MIDs as platforms for innovation

INTEL IDF, TAIPEI, TAIWAN: According to Shane Wall, Vice President of Intel’s Mobility Group and Director, Strategic Planning, Platform Architecture and Software, Ultra Mobility Group, Intel, the Internet keeps growing with social networking, user generated content, location based services and content, etc. "Users want to take all of these experiences along with them," he said. "There is a 2:1 preference for full Internet vs. limited Internet."

Wall described how the Internet is positioned to go mobile, Intel’s inherent advantages in the MID segment, and the progress Intel is making on the silicon, platform, and ecosystem fronts.

Users want to carry this Internet experience with them in their pockets (or purses). He said that the Intel Atom processor Z5xx series-based MIDs are continuing to become platforms for innovation in the mobile ecosystem and showcased a number of devices coming to market.

Intel Atom processor-based MIDs

Wall reinforced how the Intel Atom processor delivers the highest performance in the sub 3W segment, while consuming dramatically lower power, with >2x performance against today’s marketplace competition.

He demonstrated Intel’s highest-performance Atom processor, 1.86GHz, on an OQO Productivity MID and showcased “World of Warcraft,” one of the most intensive online games on the device. He also showcased support of full HD (1080p, 30fps) in the Intel System Controller Hub and highlighted the inherent advantage IA MIDs have in delivering Internet compatibility.

First-generation MIDs

Wall announced the launch of the Compal device, branded “My PC Pocket,” on the SFR network in France. The device boasts of a compelling UI, integrated apps and services from the SFR portal, seamless WiFi and 3G roaming, and an SFR apps store with easy access to rich content and services.

He said: "The device is launching for SFR subscribers in mid November, 2008.  It allows seamless roaming between Wi-Fi and 3G networks. We are also launching an Apps Store, a first for Intel Moblin MIDs."

Wall also spotlighted a number of MIDs in his keynote including the Productivity MID from Kohjinsha, the Clarion Mobile Internet Navigation Device (MiND), and the BenQ Entertainment/Communication MID recently deployed on the TIM network.

Wall also outlined the growing momentum behind MIDs with strong interest from partners such as Asus, BenQ, BYD, Clarion, CompalFujitsu, Sharp, Sony, USI, etc.

MID ecosystem and Moblin

The MID software ecosystem based on Moblin (www.moblin.org) continues to gain momentum with thousands of community developers and hundreds of ISVs actively working to deliver middleware and applications for MIDs. "Atom + Moblin is delivering superior compatibility on the go. There is a growing Moblin based MID ecosystem," he added.

Neusoft, a premier software and services company in China, has joined the MID ecosystem, and is working with MID customers to deliver Moblin compliant apps and SI services. Dr Nan Wang, GM, International Business Development, Neusoft, said: "We are leveraging our expertise into MIDs. We will also help the OEMs and ODMs accelerate their time to market."

Demonstrating Neusoft's MID solution, she added: "We have developed a new UI framework, for example, floating buttons. We have also developed an MDA (mobile doctor assistant) for the healthcare segment. All of these applications are based on Moblin."

Wall also demonstrated a prototype device from Yukyung, one of the leading CE vendors from Korea, and Haansoft, an Asianux consortium member who has integrated more than 10 applications into a compelling 3-D “Cube” UI.

A number of industry leaders have also joined the MID ecosystem including California Micro Devices (MIPI display bridge), Fluendo (media player and codecs), Gameloft (casual gaming), GyPSii (location-based social networking), Livecast (streaming video), Minigate (widget engine), Move Networks (Internet video delivery solutions), Mytopia (social networked casual gaming), Navteq (location-based services ecosystem), Orb Networks (anywhere media access), and TuneWiKi (next-generation music player).

Thinnest MID from USI

Wall showcased the world’s thinnest MID based on the Intel Atom processor from USI. This is based on 40nm. "There's tremendous innovation going on here in the market today," he said.

What's next? The second generation is going to bring something very unique. Wall cited the Moorestown platform and the continued innovation. "Moorestown will bring about 10X reduction in idle power. We are well on track for this," he added. Wall displayed the actual silicon from Lincroft and a real processor as well. Moorestown will also enable devices in much smaller form factors, but still delivering the full Internet.

The Moorestown MID Innovation Alliance was also announced. Wall applauded the success of the MID Innovation Alliance Intel announced about 18 months ago and congratulated the progress made by BenQ, Compal, Inventec and Quanta in building compelling MIDs and bringing them to market.

Wall announced that Intel is working with the alliance members (Asus, BenQ, Compal, EB, HTC, Inventec, Quanta) on the Moorestown platform and is adding a new member, Compal Communications (CCI), to the alliance given its strong competency in the communications space.

In summary, the Internet's going mobile. Wall said that the requirements for delivering innovation include performance/power, Internet and software compatibility, and wireless connectivity. The first MIDs have come to the market. Moorestown will extend the MIDs to communications.