Tag: Intel

Intel Launches AppUp – An App Store for Netbooks

Intel just announced a new software app store for netbook apps. At the Intel Devleoper Forum in San Francisco, Renée James, senior vice president and general manager, Intel Software and Services Group, announced the general availability of the Intel AppUp Center.

This is an app store that will come pre-installed on netbooks, and will be available for download online. Intel partnered with Best Buy, UK-based Dixons and India-based Croma on AppUp.

To accompany AppUp, Intel also introduced the AppUp Developer Program, aimed at driving app creation. From the announcement:

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 also launched Tunnel Creek (pdf), a new Intel Atom E600 SoC processor series developed specifically for embedded apps.

September 14, 2010
WordPress Subscriptions, Facebook Ad Impressions & More

There’s been a lot going on in web news over the last few days, and there have been some things worth looking at that I haven’t gotten a chance to cover, but I’d like to point out just in case you missed them.

WordPress introduced a new subscriptions feature. "Let’s say you’re reading a blog on WordPress.com that you really enjoy — so much so you want to be notified when new posts are published so you remember to read them," WordPress explains. "You can subscribe to this blog really easily by using the ‘Subscribe’ menu in the admin bar. By going up to your admin bar, and clicking ‘Subscribe to blog’, you’ll be instantly subscribed and all current and future posts will be added to the subscriptions tab on your WordPress.com home screen."

Facebook added a new ad impressions counter. As PaidContent’s David Kaplan writes, this social metric will show benefits of ads that include social context from people’s friends on Facebook.

Seesmic released a new version of Seesmic Desktop. "The inspiration to build SD2 came from the understanding that our users desired support of many different social services, more than just Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin," a representative for Seesmic told us. "And so, SD2 was born. With the plugin architecture in SD2, you can easily add, remove and customize the platform to include only the services that matter to you."

Netflix streaming is now available for Panazonic VIERA Cast HDTVs and Blu-Ray players. CrunchGear has more on this.

Opera and Netrange MMH revealed a new way for device manufacturers to give consumers a wide variety of content on their connected TVs – a space that it is obviously getting more competitive by the day. They will deliver the Opera Devices SDK and a pre-qualified suite of web-based TV content to be deployed on TV platforms supporting HbbTV and other pan-European initiatives. More on this here.

Intel released an iGoogle gadget for MESH power management information.

September 14, 2010
Intel Capital Invests $30 Million in 4 Tech Companies

Intel announced today that its investment arm, Intel Capital, has invested $30 million in four U.S. tech companies. These are Adaptive Computing, Ciranova, Joyent, and Nexant.

Utah-based Adaptive Computing is a provider of intelligent automation software for high- performance computing (HPC), data center and cloud environments. Intel Capital says Adaptive Computing products manage the world’s largest computing installations and are the preferred intelligent automation solutions for the leading global cloud, HPC and data center vendors. Intel Capital’s investment will be used to expand the company’s global cloud computing business.

Ciranova provides electronic design software for "mixed analog-digital" integrated circuits in advanced semiconductor processes. Its products are used by semiconductor companies developing large-scale system-on-chip (SoC) ICs for consumer and communications devices such as mobile internet, broadband access, and HD multimedia. The investment will be used primarily to expand the company’s sales and customer support operations.

Joyent is a provider of infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) and platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and runs a major public cloud infrastructure. The investment from Intel will be used to expand international operations and invest in open-source Node.JS and other technologies in the company’s core PaaS cloud offering. Intel Capital has invested in the company in the past as well.

Finally, Nexant provides intelligent grid software and clean energy solutions, which are used by Fortune 500 companies, utilities, transmission and distribution system operators, chemical and petroleum majors, financial institutions, government agencies and development banks. Intel’s investment will be used to expand the company’s software and services presence in IT and data center efficiency.

"A culture of investment is essential to keeping the U.S. on the leading edge of technology innovation and stimulating economic activity," said Arvind Sodhani, president of Intel Capital and Intel executive vice president. "The investments in Adaptive Computing, Ciranova, Joyent and Nexant are the latest examples of Intel Capital’s commitment to advance the next technological breakthroughs by supporting innovation across a variety of sectors from chip design to cleantech to the cloud."

Intel Capital has invested over $9.5 billion in over 1,050 companies in 47 countries.

September 14, 2010
Boxee Box With Intel Atom Processor Coming Soon

The Boxee Box is due out in November, just in time for the holidays. It will come out looking to compete with the likes of the much-hyped Apple TV and Google TV. Here’s what Boxee’s Avner Ronen had to say on the Boxee blog after Apple launched its newest Apple TV device:

We think people want to be able to watch anything that they can watch on their computer, only on their bigscreen TV. There is an overwhelming consumer expectation that the content we can consume in our cubicles, our dorm rooms, and in our laps should be available in our living rooms, in full 1080p with a gorgeous interface. It’s a simple premise, but the challenge is to do it in a way that makes sense in that space, so you can put your feet up, grab a remote and start watching. No keyboards, mice, windows or labyrinthine menus. It should be calm and it should be beautiful. And it *must* be open.

Boxee and D-link announced today that the Boxee Box will be powered by Intel’s CE4100 Atom processor. The Box is touted as the first media device capable of playing all major media formats and codecs within a home network along with free and premium TV shows and movies, videos, music, and photos from the Internet, with support for full 1080p HD and 5.1 surround sound.

"This represents long overdue innovation to the entertainment experience that D-Link will help consumers quickly deploy through their home network. These exciting new capabilities align closely with Intel’s commitment to improving how people access and enjoy digital content on their TV," said Lou Reda, Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Division, D-Link. "We are leading a revolution that will offer tremendous new possibilities in the home."

Boxee and D-Link also announced today that Canadian customers can now pre-order the Boxee Box through Best Buy and Future Shop. The Boxee Box will begin shipping in November in the US, Canada, EU and Australia.

September 13, 2010
Google Talks White Spaces, Google TV Coming This Month?

Google has a post on its Public Policy blog talking about moving forward on white spaces. As the company notes, the five current FCC Commissioners will soon meet to set final technical rules for white spaces.

"If it gets the rules right, the Commission will have taken a huge step to put better and faster Internet connections in the hands of the public," says Richard Whitt, Washington Telecom and Media Counsel.

Intel CEO Paul Otellini has reportedly said that Google TV devices should start shipping as soon as this month.

Google released some helpful updates for Google Maps for Android today. These include Walking Navigation, Street View Smart Navigation, and a new search bar.

Apple announced the publishing of App store review guidelines, which has application developers excited.

Telegraph points to some TwitPics from outer space. These were uploaded by astronaut Douglas H. Wheelock.

Ars Technica reports that Amazon is joining forces with Best Buy to sell Kindles. This is probably a smart move, considering Barnes & Noble is dedicating entire in-store boutiques to its Nook device.

eWeek looks at an In-Stat study that projects that notebook sales will reach 291 million by 2014, accounting for 52 percent of the computing market. AppleInsider refers to a researcher who says that Apple will sell 28 million iPads in 2011 (while "chipping away at PC sales").

Microsoft announced the beta release of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011. "Microsoft Dynamics CRM has tremendous momentum around the world, and we’re glad to bring an exciting new wave of technology to our customers and partners," said Brad Wilson, general manager of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. "Our new beta release for cloud-based and on-premises deployments allows customers and partners to try the product and see the benefits from the investments that we’ve been making."

September 9, 2010
Intel Pays $1.4 Billion for Infineon Wireless Solutions

Intel has acquired Infineon‘s Wirless Solutions (WLS) business for $1.4 billion. WLS, which provides cellular platforms to global phone makers, will operate as a standalone business, and will continue to serve its existing customers.

Intel says WLS will also contribute to its strategy to make connected computing ubiquitous across laptops, smartphones, and embedded computing.

"The global demand for wireless solutions continues to grow at an extraordinary rate," said Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini. "The acquisition of Infineon’s WLS business strengthens the second pillar of our computing strategy — Internet connectivity — and enables us to offer a portfolio of products that covers the full range of wireless options from Wi-Fi and 3G to WiMAX and LTE. As more devices compute and connect to the Internet, we are committed to positioning Intel to take advantage of the growth potential in every computing segment, from laptops to handhelds and beyond."

"The sale of WLS is a strategic decision to enhance Infineon’s value. We can now fully concentrate our resources towards strong growth in our core segments Automotive (ATV), Industrial & Multimarket (IMM) and Chip Card & Security (CCS). This creates a great perspective for all Infineon customers, employees and shareholders," said Infineon CEO Peter Bauer. "We all stand to benefit enormously from this deal. Thanks to the outstanding effort of the employees and the management during the last years, WLS is excellently positioned to grow further with the new owner who is ideally suited for this business."

Intel says its goal is to expand its mobile and embedded product offerings to additional customers and market segments.

The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of next year. The boards of both companies have approved the transaction. It is still subject to regulatory approval.

August 30, 2010
Intel and Nokia Collaborate on 3D Mobile UIs

Intel and Nokia announced that they have created a joint laboratory at the University of Oulu aimed at creating new user interfaces and experiences. It’s called the Intel and Nokia Joint Innovation Center, and will employ about two-dozen R&D professionals.

Intel says the lab will initially conduct research for mobile user experiences that could leverage the rapidly increasing capabilities of mobile devices. They’re looking for an experience that does for mobile what 3-D graphics have done for movies.

"The University of Oulu’s focus on future telecommunications solutions as well as electronics and photonics made it the perfect location for the Intel and Nokia Joint Innovation Center," says Justin Rattner, Intel’s chief technology officer and director of Intel Labs.

"3-D technology could change the way we use our mobile devices and make our experiences with them much more immersive," said Rich Green, SVP and chief technical officer at Nokia. "Our new joint laboratory with Intel draws on the Oulu research community’s 3-D interface expertise, and over time will lay down some important foundations for future mobile experiences."

Intel says the lab is well aligned with the MeeGo open source platform recently launched by Intel and Nokia.

August 24, 2010
New Intel Dual-Core Atom Processor-Based Netbooks Arrive

Intel announced that 12 new netbooks based on its new mobile dual-core Atom processors have hit store shelves today. These include machines from Acer, ASUS, Fujitsu, Lenovo, LG, Samsung, MSI, and Toshiba.

"Acer strives to continually improve on our customers’ total mobile experience, whether it is increased responsiveness or extended Internet interactivity through longer battery life," said David Lee, associate vice president of Acer’s Mobile Computing Business Unit. "We are pleased to select dual-core Intel Atom processors for Acer netbooks, helping to empower netbook users achieve even more – both at work and at leisure."

"In their short history, the netbook category has experienced impressive growth," said Erik Reid, director of marketing for mobile platforms at Intel. "Having shipped about 70 million Intel Atom chips for netbooks since our launch of the category in 2008, there is obviously a great market for these devices around the world."

Intel says the netbooks enable new levels of support for applications like games, as well as Adobe Flash technology for access to a number of Web pages including online hotel booking systems and multimedia sites such as YouTube and Hulu.

The devices will be in stores from today until the end of the year, according to the announcement.

On a related note, Intel has shipped over 70 million Atom netbook chips since its the launch in 2008.

August 23, 2010
How Will Intel’s McAfee Acquisition Affect the Security Industry?

As reported, Intel announced that it is acquiring major information security vendor McAfee today for $7.68 billion at $48 a share in cash.

Pat Clawson, CEO of endpoint security provider Lumension reached out to us with some thoughts on the acquisition and its effect on the industry.

"Intel’s acquisition of McAfee will not only fundamentally change the security landscape, it will have a ripple affect throughout industry. With this acquisition Intel is addressing areas that we really need to get better at protecting – smart phones, televisions, medical technology and cash machines. Short term, it gives Intel a competitive advantage but will no doubt make other chip manufacturers, like AMD, consider whether they need to mirror the acquisition."

"For the security industry, it makes the top layer of the security stack – such as Symantec – obvious acquisitions target not only for chip manufacturers but also hardware providers, such as mobile device manufacturers. On the flip side, it could leave a waste land of security companies as mid-sized security companies see a diminishing number of prospective acquirers."

McAfee, which has experienced double-digit year-over-year growth, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intel.

Is Symantec next?

August 19, 2010
Intel Buys McAfee for $7.68 billion

Intel has announced it is acquiring McAfee for about $7.68 billion at $48 per share in cash.

"With the rapid expansion of growth across a vast array of Internet-connected devices, more and more of the elements of our lives have moved online," said Paul Otellini, Intel president and CEO. "In the past, energy-efficient performance and connectivity have defined computing requirements. Looking forward, security will join those as a third pillar of what people demand from all computing experiences.

"The addition of McAfee products and technologies into the Intel computing portfolio brings us incredibly talented people with a track record of delivering security innovations, products and services that the industry and consumers trust to make connecting to the Internet safer and more secure," Otellini added.

"Hardware-enhanced security will lead to breakthroughs in effectively countering the increasingly sophisticated threats of today and tomorrow," said Renee James, SVP and General Manager of Intel’s Software and Services Group. "This acquisition is consistent with our software and services strategy to deliver an outstanding computing experience in fast-growing business areas, especially around the move to wireless mobility."

"McAfee is the next step in this strategy, and the right security partner for us," she added. "Our current work together has impressive prospects, and we look forward to introducing a product from our strategic partnership next year."

"The cyber threat landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years, with millions of new threats appearing every month," said Dave DeWalt, president and CEO of McAfee. "We believe this acquisition will result in our ability to deliver a safer, more secure and trusted Internet-enabled device experience."

McAfee has experienced double-digit year-over-year growth. It will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intel, reporting into Intel’s Software and Services Group.

August 19, 2010
Intel Increases Cable Presence with Purchase of Texas Instruments’ Cable Modem Unit

Intel just announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Texas Instruments’ cable modem unit. Intel says this will enhance its focus on in the cable industry and related markets.

Intel will combine TI’s Puma product lines with the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) standard and Intel’s SoCs for a set top box, and other model products for the cable industry. "The objective is to provide cable OEMs with an open and powerful platform for delivering innovative and differentiated products to service providers that improve the video, voice and data content experience at home," Intel says.

Puma 5 from TI – Puma on Vimeo.

"Adding the talents of the Texas Instruments’ cable team to Intel’s efforts to bring its advanced technology to consumer electronics makes for a compelling combination," said Bob Ferreira, general manager, Cable Segment, Intel’s Digital Home Group. "Intel is focused on delivering SoCs that provide the foundation for consumer electronics devices such as set top boxes, digital TVs, Blu-ray disc players, companion boxes and related devices. This acquisition specifically strengthens Intel’s product offerings for the continuum of cable gateway products and reinforces Intel’s continued commitment to the cable industry."

Intel says it has offered all TI employees with the cable modem team the chance to keep their jobs in at Intel sites in their respective countries (mostly Israel). They would become part of the company’s Digital Home Group.

Financial terms of the acquisition weren’t revealed. The deal is subject to regulatory review, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter.

August 16, 2010
Intel and FTC Reach Settlement on Antitrust Case

Intel announced that it has reached a tentative settlement with the FTC in the antitrust suit the FTC brought against the company in December.

The suit alleged that Intel had violated Section 5 of the FTC Act. In this settlement, Intel does not admit any violations. Intel SVP and General Counsel Doug Melamed offered the following statement:

"This agreement provides a framework that will allow us to continue to compete and to provide our customers the best possible products at the best prices. The settlement enables us to put an end to the expense and distraction of the FTC litigation."

What it boils down to is that Intel cannot pay customers to buy only Intel chips or to refuse to buy chips from competitors. In addition, Intel is not allowed to alter its chip design with the intent of stifling competition. The company must change agreements it has with other manufacturers.

The full agreement can be read here (pdf).

The agreement is subject to a 30 day public comment period and final approval by the Commission.

August 4, 2010
Warrant Related to Controversial iPhone Leak Withdrawn

Remember the whole Gizmodo-iPhone-leak controversy? Today, according to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the San Mateo County D.A. has withdrawn the warrant obtained to search the house of Gizmodo’s Jason Chen.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Gizmodo reached an agreement with the authorites to give the D.A. materials deemed "relevant to the case" and Gizmodo’s other equipment will be returned.

Apple dominated much of the tech industry’s attention today with a press conference in which CEO Steve Jobs addressed the iPhone 4’s antenna issues that have been covered heavily in the press since the device’s launch.

Apple ended up announcing that it will give away free cases to iPhone 4 owners, and will give refunds to those who already purhchased them. That is unless they purchased third-party cases.

Google announced its acquisition of Metaweb, which maintains an open database of "things". This will make search results smarter. That’s the goal anyway. Think of it as an extension of Google’s rich snippets and search answers. Doug has more on it here.

Bloomberg reports that Dell has proposed a settlement to SEC staff related to allegations about its relationship with Intel. Dell has been under investigation for five years for Intel-related accounting issues.

Skype’s iPhone application has apparently gone missing from the App Store, and not even Skype knows why at this point. (Via TechCrunch).

A while back, Google announced that it would no longer be selling the Nexus One phone through its own store. According to Phandroid, the company has now received its final shipment of the device.

July 16, 2010
Intel Makes Android-Atom Pairing Possible

Smartphones based on Intel’s Atom processor – which is the company’s smallest and least power-hungry chip – will now be able to run Android. An Intel official announced the step forward this morning, and hinted that some new devices will be developed as a result of this move, too.

Here’s the good news for Google: Dan Nystedt and Owen Fletcher reported, "Intel already has Android running on Atom-based smartphones and certain customers are interested in using it, said Renee James, general manager of Intel’s software and services group, on the sidelines of the Intel Developer Forum in Beijing."

So it may be that Google will get several more chances to increase its visibility in the mobile market before long. Which would coordinate well with Eric Schmidt’s "mobile first" strategy.

The disappointing thing, from Google’s point of view, is that Intel hasn’t decided to favor Android over any other mobile operating system. James explained that Intel’s actually enabling all operating systems for Atom phones.

This could be an interesting opportunity to see how device manufacturers feel about Android, then, since Intel’s decision will place it on an equal footing with everything else.

April 13, 2010
Centralize Files with HP MediaSmart Server

At CES 2010, WebProNews met with Steve Murtha from Intel to discuss the HP MediaSmart Server.

With up to 17TBs of storage, this new server centralizes all files in one location.

As Steve Murtha tells WebProNews, the server is based on the Microsoft Home Server OS and is about value propositions.

The first essential aspect of the server is protection. The HP MediaSmart Server simply and automatically protects your content on your home PCs and Macs. With a backup of up to 10 PCs or laptops in a household, the server provides a cloud with its third party ISP through the open API. This allows individuals to feel comfort if a hard drive fails, knowing valuable content or personals from the computer will have protection with the HP MediaSmart Server.

The second value proposition is sharing. Accessing media is possible anywhere anytime, and sharing with others is easy. The server can stream media from the home server to networked computers. TVs, Xbox 360s, and mobile devices can also receive streamed content.

Lastly, the server provides remote access. The HP MediaSmart Server fits in your network, supporting wired and wireless PCs, through a wireless router. The user can then access their home server from anywhere in the world with internet access. This simple process makes sharing data that much easier and keeps your content safe.

The HP MediaSmart Home Server is available at prices starting at $299.

February 24, 2010
Intel Connects Laptops to HDTVs With WiDi
During CES 2010, WebProNews was introduced to Intel’s new Wireless Display technology, also known as the WiDi.

This new device makes connecting laptops to HDTVs much simpler and convenient. Many other laptop to TV connectors require bulky cables and cords, where as the WiDi allows for a wireless connection.

Intel’s WiDi requirements:
- laptop PC (based on company’s Core processor family)
- HD graphics
- Centrino wireless technology
Along with the following elements, the Netgear Push2TV adapter is essential when delivering signals from the laptop to the TV. This adapter can connect to the TV from HDMI or AV cables.

From your home network, hard disk or wherever browsers will allow you to go on your TV, content such as photos, Internet radio, YouTube and Hulu can easily be shared with others.

Intel’s Wireless Display, sold together with the Netgear Push2TV adapter, is currently available on Best Buy’s Blue Lable 2.0 laptops. Prices starting at $899.
February 21, 2010
Intel and Cineform Create 3D Video

3D video is a growing interest among many individuals today. Intel and Cineform have come together to make it possible to make your own 3D video.

WebProNews caught up with an Intel representative at CES 2010 to discover more on Intel and Cineform’s new 3D video.

Although the 3D process would seem to be very complex and involved, Intel insists it isn’t. The basic setup is simple with 2 cameras on a single tripod, both cameras put out a video stream, and with the Cineform Silicon DVR software, the 2 streams are combined.

From this, a QuickTime file is created that loops back to a TV. Creating two images without polarized glasses and a 3D image with polarized glasses.

As the Intel representative explained, a lot of horsepower is needed in order for this to work, which is where Intel comes in. Cineform’s 3D technologies run on Intel’s Core i7 processor.

This technology is currently available at Cineform.

February 16, 2010
Intel Shows Off Interesting Way to Access Content

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas earlier this month, Intel had a lot of things going on. For one, they introduced a whole new family of Intel Core Processors. They also had a cool proof-of-concept device on display. This was something they call the Intel Infoscape.

Infoscape is a giant display featuring cubes of information, and users can walk up to it and access all kinds of different content – Google News, Tweets, blogs, Flickr images, etc. While on display at CES, the content dealt with CES-related info.

Being a proof-of-concept device, Infoscape is designed to look at different ways of presenting content down the road. The giant cube is powered by Intel’s Core I7 processor, and pulls from about 20,000 different content sources.

The Infoscape displays its content on a double HD screen at 1920×1920 resolution, running at over 100 frames per second. For the event, it was organized into content areas like healthcare, habitat, the environment, communications, transportation, etc.

According to Intel, the device is aimed at exploring how people might access and organize their content in the future. What do you think?

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January 30, 2010
Intel Shows Off Whole New Family of Processors

Intel has unveiled a whole new family of Intel Core Processors at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. These include Intel Turbo Boost technology for laptops, desktops, and embedded devices.

"For the first time, there’s a new family of Intel processors with the industry’s most advanced technology available immediately at virtually every PC price point," said Sean Maloney, executive vice president and general manager of the Intel Architecture Group. "These smart processors adapt to an individual’s needs, automatically providing a ‘boost’ of performance for everyday applications. They become energy efficient to the point of shutting down processing cores or reducing power consumption to provide performance when people need it, and energy efficient when they don’t."

Highlights of the news include:

– Mainstream processors now offer Intel Turbo Boost Technology, automatically adapting to an individual’s performance needs

– First 32 nanometer processors and first time Intel is mass-producing a variety of chips at mainstream prices at start of new manufacturing process, reflecting last year’s $7 billion investment during economic recession

– Intel Core i5 processors are about twice as fast as comparable existing PCs for visibly faster video, photo and music downloading experience4

– Select processors integrate graphics directly on processors; also include Intel’s second generation high-k metal gate transistors

– Beyond laptops and PCs, processors also target ATMs, travel kiosks, digital displays

– More than 10 new chipsets and new 802.11n WiFi and WiMAX products with new Intel My WiFi features

More details about the new family of processors can be found here. Watch for more WebProNews coverage of CES, with exclusive video interviews coming soon.

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January 7, 2010