21Mar2006
Posted by Joe
in Analysis and General.
We’ve heard a lot about the hype. There were many analysts including Gartner who said the UMPCs success depends on the pricing and the features, Bryan Betts of Techworld, UK goes furthur to tell us all about it
Microsoft’s Origami project created a fuss at CeBIT the other week, but while most observers gave most of their thought to whether Microsoft was on the right track with Origami, I also found myself noticing the clear differences between Microsoft and Intel on the topic of ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs).
First off, there has been far too much focus on the Origami hype - Microsoft has had a big win there, at least for now. It is worth noting that Origami is only an overlay on Windows XP Tablet edition, and that there’s not really any such thing as Origami hardware - that’s more Intel’s job with its UMPC spec (although VIA also has a finger in the pie - it used CeBIT to launch new low-power CPUs for ultra-mobiles).
Microsoft’s designers have obviously been watching the BlackBerry and Treo market, because the most obvious addition Origami makes to XP Tablet (XPT) is an on-screen keyboard designed to be operated by the thumbs. That’s why the Origami devices pictured so far have that wide retro-looking frame around the screen - it gives you something to hold them by as you type…
By contrast, most of Intel’s UMPC prototypes have keyboards, either ones that slide out or flip around. Microsoft’s response has been to suggest that Origami users should get an external USB or Bluetooth keyboard…
Read the full Article [ here ]
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21Mar2006
Posted by Joe
in Analysis and General.
Oh no, I was thinking this is related to UMPC, but may be not, wait a second - Is apple getting ready to keep their market by doing this, before even UMPC hits the stores? CNN Money has an article on this.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Apple may be phasing out its 60-gigabyte Video iPod, according to one analyst who tracks the company.
The company has told its distributors that the 60-gigabyte iPod, which launched in October and retails for $399, is “at risk” until the end of April, meaning that it could be discontinued or replaced, according to Shaw Wu, an analyst for American Technology Research,
Apple launched its video iPods in October
Apple launched its video iPods in October
Wu does not own shares of Apple (down $0.94 to $63.05, Research), and his firm does not do banking business with the company.
In a note to clients, Wu said he believes the company is readying a wide-screen video iPod with Bluetooth headphones that could be ready as early as the June quarter. The analyst said his checks indicate that Apple is working on such a product…[ Read More ]
When think secret says it, people tend to believe it and they have been kinda accurate in the past too, it has speculated that apple would be releasing such a device soon [click here to read the article]. There was a bigg buzz about the full screen ipod mockups about a month back [click here]
So What do you think? what could be apple’s reason for doing so? (if they do)
Source [Gizmodo]
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21Mar2006
Posted by Joe
in General.
Well there has been some interesting posts in the past few days and now Darryl of Microsoft has more updates for us.
…I guess I should clarify what I mean by high end Pocket PC. I agree that the Pocket PC will be around for some time to come. I think though that devices such as the HP iPAQ 4700, Dell Axim X51V and similar devices will be displaced largely by the UMPC - particularly as the form factor and capabilities of the UMPC evolve.
Depending on who’s definition of a PDA you subscribe to (I prefer Gartners) - the market share of non phone PDAs is shrinking right now. Indeed the non cellular Pocket PC’s are being slowly replaced with Pocket PC Phone edition devices or smartphones. So to consider that whats left of this maket could be soaked up by the UMPC is not an altogether far cry.
There are two key draw cards for buyers of large form factor Pocket PC’s - the larger screen size in the portable form factor - both of which the UMPC delivers…
Read more at [Darryl's blog]
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21Mar2006
Posted by Joe
in General.
jkOnTheRun reports that DyKnow a company based in Indianapolis is now an ISV for Microsoft’s UMPC
INDIANAPOLIS (March 21, 2006) — DyKnow, a leader in interactive education technology, announces Microsoft has selected the company as one of 10 independent software vendors (ISV) to participate in the Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer (UMPC) ISV Early Adopter Program. The program is designed to help ISVs optimize their software to support the UMPC and take their applications to market. DyKnow has tested and validated its DyKnow Vision and DyKnow Monitor software on the UMPC’s operating system.
DyKnow Vision software empowers educators to present prepared and spontaneous class notes that appear on each student’s computer screen. With an accurate copy of the teacher’s notes, students no longer struggle to copy everything from the teacher’s presentation and can easily add their individual personalized notes to create an electronic notebook. Notes are saved and can be replayed at a later date for review. DyKnow Vision also allows students and teachers to share content with each other. DyKnow Monitor is software that allows the teacher to monitor and control student desktops to ensure student accountability….
Full report @ [jkOnTheRun]
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21Mar2006
Posted by Joe
in General.
Having a choice is always preferred, Digitimes reports that
Demand for Microsoft’s Ultra-Mobile PCs (UMPCs) will really depend on whether technical issues such as excessive power use can be resolved, sources at Taiwan PC manufacturers indicated, who hinted that Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) may also become involved in this potential market.
Microsoft’s “Origami� project fulfills the UMPC concept as a new category of consumer devices and features the Windows XP Tablet edition OS with mobile-ready technologies. Under the project, Intel has reached an agreement with Microsoft to provide its microprocessors for companies that are eyeing the UMPC market, with Samsung Electronics, Asustek Computer and China’s Founder each scheduling volume shipments by the second quarter of 2006.
AMD’s current Turion 64 and Geode processor offerings, which have been adopted set-top box (STB) and portable media player (PMP) providers, would also be suitable solutions for UMPCs, sources at Taiwan PC manufacturers found. A June 2005 benchmark report by Toms Hardware Guide stated that the Intel system uses 13% more power than AMD.
AMD Taiwan declined to comment on the vendor’s possible entry in the UMPC market, but said the sector still needs time to develop. High costs, lack of market adoption and overlapping functions of notebooks are issues, which are also reasons why the Tablet PC has failed, according to AMD Taiwan.
Via [DigiTimes]
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