community to freely download, support, and contribute to under the MeeGo open source project.
Visit the MeeGo.com site to download the MeeGo Tablet Developer Preview, and get a full list of features and supported hardware.
http://meego.com/downloads/releases/1.2/meego-tablet-developer-previewAlso visit the MeeGo developer portal for AppUp, to get all the information you need to develop and distribute a MeeGo application.
http://appdeveloper.intel.com/meegoMeeGo UX Components
In addition MeeGo.com has released QML based MeeGo UX Components and a cooresponding Wiki. The MeeGo UX Components make developing for MeeGo devices easier by providing a set UI elements that allow you to quickly build applications that tightly integrate with the look of the MeeGo user experience.
Visit the MeeGo UX Components Wiki
http://wiki.meego.com/MeeGo_UX_Components
This is how App Up has been started:
– Industry Support for the Intel Atom Developer Program [Sept 22, 2009]
During his keynote at IDF today, Paul Otellini announced the Intel® Atom™ Developer Program, a framework for creating and distributing applications designed specifically for Intel Atom processor-based devices. For the next level of detail, tune into Renee James’ IDF software keynote tomorrow at 10 a.m. PST where she will go into the program’s specifics and describe the benefits for software developers, ISVs and OEMs. For now, please refer to the Intel Atom Developer Program announcement and appdeveloper.intel.com for more information.
Although the program has just launched, we’ve already received some encouraging words of support from software companies and hardware manufacturers alike. Here’s what some of our partners are saying:
- “The Adobe Flash Platform enables developers to create and deliver the most compelling applications, content and video to the widest possible audience. We expect the Intel Atom Developer Program will be a great way for the Flash Platform community developing on Adobe AIR to monetize their AIR applications, and we are working closely with Intel to deliver the necessary technology to enable this opportunity on the Atom platform in the future.” – David Wadhwani, General Manager and Vice President, Platform Business Unit, Adobe
- “Customer adoption of our Intel Atom-based netbooks is exceeding our expectations. Acer is excited to see Intel’s effort in bringing new and innovative applications to netbooks and will use the Intel Atom Developer Program framework to open an application storefront.” – Jim Wong, president, IT Products Global Operations, Acer Inc.
- “The Intel Atom Developer Program is an integral element of providing a holistic netbook experience for our customers. Asus sees this new development model as an opportunity to encourage developers and ISVs. Asus plans to offer an application store based on this framework in order to make exciting applications available to our customers.” – S.Y. Shian, Vice President and General Manager, System Business Group, Asus
- “Dell is passionate about providing value for developers. The Intel Atom Developer Program will open a new world of innovation and business opportunity for developers and we look forward to working with Intel to foster the creation of exciting new Windows and Moblin-based netbook applications.” – John Thode, Vice President, Small Devices, Dell Inc.
then later transformed:
– Chip Shot: Mobile Apps Hit Netbooks [Sept 14, 2010]:
Intel announced the general release of its first netbook application store for consumers today at IDF, including both free and paid apps for entertainment, social networking, gaming and productivity. The Intel® AppUpSM centerheightens the user experience with applications optimized for the mobility and screen size of netbooks. To encourage consumers to discover new applications, the Intel AppUp Center features a free 24-hour “try before you buy” period for all paid applications. To download a copy of the Intel AppUp center today, visit www.appup.com.
Intel Opens Software App Store, Offers New Intel Atom Chips [Sept 14, 2010]
James: The Best Experiences Are Created on Intel Architecture
During her keynote at Moscone Center West in San Francisco, James outlined how tightly integrated and optimized software and platforms will deliver new levels of performance, along with fresh capabilities and the importance of creating an innovative experience across the personal computing continuum – from PCs to smart phones to tablets and cars, as well as any number of Internet-connected consumer devices.Emphasizing a seamless experience across operating systems, James introduced general availability of the Intel® AppUpSM center netbook app store for consumers. The Intel AppUp center includes both free and paid apps for entertainment, social networking, gaming and productivity, optimized for a netbook’s mobility and screen size. To encourage consumers to try new applications, Intel AppUp provides “try before you buy” solutions, encouraging consumers to purchase apps they otherwise might not have. The launch was also marked by the availability of Adobe* AIRapplications, as well as apps from companies including Accuweather*, Barnes & Noble*, Funkitron*, Gibson Guitars*, iWin*, Kaplan*, KONAMI*, and Lifetime*.
In an effort to reach netbook owners worldwide, James announced agreements with Best Buy*, UK-based Dixons* and India-based Croma* to outfit each retailer with the Intel AppUp center – pre-installed on netbooks the stores sell, as well as available for current netbook owners to download online. Similarly, James announced plans from ASUS* to ship its version of the Intel AppUp center on netbooks, the “asus app store,” starting in October.
During her keynote, James highlighted the Intel AppUp Developer Program, designed to drive innovative applications for end users and new revenue opportunities for independent developers and software vendors with programs such as the Intel Million Dollar Development fund. Rick Vanner from The Game Creators was recognized as winner of the “Most Innovative Application” in the Intel Atom Developer Challengefor his game titled, “Goals.” James also introduced the “On Intel AppUp” ISV identifier, designed to help developers promote their applications on Intel AppUp center.
James acknowledged seamless experiences are only part of the equation. Open operating systems – such as Intel and Nokia’s* MeeGo*, hosted by the Linux Foundation – allow developers to create, invent and innovate. Pointing to contributions from industry leaders, James discussed MeeGo ecosystem momentum, highlighting a variety of MeeGo-based devices and how third-party software developments and the upcoming MeeGo Web runtime, to be released in October, will make it easier to write applications for these devices. Internet TV pioneer Amino* also joined James onstage to demonstrate how the company is taking advantage of the flexibility and openness of MeeGo to deliver an innovative MeeGo-based smart TV solution.
Intel’s industry position and prospects for years ahead
Follow-up: Intel: accelerated Atom SoC roadmap down to 22nm in 2 years and a “new netbook experience” for tablet/mobile PC market [April 17, 2011]
Update: Intel executive quits as smartphone biz falters [March 21, 2011]: (emphasis is mine)
The Intel executive who led Intel’s so-far-unsuccessful push into smartphones and tablets quit as that business comes under unrelenting competitive pressure from companies like Apple, Qualcomm, and Nvidia.
Anand Chandrasekher, who had been senior vice president and general manager of Intel’s Ultra Mobility Group, announced today that he will be leaving Intel to “pursue other interests”.
…
Chandrasekher had become somewhat infamous for making regular appearances at Intel conferences over the last few years and invariably waving a prototype smartphone or handheld device for the cameras, then promising that an Intel-based smartphone was on the way. But none ever materialized.
“The industry has gone right past them,” said Ashok Kumar, an analyst at Rodman & Renshaw. “They’re just another player [in the smartphone and tablet markets]. There’s no first among equals,” Kumar said, referring to the ARM processor business, which is dominated by an oligarchy of other big chip companies, including Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Samsung, Apple, Marvell, and Nvidia.
Another analyst says that Intel’s first chip designed specifically for tablets and smartphones, “Moorestown,” was a failure. “Moorestown was a complete flop,” said Linley Gwennap, principal analyst at The Linley Group, a chip consulting firm. “Intel is still struggling to get traction in tablets and particularly smartphones. Atom is in a few tablets that run Windows, but Windows tablets are not very popular, except in a few vertical applications,” he said.
Note: Although Chandrasekher bet his corporate carrier on this in 2006 when Intel sold its XScale business to Marvell, there were a number of higher placed Intel executives who were much more responsible for this major strategic mistake: (emphasis is mine)
“As part of the thorough analysis of Intel begun in April, we have examined the focus and structure of our top management level, including our use of ‘two-in-a-box’ co-managers,” said Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini. … Intel’s Sales and Marketing Group will be led by Executive Vice President Sean Maloney, 50, who previously co-managed the company’s Mobility Group. Maloney will also become Intel’s chief sales and marketing officer. … Senior Vice President David Perlmutter, 53, will continue as general manager of the Mobility Group. Senior Vice President Anand Chandrasekher, 43, formerly co-general manager of the Sales and Marketing Group, will manage a newly created business unit focused on low power Intel Architecture products and the ultra-mobile PC market. He will report to Perlmutter. … Intel Announces Management Changes [July 20, 2006]
Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. and Intel Corporation today announced that they have signed an agreement for Intel to sell its communications and application processor business to Marvell for a purchase price of $600 million plus the assumption by Marvell of certain liabilities. The planned sale will give Marvell a strong presence in the growing market segment for processors used in smart handheld devices. The sale also will enable Intel to focus its investments on its core businesses, including high-performance, low-power Intel Architecture-based processors and emerging technologies for mobile computing, including Wi-Fi and WiMAX broadband wireless technologies. … “In recent years, Intel has made significant progress and won major customers with this business,” said Sean Maloney, Intel executive vice president and general manager, Mobility Group. … Marvell To Purchase Intel’s Communications And Application Processor Business For $600 Million [June 27, 2006]
Intel probably has good business reasons for selling the 1,400-person communications/applications XScale unit to Marvell. Faced with a surprisingly resurgent AMD and other challenges, Intel is rapidly cutting costs and reorganizing. XScale’s financial performance was lackluster, so the unit was an obvious candidate for a selloff. And Marvell is paying $600 million in cash, which isn’t chump change, even for Intel.
Another reason for Intel to reduce its commitment to XScale is that it’s not an Intel-native CPU architecture. XScale isn’t protected by the same financial and emotional capital that Intel has invested in, say, the IA-64 (Itanium) architecture. Indeed, XScale is ARM compatible, so every design win strengthens ARM.
As we see it, Intel now has three options: create an entirely new embedded-processor architecture; acquire another embedded-processor architecture from an outside company; or renew its commitment to developing the x86 as an embedded architecture.
Creating a new architecture is the least likely option. The world already has plenty of CPU architectures, and MPR covers new ones all the time. We don’t think Intel will embark on an expensive, risky project that could turn into another i432, i960, or IA-64.
Acquiring an outside CPU architecture is only slightly more likely than creating one from scratch. …
Intel’s third option is to develop new, low-power x86 embedded processors. Yes, we know, Intel is already doing that. Two weeks ago, Intel announced that Senior Vice President Anand Chandrasekher will manage a new business unit focused on the ultramobile PC (UMPC) and low-power x86 products. The new unit will almost certainly use technology developed by Intel’s Low Power on Intel Architecture research project at the System Technology Labs (www.intel.com/technology/systems/lpia/). But Intel needs to step up the pace of this project and send clearer signals about its embedded x86 strategy.
Recall that a year ago, Intel CEO Paul Otellini promised to deliver by 2010 a 500mW x86 processor capable of running an operating system like Microsoft’s Vista, the next version of Windows. Otellini’s goal is to bring desktop performance to PDA-size UMPCs. Achieving that goal would be an impressive feat. But by 2010, cellphones with ARM processors might subsume the functions that Otellini envisions for x86-based UMPCs. Future derivatives of Apple’s ARM-based iPods are another source of potential competition. Even the XScale-based Blackberry communicators that Intel has discarded might evolve into versatile palmtop computers.
… Intel’s Embedded Future [Microprocessor Report, July 31, 2006]
BACK TO THE ORIGINAL NEWS:
It went around the major on-line ICT publishers that Intel loses 2010 chip market share while Samsung gains, says Gartner while the source is stressing an overall finding that Gartner Says Worldwide Semiconductor Revenue Increased 31.5 Percent in 2010 to Exceed $300 Billion [Dec 8], and regarding Intel it rather made an internal remark:
Intel held the No. 1 vendor position for the 19th consecutive year in 2010, albeit with a slightly smaller share of the market, down to an estimated 13.8 percent from 14.2 percent in 2009 (see Table 1). Intel saw strong growth in the first half of the year as the PC market stocked up inventory in anticipation of a strong second half of the year, but third quarter growth weakened as consumer sentiment began to flag. Sales of mini-notebooks — a segment for which Intel is almost the exclusive supplier — were particularly disappointing.
Worth to read along with this: Gartner: media tablets are the new segment next to mobile PCs and desktops, as well as web- and app-capable mobile phones [April 16, 2011]
Instead of the referred in Gartner’s “Worldwide semiconductor revenue” press release table I am including here the same data but in diagram format:
Whatever it is Intel is not worried at all. Intel’s own Free Press reported from the same day Barclays Capital event in San Francisco Intel CEO defends PC amid tablet, smartphone growth [Dec 8]. ZDNet’s Larry Dignan sent his report as Intel’s Otellini: The PC ‘just doesn’t die’ [Dec 8] with the following quotes:
I think it’s easy to forget about how important notebooks are, in particular, to people’s lives, and while there is a news flash the iPad is really fun, it’s not the only device that’s out there, and in fact, if you look at it on a scale of units, PCs are at 1 million units a day this year. Compare that to, what, 4 million iPads last quarter. Pick your own number for this quarter. So, it’s a vastly different scale here.
When talking about the upcoming next generation of Sandy Bridge processors where graphics are integrated into the chip. Regarding Intel’s tablet strategy the saying was:
Tablets, the thing that’s on everybody’s lips and minds. Our strategy here is very simple. We are going to offer best-of-class hardware around our Atom system on chips, and we are going to make sure that we support all of the viable operating systems that we — that want to work with us that are in the marketplace.
So I’ve just listed here some of the 35 design wins we have in tablets. A number of them on Windows. A number of them on Android. And this is both Froyo, and then Honeycomb as it comes out. Then, of course, on MeeGo, the operating system that we’re working on along with Nokia and other companies. Some of these are in the market today. You can buy — the ones that are Intel-based that are in the market today are typically from people like AT&T or Cisco, and they’re aimed at enterprise-class machines and customers. The consumer products will roll out over the first half of next year. You’ll start seeing them on all three operating systems. Probably at CES, you’ll see lots of demos, lots of announcements, and we’re pretty excited about this product line.
Updates:
Mobile doubts weigh on chipmakers Intel, AMD [Jan 14]
Despite better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings and guidance posted on Thursday, and a broadly higher market, its [Intel’s] shares slipped as investors focused on the company’s failure to stake out territory in the mobile market.
Even as Intel’s stock fell, shares of other semiconductor companies rose, with ARM rising 6.5 percent to a 10-year high.
The stock market, and sentiment on the wider technology industry, for years moved in tandem with Intel following its earnings report. But in recent quarters they have diverged.
“It’s historically been the bellwether, that if you’re positive on the (technology) sector you’re positive on Intel, but I think that relationship is breaking down,” said Craig Berger, an analyst at FBR Capital Markets.
Intel 4Q a window into industry’s inflection point [Jan 14] (emphasis is mine)
Some 350 million PCs were shipped in 2010, according to data released this week, and Intel CEO Paul Otellini says that more than 1 million PCs are now being sold every day.
…
Net income was $3.39 billion, or 59 cents per share, higher than the 53 cents per share analysts polled by FactSet were expecting. In the same period in 2009, Intel earned $2.28 billion, or 40 cents per share.
The year-ago figures would have been higher were it not for Intel’s $1.25 billion payment to rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc. to settle claims that Intel abused its market dominance to bully computer makers into avoiding AMD’s chips — charges Intel has long denied. Intel’s chips are inside 80 percent of the world’s PCs. Earlier this week, AMD ousted its CEO over the company’s growth prospects.
Intel’s revenue rose 8 percent to $11.5 billion, up from $10.6 billion last year. Analysts had forecast $11.4 billion.
For the first quarter, Intel expects revenue of $11.1 billion to $11.9 billion, ahead of analysts’ expectation for $10.8 billion.
And Otellini predicted that Intel’s revenue would rise 10 percent in 2011 — which translates to about $48 billion, up from $43.6 billion in 2010 and higher than the $45.5 billion analysts expected.
What saved Intel’s fourth quarter was strong corporate spending.
Companies, many of which froze their technology budgets during the Great Recession, are buying new servers for their data centers and PCs for their workers as their business prospects have brightened.
Operating profit in the Intel division that sells server chips jumped 47 percent to $1.43 billion, while the division that makes desktop and laptop chips grew at a slower rate, up 8 percent to $3.62 billion.
Server chips tend to carry higher profit margins than chips for PCs. The PC industry in general struggles with increasing commoditization, which lowers PC prices and benefits consumers, but erodes profits.
Although Intel’s results were strong compared with the previous year, revenue in each of its major divisions, except for server chips, was flat from the third quarter.
That showed the strain that emerged toward the end of the year, from economic problems such as prolonged unemployment and the European debt crisis, and competition from Apple Inc.’s iPad.
Sean Maloney resumes work at Intel [Jan 14] (emphasis is mine)
… earlier this month and is responsible for the chip giant’s tablet and handset solution business, according to industry sources.
As Maloney has been working closely with partners of the PC production chain in Taiwan, the resumption of work will help push the development momentum of tablet and handset solutions at Intel, the sources asserted.
…
Maloney has made some modifications to Intel’s product roadmap and marketing strategies for the two segments, and will solicit ODM and OEM partners such as Quanta Computer, Compal Electronics and Pegatron Technology to support Intel’s Oak Trail and Cedar Trail-M platforms.
Maloney will also step up cooperation with handset makers eyeing to re-enter the handset segment, the sources added.
Notebook vendors show no interest in Oak Trail [Jan 13, 2011] (emphasis is mine)
Because Acer and Asustek Computer have both shown their unwillingness to launch Oak Trail-based tablet PCs, Intel has recently been aggressively trying to persuade these vendors with price discounts and is hoping Asustek and Hewlett-Packard (HP), which are still undecided, will change their minds and fully support the platform, according to sources from notebook players.
Since Oak Trail has only been adopted by Fujitsu, Toshiba and Samsung Electronics for their tablet PCs and these vendors are not showing an aggressive attitude to mass produce models, while HP, which originally planned to launch an Oak Trail-based tablet PC, also stepped back and is reevaluating its plans, Intel is offering Oak Trail at a price point of around US$40, about the same as Nvidia’s Tegra 2, and the company will even give a further discount for large volume orders, the sources noted.
However, because Oak Trail is unable to out-perform Tegra 2, while Intel is already set to launch its new Cedar Trail-M platform for tablet PCs/netbooks in September 2011, most of the notebook vendors are unwilling to accept Intel’s offer and would rather wait until Intel releases its new platform before placing any orders, the sources added.
Intel’s response has been the same as on the December 2010 Ottelini presentation: Over 35 Oak Trail-based netbooks will show up in 1H11, says Intel [Jan 13, 2011]
End of updates
Here Ottelini had the following slide in his presentation:
Here the notable things are:
– HP and Acer, the #1 and #3 players on the notebook market are missing from the Windows part. We know however that Acer will play in Windows tablet space, albeit not with Intel but with AMD as has been noted in my Intel Oak Trail to beat ARM with MeeGo specific prices [Nov 25] post already.
– Update: MSI is also missing which is remarkable only because of a 4 days later MSI to reintroduce WindPad tablets at CES, claims Oak Trail improves performance and battery life [Dec 13] news (emphasis is mine):
According to MSI’s Director of North American Sales Andy Tung, Intel’s tablet solution does show both battery life and performance improvements over the current Atom chips, but it’s “not extremely significant.” Based on our discussion with Tung, we got the feeling that it’s a step in the right direction for Atom but still not as long-lasting as it needs to be to compete with ARM-based tablets.
For more detailed investigation of this news see: Oak Trail bringing only minor power savings to Windows tablets? [Dec 13].
– Acer is indicated in the MeeGo tablet space which is something new and also showing that the primary line of tablet market attack for Acer is the Android platform. Again consistent with the same post (with two Android tablets coming from Acer in February), also in the sense that Intel’s intent is to apply a MeeGo specific, very pricing for the Oak Trail type Atom.
– Nokia is missing from the MeeGo design wins which is again consistent with information in the same post that “The first MeeGo smartphone requires MeeGo V1.2 and won’t happen, either on Intel or ARM until around June 2011.” The only difference is that now the same statement applies to the 2011 Nokia tablet space as well.
Overall it is not so rosy outlook for Intel’s 2011 plans for tablets. Even more so since in the smartphone space Intel is even more behind of the market. No wonder why Financial Times was reporting from the Barclay’s Capital event as Intel inside 35 tablets, no phone till H2 2011 [Dec 8]:
Mr Otellini said the phone game represented a marathon not a sprint for Intel. It was tackling issues of certification, modem integration and the telecoms software stack. Its smartphone processor codenamed Medfield was currently being debugged for shipment in 2011 and 2012, he added.
Medfield is the successor to the Moorestown chip, launched in May, which still does not match the low-power capabilities of Arm-based phone processors and has not appeared in any smartphones this year, despite Intel’s high hopes expressed at the CES show in January.
So marketwise Intel’s major worry is the tablet market now as was noted by New York Times: Intel Girds For Netbook and Tablet Wars [Dec 8] when reporting:
The chip giant has created a new business unit that it calls the netbook and tablet group. The unit will be run by Douglas L. Davis, the current head of Intel’s embedded and communications group, who will be charged with making sure Intel can fend off all kinds of competition in the burgeoning market for PC offshoots.
Intel often formally announces the formation of such groups, but kept this one quiet. Bill Kircos, a company spokesman, confirmed the move.
“Netbook shipments will be heading north of 100 million, and we’ll all soon will find out what kind of market potential there is for tablets and these increasingly popular hybrid designs,” Mr. Kircos said. “It makes sense for us to sharpen our focus on these friends of the PC, and Doug’s experience running a similar and very successful embedded division makes him the right guy to lead the group.”
Ottelini himself said according to the above ZDNet report:
I don’t think, at the end of the day, tablets are cannibalizing it. They are not replacements for notebooks. They are a competitor for discretionary income disposition. So you walk into Best Buy and you’ve got $400 burning a hole in your pocket, or in the case of the iPad, $600 burning a hole in your pocket, and you want to buy something cool for Christmas for your wife or kid or something. It’s a competitor.
On the other hand, I have not seen a kid that takes the iPad to school and not a laptop. The laptop is still the fundamental tool in school. So, I don’t see it being a displacement. I see it being an extra-fun device that you use to consume content, for the most part. And I think it’s additive to the industry. So, if it goes to 50 million or 100 million units a year against a base of PCs that are 500 million units, that’s great. And we’ll have our fair share of those.
But on the Barclay’s Capital event his major point about the future of the market was expressed on following two slides:
So while in the year 2011 Intel will play a catch up game in the tablet space and just trying the waters in the smartphone market in the years which are coming after that the company sees as quite promising because of its huge manufacturing technology lead and its learnings from the previous critical periods of its growth when Intel was able become dominant player via its architecture.
More information:
– Intel says tablets and phones on the way in 2011 [Reuters, Dec 8]
Intel Oak Trail to beat ARM with MeeGo specific prices
As per Digitimes Intel starts mass producing Oak Trail platform [Nov 24]
… specifically for tablet PCs, with the combination of Atom Z670 processor and SM35 chipset the initial product, according to industry sources.
The Oak Trail platform will sell at about US$25 with MeeGo, and the price for Oak Trail and Microsoft’s Windows 7 will be higher.
There were a couple of news regarding the state of MeeGo a month ago as well:
– For developers’ eyes only: MeeGo version 1.1 [Oct 21]
Today marks a new project release of the MeeGo software, the open-source next-gen operating system for computing devices that Nokia and Intel kicked off earlier this year. The release brings it to version 1.1. This includes updates to the Core operating system, together with the Netbook, In-Vehicle and Mobile Handset packages. An updated Software Development Kit (SDK) for version 1.1 will follow shortly. So MeeGo’s well on its way and showing great progress.
So what is a “project release”? Let’s start with what it isn’t. This isn’t a finished product for you to load up on to your phone and use on a day-to-day basis. The user interface is neither finished nor is it representative of what the experience will look like on future Nokia devices (we’re creating our own unique experience using Qt). What it is, is a generic version intended to allow developers and device manufacturers to get familiar with the code and the capabilities of future devices.
… Version 1.2 is scheduled for April 2011, by which point the MeeGo handset user experience software should be pretty much complete. For all the technical details, jump to meego.com.
– MeeGo 1.1 Release [Oct 28]
This release includes:
- Core OS 1.1 – consolidated common base operating system for all UXs
- Netbook UX 1.1 – complete set of core applications for netbooks
- In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) UX 1.1 – includes a sample IVI home screen and taskbar built with Qt 4.7 and speech recognition
- Handset UX 1.1 – technology snapshot implements basic development UX for voice calling, SMS messaging, web browsing, music and video playback, photo viewing, and connection management
- SDK 1.1 Beta – SDK for MeeGo Core OS and supported UXs will be released during the coming days before the MeeGo Summit conference in Dublin.
…
Looking Ahead to MeeGo 1.2
MeeGo development continues forward on a six-month cadence. MeeGo 1.2 is scheduled for April of 2011 and it will include a Handset UX release with a complete set of applications, and support for other device usage models.
Relative to that nothing really new came out of the MeeGo camp. Chippy has a good Report: Timeline for MeeGo Netbooks, Tablets and Smartphones [Nov 20] for those who want to understand in all details what Meego will bring next year and when. Author’s final conclusion is:
We could see MeeGo netbooks with AppUp as early as January with ‘features’ such as quick-boot, lower cost, a simple-to-use operating system with a social-networking slant. We’re unlikely to see too much excitement around these early devices though because platforms and applications need to develop to create products with any major selling points. ARM do have an opportunity to get MeeGo on a netbook-style device in order to create an interesting long-battery-life product.
Tablets could appear in the early part of 2011 as 3rd-parties are already working on UI solutions based on MeeGo 1.1 but for interesting multi-touch products, with an application store, this won’t happen until around June 2011.
The first MeeGo smartphone requires MeeGo V1.2 and won’t happen, either on Intel or ARM until around June 2011. That phone is likely to be a Nokia product and its success will be critical to MeeGo.
Everything up until this Nokia/MeeGo phone can be called Phase-1 – led by Intel/Nokia investment. If these products show class-leading features and the developers start to create applications then we’ll start to see Phase 2 products created through independent investment that are true indicators of MeeGo momentum. That story starts in Q3 2011.
This means that Intel cannot effectively compete against ARM for another half year at least. Intel’s ally in the MeeGo strategy is also under reorganisation:
The mid-2000s represent something of a high-water mark for Nokia. In 2005, it was the undisputed king of the mobile market having sold its billionth handset.
Today, while Nokia remains the world’s largest seller of mobile phones, its prospects have changed dramatically. The company now faces slipping market share, competing mobile operating systems and a world where Apple and Android are regarded as the smartphone leaders.
… The fightback will be headed by Stephen Elop, the former head of Microsoft’s business division, who replaced outgoing CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo on 21 September.
- Nokia Hires A New Exec To Save Its Brand [Nov 24]:
Nokia’s new CEO just hired a new chief marketing officer to help the once-hot cellphone maker fix its dying brand.
Digitimes recently also had the opportunity to talk with ARM president, Tudor Brown and share his views regarding the market for tablet PCs in 2011, and the role of Taiwan’s hardware manufacturers in the booming business. Brown also discussed ARM’s business opportunities in a PC industry that is moving toward increased mobility. See:
– Tablet PCs are opportunities to redistribute profits among supply chain players, says ARM president [Nov 19
– Toward increased mobility: Q&A with ARM president Tudor Brown [Nov 24]
The leading vendor in Taiwan meanwhile unveiled its strategy as follows:
– Acer adopts AMD CPU for tablet PCs [Nov 25]
Among Acer’s announced initial batch of tablet PCs, a 10.1-inch Windows 7-based model is believed to use AMD’s Ontario APU codenamed C-50, according to sources from notebook players.
… The dual-core C-50 APU, which consumes only 9W of power, is currently priced at about US$55-60 and includes an integrated Radeon HD 6250 graphics chip [and also UVD dedicated hardware acceleration for HD video including 1080p resolutions, see later].
– Live and interact in total mobility – Tablets according to Acer [Nov 23]:
… support of its goal to simplify content consumption – a strategy which began with the development of Acer’s multimedia sharing system, Clear.fi. Acer’s strategy is based on the concept of sharing multimedia content and enjoying it across any device, and Tablets are ideal devices for this purpose.
A 10.1” Android tablet for a superb mobile and home entertainment experience … Designed for HD entertainment, this tablet comes with a high resolution, high color contrast display, allowing you to play or share HD video with your friends wherever you are. … Available April 2011
7” Android Tablet: the epitome of mobility … On the 7” (1280×800) 16:10 aspect ratio full touch screen, you can enjoy games, photos, videos while keeping up with your emails or your favourite social networks. Video chat or record a video with the front-facing HD camera. With HDMI support, hooking it up for a big screen video experience is easyier than ever! … Available April 2011
10.1” Windows Tablet: Versatility in a tablet form factor … an extremely innovative solution that combines touch screen user-friendliness with the comfortable experience of a physical keyboard. In fact, the tablet comes with a docking device that includes a full-size keyboard and more connectivity options to enhance the user experience. … Thin and light (only 15 mm and less than 1kg), and with a 10.1”, high resolution display, it’s easy to carry around and really unobtrusive. This tablet ensures outstanding entertainment and a superior touch experience. … Available February 2011
– Acer debuts 10.1-inch Windows 7 tablet: AMD-powered, inbuilt 3G, coming February 2011 [Nov 23]
– Acer aims at largest global market share for tablet PCs in 2-3 years, says CEO [Nov 26]. A detailed interview.
– Compal, Wistron to station in Chongqing, says Acer source [Nov 23]:
…accepted an invitation from Acer to set up production bases in Chongqing, western China, to support Acer’s operational headquarters there, according to a source inside Acer.
Acer’s headquarters in Chongqing will start operations in the second or third quarter of 2011 and are expected to handle half of Acer’s PC shipments in 2012, which is about 30 million units, the source said.
More information regarding AMD’s new APUs based on brand new Bobcat cores see in my post SoC advances for client, server and mobile basestation level [Aug 25, with updates going as of Nov 25]
More information regarding Intel’s Oaktrail see in my posts:
– Windows 7 tablets/slates with Oak Trail Atom SoC in December [Nov 1, with updates going as of Nov 24]
– Intel SoC for Cloud Clients [June 27, with updates going as of Aug 23]
More information on the current leading edge in ARM offerings see in my posts:
– Marvell ARMADA with sun readable and unbreakable Pixel Qi screen, and target [mass] manufacturing cost of $75 [Nov 4]
– Marvell ARMADA beats Qualcomm Snapdragon, NVIDIA Tegra and Samsung/Apple Hummingbird in the SoC market [again] [Sept 23, with updates going as of Nov 2]
More information regarding Windows slates/tablets see in my posts:
– Windows 7 tablets/slates with Oak Trail Atom SoC in December [Nov 1, with updates going as of Nov 24]
– Windows slates in the coming months? Not much seen yet [July 13, with updates going as of Oct 9]
Windows 7 tablets/slates with Oak Trail Atom SoC in December
Intel “is aiming to mass produce its Oak Trail platform for its Sleek Netbook segment targeting the tablet PC market in December 2010. The Oak Trail platform is a combination of Intel’s Lincroft (Atom Z6xx series) processor with Whitney Point chipset.”
See: Intel reveals Chief River platform for notebooks [Digitimes, Nov 1].
- Update: Intel starts mass producing Oak Trail platform [Nov 24]
… specifically for tablet PCs, with the combination of Atom Z670 processor and SM35 chipset the initial product, according to industry sources.
The Oak Trail platform will sell at about US$25 with MeeGo, and the price for Oak Trail and Microsoft’s Windows 7 will be higher.
This notification given to Intel manufacturing partners in Taiwan might remove the long-standing barrier for Microsoft to introduce its long awaited Windows 7 slates to the market as early as in the second half of November, with retail availability in December. This would be even more than that since on November 20th the company will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Windows. Steve Ballmer might also have an additional, big case for celebration as whatever he has been telling in the last months there had been no sufficient evidence to back his claims, see: Windows slates in the coming months? Not much seen yet [July 13 – Oct 6, 2010]. And for people interested in technical details it has been well known all along that the Moorestown Atom chip (Atom Z6xx series) has not been developed to run the prime Windows software so Microsoft should wait for arrival of a Windows 7 capable version, code-named Oak Trail and originally promised for early 2011 availability only. See: Intel SoC for Cloud Clients [June 27 – Aug 23].
What kind of Windows 7 tablet/slate might soon arrive with Oak Trail availability? Will such a “sleek netbook” device (as per Intel’s new terminology) be able to compete with Apple’s highly successful iPad or even surpass that in capabilities. Before those devices are announced no definite answers could be given. Nevertheless there is sufficient evidence already that there could be very big surprises in that regard.
Here is Dell Inspiron Duo flipping tablet/netbook device first shown on the Intel Developer Forum in September:
Update: Dell is definitely the #1 Microsoft ally now as evidenced by Michael Dell: Developing Windows smartphones ‘easier’ than Android [Nov 2]
More information:
– Hybrid Dell Inspiron Duo Tablet : A Netbook and A Tablet Device [Sept 19]
– Dell’s Atom-powered Inspiron Duo: 10-inch netbook / tablet hybrid with a crazy swivel (update: more video and detailed press photo!) [Sept 14]
– Dell to Reinvigorate Its Brand Name with New Campaign [Oct 21]
The marketing campaign will include television spots, due to start November 6, and print ads about a week later. According to the company, the campaign would cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
Even Intel Free Press, a 3 weeks only Intel tech news initiative is drawing attention to it by a title telling a lot – Free Shot: Looking for Tablets this Holiday Season? [Oct 8]:
This is the first year when tablet computers have a chance of hitting a relative’s top 10 wish list for the holidays. In addition to the widely popular iPad, several new touch screen tablets are rumored to be coming before the end of the year, including the hybrid Dell Inspiron Duo tablet-netbook. Moving away from a physical keyboard and familiar computing experience might scare away many people, but Dell seems to have found a nice middle ground. This video shows how the 10-inch touch screen flips transforming the tablet slate into a traditional netbook with keyboard.
Look at the video and you will be more than convinced.
There is also an explicit confirmation from Microsoft in Ballmer: Windows 7 tablets to be seen by Christmas [Oct 5]:
A spokesperson said Microsoft can confirm three Windows 7 slates: one from Hanvon in China, Toshiba’s Libretto W100 (which doesn’t really count because it’s a limited-quantity prototype) and the Dell Inspiron Duo Tablet, which Dell has said will be available later this year.
We can already see from this that there will be other vendors with Windows 7 slates/tablets. There is more evidence to support that:
– Intel: Our Tablet Design Momentum Is Very Strong [Oct 13]
– Acer tablet PC line launching on November 23rd, priced from $299 to $699 [Oct 27]
– Acer set to unveil multiple tablets on Nov. 23 [Oct 29]
– Acer first tablet PC aimed at fulfilling telecom carrier demand [Oct 29]
– Asustek details tablet PC plans [Oct 29]
– Latest Update On ASUS Tablets – 7-Inch to 12-Inch Range [Oct 29]
Furthermore Intel has already started to mount a strong market attack:
– via their own CEO at the current earnings conference call with: Intel CEO praises iPad, throws down gauntlet [Oct 12]
– via the well-known market research company iSuppli explicitly stating: Intel Aims to Enter Tablet Market With Oak Trail Processor [Oct 19]
– via their own Intel Free Press with an extensive article about Reports of Netbook’s Death Greatly Exaggerated, Experts Say [Oct 26]
And this is all before the 25th anniversary of Windows! Watch the news!