Intel as expected officially confirmed the information that three of its CPUs: Pentium G622, Core i3-2102 and Core i3-2312M – may be “improved” while in use by customers. All that it takes is to purchase an advance card and enter the code printed on it into a special “unlock application”. All three processors are built on Intel’s Sandy Bridge architecture.

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Cowon launched its Windows 7-based MID Cowon W2 in the Korea market. It comes with a 4.8 inch wide LCD screen with 1024×600 resolution, utilizes an Intel Atom processor for low power consumption. Features include full browsing, high-performance virtual keyboard and Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR.

Designed with metallic body, it supports up to 10 hours of battery life and 230 hours of sleep mode time. Other features included two USB ports, D-SUB, SKYPE support, JetToolbar and voice recognition function.

But I don’t see a forward facing camera and you know this is probably never coming to the US.

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MSI has unveiled Intel’s next-generation Atom platform based netbook Wind U135, which is expected to be launched next year. The new version of Atom processors, codenamed Pine Trail, will consume 20 percent lesser power than its predecessor. And it consists of a new processor and a low-power Intel chipset N450 that allows integration of graphics into the CPU, thereby enabling improved performance and smaller form factor. Adopting a 10-inch LED backlit display with 1024 x 600 resolution, the MSI Wind U135 features 3.5G WiMAX support, chiclet keyboard and anti-slip design coated with color film. Coming in Trendy Blue and Cherry Red, the Wind U135 will be available in Korea market in January, 2010.

No words on pricing yet.

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Intel announced its new Intel Atom processors today that feature integrated graphics built directly into the CPU, enabling improved performance and smaller, more energy-efficient designs in a new generation of netbooks and Atom-based entry level desktop PCs. Major OEMs have committed to having systems on the new Intel Atom processors and a new companion chipset available within the next few weeks.

The newest Intel Atom platform for netbooks consists of a new Intel Atom processor, the N450, and a new low-power Intel NM10 Express Chipset. For entry level desktop PCs, it consists of either the Intel Atom processor D410 or the dual core D510, also paired with the Intel NM10 Express Chipset.

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Perhaps one of the worst kept secrets, the HTC built Google Phone, formerly named “Phone 88″ and now “Nexus One” – which still might be one of the project names and not its final name – has finally been sussed out and shown to the world… but not fully announced yet. So no release date but all indicators do point to a very likely February release.

Many sites are reporting more about this Android 2.1, HTC sourced phone that promises to have a speedy Snapdragon CPU mated with a 5mp camera and a 3.7″ AMOLED capacitive screen. Yep, I think I’ve found my next phone to replace my Apple iPhone.

More links for information pertaining the oft-rumored Google Phone:

Engadget – “What We Know, What We Don’t Know”
Gizmodo – “The Google Nexus One Phone, In Pictures”
UberGizmo – “Nexus One Has T-Mobile Support”
Neowin – “New Google Phone Pictures Leak“

I’ll update more as I find out more. But this is definitely a phone that might easily replace my iPhone or displace my Nokia N900 lust.

I am not in a position to say whether the claims that the CompuLab fit-PC2i is the smallest desktop on the market are accurate, but it is tiny and they might be. The tiny desktop is 4 inches wide, a bit over an inch tall, is built out of aluminum and weighs in at just 13 ounces. It’s tiny.

While the Atom processor might not be good for any processor intensive functions, it is enough to run Windows 7 professional, and it runs off just 8 watts and runs cool enough to not need a fan.

Specs are what one would expect: Intel Atom Z530 1.6GHz, or Atom Z510 1.1GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM with a 2GB upgrade option, 4GB of on-board flash memory and a 2.5-inch drive bay.

So, what can it do? If you look at the back there are 4 USB ports, a pair of Ethernet ports and a mislabeled HDMI port. If you get the WLAN option it would be a great way to stream 1080p video to your TV and if you shell out the dollars for an SSD you can have a totally silent system. I liked the DVICE idea of mounting it on the back of the screen, but the form factor is such that you can hide it away just about anywhere.

Prices vary according to the options, you can choose from diskless, pre-loaded Ubuntu, XP or Windows 7, but for my money the Diskless (on) system looks like a pretty good buy. Drop in an extra GB of RAM and a 64GB SSD and you get a versatile little system. [Compulab via DVICE]

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Intel Corporation has made its beta version of the Intel Atom Developer Program Software Development Kit (SDK) available for Microsoft Windows and Moblin operating systems developers. The kit helps software companies and individuals design and submit applications for Intel-based netbooks to ultimately sell at stores opening next year. Unveiled at the Intel Developer Forum in September, the Intel Atom Developer Program is designed for independent software vendors (ISVs) and software developers to create innovative applications and/or components for netbooks. The program provides tools, SDKs and community resources to develop new apps or port existing apps to Atom-based devices, including netbooks, which are forecast to reach more than 50 million units sold by end of 2009.

The Beta version of the SDK is now available for both Microsoft Windows (C and C++) and Moblin (C) operating systems. With the Beta SDK, developers can submit their applications for validation and, once validated, begin to take advantage of the program’s revenue-generating opportunities in 2010. Intel is offering incentives for developers to begin submitting applications by offering a chance to win big prizes including a smart car or vacation package.

Developers can download the beta version of the SDK today and learn more about the program, application programming interfaces (APIs), validation process, application store framework and developer contests at appdeveloper.intel.com.

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Before you jump to conclusions, it’s not that IBM will no longer manufacture that precious little chip that powers your Sony PlayStation 3, but the Sony, Toshiba and IBM co-developed processor will not see the previously announced 32 SPE processor ever happen now. Not by IBM at least. And previously, Toshiba bought out Sony’s stake in the Cell CPU foundry [ article here ] almost two years ago.

IBM’s most recent development in the Cell Processor’s design is the PoweXCell 8i, which is featured in the second most powerful supercomputer in the world; Roadrunner.

However, this is where Cell will end for IBM. The company’s Vice President David Turek, told German website Heise Online that the planned 32 SPE Cell processor will not be made.

Fret not… the PlayStation3 processor will still live on. And if Sony wants to use a variation of the Cell in the PlayStation4, I’m sure IBM can be convinced with a few briefcases of money. But it does make you wonder what else will happen for this “wonder” chip. Seems to me like it’s finally starting to lose to the faster, more efficient (to program for at least) CPU plus GPU combination.

[ PlayStation University ] [ Heise Online ] [ IBM ]

They even have the VIA Nano, which looks to be a killer low-watt CPU, they have the Pico-ITX platform which can essentially put an x86 based in the palm of your hand.

However, it seems like VIA is exiting the motherboard business to concentrate on building better processors:

Previously one of the best chipset makers for enthusiasts looking for high performance on a budget, VIA has told Custom PC that it now sees no future in making chipsets for third parties such as Intel and AMD.

Speaking to Custom PC, VIA’s vice president of corporate marketing in Taiwan, Richard Brown, explained that: ‘One of the main reasons we originally moved into the x86 processor business was because we believed that ultimately the third party chipset market would disappear, and we would need to have the capability to provide a complete platform.’

‘That has indeed come to pass,’ said Brown. He also added that ‘Intel provides the vast majority of chipsets for its processors and, following its purchase of ATI, AMD is also moving very quickly in the same direction.’

I know that right now, in my Chaintech motherboard, I have a VIA 4-n-1 chipset for audio, video, memory and USB2 controllers. And I know that VIA has supplied drivers and hardware for pretty much the last three or so builds of machines that I’ve had around here in the last few years.

Regardless… guess it’s a tough business to be in. Can’t wait to see what else VIA pulls out next.

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