x86 Processor Endgame

ARM CEO lays into Intel's Medfield

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on January 16, 2012 11:29 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

One from David Manners' Mannerisms blog:

Intel's Medfield chip-set aimed at getting the company into smartphones has been dissed by ARM CEO Warren East.

"Are they ever going to be the leaders in power efficiency? No, of course not," East told Reuters at CES.

"It's inevitable Intel will get a few smartphone design wins," added East.

Continue reading ARM CEO lays into Intel's Medfield.

Intel Medfield finds home in Motorola and Lenovo smartphones

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on January 13, 2012 5:26 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

One to note for the future, perhaps, regarding the recent CES and the mobile-oriented Medfield chip - a flag-in-the-sand for Intel's low-power, battery-life friendly processor that will aim take on ARM in the embedded space.

At CES, Intel has announced that its new processor will be used by Motorola Mobility and Lenovo in upcoming Android-based smartphones, reports the BBC.

Continue reading Intel Medfield finds home in Motorola and Lenovo smartphones.

ARM modules need new form factor, say embedded firms

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on December 13, 2011 4:40 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

ARM processor-based embedded module designs need a new interface standard, says supplier Kontron.

"Current COM standards do not address the needs of ARM/RISC specific designs," said Dirk Finstel, CTO at Kontron.

Konton is proposing a Computer-on-Module (COM) standard that is optiomised for ARM-based designs.

Continue reading ARM modules need new form factor, say embedded firms.

ARM becomes processor of choice for embedded modules

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 25, 2011 9:44 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Congatec, a major user of x86-based processors from Intel and AMD in its modules, says it now plans to increasingly use ARM technology. It is the latest embedded computer module firm to increase its dependence on ARM processors, writes Richard Wilson.

As a result it will use Freescale's ARM-based i.MX portfolio of products. As a first step congatec is expanding its Qseven product family with Freescale processors.

Embedded computer module suppliers Kontron and MSC already have ARM-based products.

Continue reading ARM becomes processor of choice for embedded modules.

Intel version of Android to compete with ARM on Atoms

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on September 14, 2011 4:21 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

A cross-fertilisation of blogs... but this post has run on the Eyes on Android blog, ragerding Intel taking on ARM via a customised version of Android...

This one caught my eye on SlashGear. It seems Intel is looking to get a custom version of Android Gingerbread in order to support tablet builders looking to run with its Atom E series of processors.

According to SlashGear it would better enable Intel to compete against the likes of ARM in the mobile space where power consumption, and hence battery life, is all important.

The story originates from Carrypad.com. According to "Chippy":

Continue reading Intel version of Android to compete with ARM on Atoms.

ARM invading Intel x86 home turf - IC Insights

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on August 26, 2011 2:21 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

ARM is 'invading the x86 MPU home turf' and is threatening Intel in PCs, desktop systems and servers, says Arizona analyst IC Insights, writes David Manners.

"The spread of ARM-based processors threatens to go beyond tablet computers and invade the x86 MPU turf in mainstream home PCs, desktop systems, and even network servers," says Bill McLean, CEO of IC Insights.

Continue reading ARM invading Intel x86 home turf - IC Insights.

AMD and Tablets...

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on August 8, 2011 8:36 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

One leading processor company that has been absent from recent Android talk is AMD... A senior executive has admitted that it has left the smartphone processor space to the likes of Intel and AMD. It seems AMD believes the company's strengths in graphics 'don't lend themselves to the handset segment,' reports PC World. Instead, it is Tablets that may attract them...

SVP and product group manager Rick Bergman has been talking at the Pacific Crest Securities Technology Leadership Forum in Vail, Colorado

Agam Shah writes:

Continue reading AMD and Tablets....

25% of notebooks to be ARM-based in 2015

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on July 20, 2011 10:52 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

According to analysts iSuppli, a quarter of all notebook PCs sold in 2015 will have ARM processors, writes David Manners.

"Starting in 1981, when IBM first created its original PC based on Intel's 8088 microprocessor, the X86 architecture has dominated the PC market," says iSuppli's Matthew Wilkins, "over the next generation, billions of PCs were shipped based on X86 microprocessors supplied by Intel and assorted rivals--mainly Advanced Micro Devices Inc. However, the days of X86's unchallenged domination are coming to an end as Windows 8 opens the door for the use of the ARM processor, which already has achieved enormous popularity in the mobile phone and tablet worlds."

Continue reading 25% of notebooks to be ARM-based in 2015.

Intel rejects ARM but chases low-power

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on May 18, 2011 12:02 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Paul Otellini - President and CEO, Intel Corporation RES.jpg

Intel is chasing low-power. As the archetypal chaser of speed, this transformation is not unlike a Frenchman saying he's a one-woman guy.

Intel CEO Paul Otellini made it official at an investor conference this week, saying that Intel will aim for a mid-point power consumption of 15W for laptop ICs compared to today's 35W.

Otellin slapped down any suggestions Intel will make ARM architecture processors. It is relying for low-power on its move to Finfets at 22nm.

Continue reading Intel rejects ARM but chases low-power.

Otellini confirms Android Honeycomb-on-x86 port

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on April 20, 2011 4:38 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

A bit of Android news emerging from the Intel quarterly results announcements. SlashGear reports:

Intel has confirmed that it has received the Android 3.0 Honeycomb code from Google, and that it is "actively" working on porting the tablet-centric platform to run on x86 chips like its Atom processors. Revealed during Intel's glowing Q1 financial results call, president and CEO Paul Otellini said that the company was working with "first-tier notebook vendors" on Android tablets using Intel processors. Leaks back in March suggested Intel was readying as many as eight Android-on-x86 devices for demonstration at IDF Beijing this month.

Read the full article >>

Also, see more here, on Engadget >>

Intel could match ARM for power this year

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on April 20, 2011 3:10 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Intel is nudging closer to mobile device power levels with this new Atom processor, writes Richard Wilson, editor of Electronics Weekly.

Fabbed on a 45nm process the Z670 processor comes with a 3W power tag. This is a big improvement on earlier Atom processors and moves the mobile processor into ARM territory.

The N450 Atom runs off 6.5W while the dual core N550 Atom runs off 8.5W.

Continue reading Intel could match ARM for power this year.

Intel aims Oak Trail Atom chipset at tablet market

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on April 18, 2011 3:06 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Intel is introducing a next generation Atom processors, previously codenamed Oak Trail, aimed at the tablet market, writes Jenny Williams of Computer Weekly.

The Oak Trail silicon platform supports tablet operating systems, including Windows 7, MeeGo, Android Honeycomb and Google Android. Intel says its architecture combines Intel's Atom Z670 with the Intel SM35 express chipset to reduce power consumption and improve performance.

Continue reading Intel aims Oak Trail Atom chipset at tablet market.

AMD embeds x86 ecosystem against ARM

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on March 31, 2011 1:48 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

AMD is positioning its x86 processors in the embedded board market, with an design ecosystem similar to that of ARM, writes Richard Wilson.

AMD's main interest in the embedded processor market centres a round its Fusion devices and the low power Geode LX800 processor.

The LX800 is used in Kontron's latest Pico-ITX single board computer, the KTLX800/pITX.

Continue reading AMD embeds x86 ecosystem against ARM.

Amino Communications puts MeeGo into set-top boxes

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on January 6, 2011 11:28 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Amino Communications is to launch an "add-on" set-top box to add new functions to existing pay-TV services, writes editor Richard Wilson.

Based on the Cambridge-based company's Freedom media centre, the Freedom Jump is powered by the Intel Atom processor CE4100 and the MeeGo Linux operating system for TV.

Continue reading Amino Communications puts MeeGo into set-top boxes.

Intel's Sandy Bridge to see the light at CES

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on January 5, 2011 11:23 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Intel will debut its second-generation core processor family, code-named "Sandy Bridge", at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas tomorrow, writes Jenny Williams of our sister title Computer Weekly.

Extending chip performance and battery life, the new core i3, i5 and i7 processors are based on Intel's "visibly smart" micro-architecture. A built-in processor graphics engine shares cache and memory with the processor's core to increase computing and graphics performance while maintaining energy efficiency, said the company.

Continue reading Intel's Sandy Bridge to see the light at CES.

FTC settles with Intel

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on August 6, 2010 6:00 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

A milestone to note in the long-running saga - "The FTC has approved a settlement with Intel that resolves charges the company illegally stifled competition in the market for computer chips," writes David Manners

"The FTC settlement applies to CPUs, GPUs and chipsets and prohibits Intel from using threats, bundled prices, or other offers to exclude or hamper competition or otherwise unreasonably inhibit the sale of competitive CPUs or GPUs.

The settlement also prohibits Intel from deceiving computer manufacturers about the performance of non-Intel CPUs or GPUs."

Read the full article - Intel Conduct Stunted Innovation, Diminished Quality, Kept Prices High, says FTC

Microsoft signs closer access to ARM IP

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on July 23, 2010 11:17 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

One to note - Microsoft has signed a new licensing agreement for the ARM architecture, to get closer access to ARM IP.

Microsoft and ARM have worked together since 1997, on embedded, consumer and mobile devices, but the new agreement is intended to "extend the collaborative relationship between the two companies".

Continue reading Microsoft signs closer access to ARM IP.

Intel demos pre-alpha MeeGo for tablets

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on June 30, 2010 3:02 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Intel has posted a video demo of the pre-alpha MeeGo for tablets on YouTube. Nokia and Intel's Linux OS aims to provide a cheap alternative to Windows and Android on Net Books and smartphones, writes Cliff Saran on Computer Weekly.

He shows how a user can use their finger to scroll and access thumbnails on the MeeGo desktop, allowing them to access a running application instantly.

Take your Atom "Froyo" tablets this summer

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on June 24, 2010 5:00 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

One to file under "Froyo". Slashgear reports:

Intel expect to release a version of Android 2.2 suitable for x86 based devices such as Atom tablets and netbooks within the next few months, in the expectation that the popular OS' availability will encourage use of their own chips rather than those of rival ARM in netbooks and tablets. Speaking to APC, Intel VP of software and services, Renee James, explained that "our expectation is that (native x86 Android) will be based on the Froyo release and will be available this summer to developers."

Read the full Slashgear post >>

The Atom Z6xx and more on Moorestown

By Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on May 7, 2010 11:37 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

The platform, codenamed Moorestown, consists of an Atom Z6xx series microcontroller (Lincroft) and an MP20 companion chip (Langwell), and is designed to scale across high-end smartphones and tablets computers, writes our Technology Editor, Steve Bush.

He has put together an Intel Atom Z6xx fact file

Continue reading The Atom Z6xx and more on Moorestown.