It's show (and tell) time in race for multimedia PCs
Article Abstract:
The market for multimedia-enhanced PCs has reached the level where it is no longer a niche market, which is why dozens of microprocessor, software and accelerator board manufacturers are scrambling to introduce new, high-powered multimedia accessories. The dramatic increase in multimedia-capable PC sales and the introduction of Microsoft's 32-bit Windows 95 operating system is bringing systems designed for Windows 95 that rival stand-alone 32-bit game systems. Such systems are expected to be introduced in significant numbers in early 1996. The market for multimedia-enhanced PCs is expected to reach 32 million units in 1998, accounting for half of the total number of PC sold. Various semiconductor vendors are introducing new processors and software solutions to provide dazzling multimedia functions. Sun Microsystems will add multimedia capabilities to its instruction set to allow for on-chip multimedia processing.
Publication Name: Electronic Business Today
Subject: Electronics and electrical industries
ISSN: 1085-8288
Year: 1995
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OEMs ride wave of multimedia chips
Article Abstract:
Intel's expected Jan 1997 release of Pentium processors with multimedia extensions (MMX) is expected to replace some dedicated multimedia microprocessors and hardware. MMX Pentium chips will be able to increase the speed that multimedia software runs by over 60% and will have processing speeds of at least 150Mhz. Vendors are producing multimedia processors for assorted multimedia tasks or discrete processors to aid specific multimedia functions. Oak Technology has an audio accelerator which gives Pentium chips software-based V.34 modem capabilities. Chromatic Research has shipped the Mpact/3000 media processor which complements MMX and can handle a variety of multimedia forms including 3-dimensional graphics. Computer makers are expected to embrace the new products as a means of upgrading their systems.
Publication Name: Electronic Business Today
Subject: Electronics and electrical industries
ISSN: 1085-8288
Year: 1996
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How Intel did it
Article Abstract:
Intel has a tremendous lead in the microprocessor market despite competitive threats from clone-makers and other platforms, such as the PowerPC. Intel has the advantage of a large installed base of PCs, and thousands of independent software developers writing applications for the Intel platform. When Motorola predicted the PowerPC would gain 20 percent of the market, however, Intel became more aggressive in introducing new processors and enhancing the performance of its chips to keep up with the RISC design. Intel's strategy went from serial development to a caoncurrent model, where design teams work on two generations of microprocessors simultaneously. The company also significantly expanded its wafer fabs and refine its process technology.
Publication Name: Electronic Business Today
Subject: Electronics and electrical industries
ISSN: 1085-8288
Year: 1996
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