High Tech Computer (HTC) has joined Intel's efforts to develop MID (mobile Internet device) products, with the company expected to launch a MID with handset functions in 2008, according to sources in Taiwan's handset industry.
The launch of MID handsets will mean that Intel's MID platform will begin to compete with ARM-based handset platforms, while also squeezing the market share currently enjoyed by UMPCs (ultra mobile PCs), the sources indicated.
With the incorporation of handset functions, the MID devices, which are built on an x86 architecture and are compatible with related software, will perform better than other ARM-based devices, claimed Michael Chen, director of Intel's Embedded Sales Group, Asia Pacific.
The launch of MID handsets is expected to help raise the market awareness of MIDs, Chen said, noting that shipments of MID devices will increase significantly after Intel introduce its second-generation MID platform in 2009.
Even with voice functionality, the prices of second-generation MID devices are also expected to more competitive than the current generation of MIDs which are mostly available in prices ranging from US$599-799, according to market sources.
source
The launch of MID handsets will mean that Intel's MID platform will begin to compete with ARM-based handset platforms, while also squeezing the market share currently enjoyed by UMPCs (ultra mobile PCs), the sources indicated.
With the incorporation of handset functions, the MID devices, which are built on an x86 architecture and are compatible with related software, will perform better than other ARM-based devices, claimed Michael Chen, director of Intel's Embedded Sales Group, Asia Pacific.
The launch of MID handsets is expected to help raise the market awareness of MIDs, Chen said, noting that shipments of MID devices will increase significantly after Intel introduce its second-generation MID platform in 2009.
Even with voice functionality, the prices of second-generation MID devices are also expected to more competitive than the current generation of MIDs which are mostly available in prices ranging from US$599-799, according to market sources.
source
