Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Intel and Google are working together on Android for Intel CPUs

Intel and Google are working together on Android for Intel CPUs

Intel CEO Paul Otellini presented a smartphone with Medfield CPU
Image: enter calibration Bonnert / H, the personal computer, a new phase, Otellini said Intel's chief said in his keynote speech at the opening of the Intel Developer Forum  in San Francisco. We are, in his words on the threshold of an era in which computing power is available everywhere and that would provide for the current request or demand right user experience ("Experience"). While almost the same time Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer in Los Angeles on the podium of the Build Conference next Windows operating system introduced 8, presented Otellini ultra Books  - extremely thin and light notebooks with Windows software - as the protagonists of the new ubiquitous computing experience.

Three main characteristics are crucial for this anywhere-computing is: responsive and compelling user environments, consistency across platforms, and protection from predators and pests. The Intel chief promised ultra-fast response times, security and "mainstream prices" for the ultra-Books, which arise from these days just the first models, including Acer and Toshiba. They are similar - both externally and from their functions - very much Apple's MacBook Air models are, but priced a bit higher.

The products of this year, probably all run with Sandy Bridge processor, in early 2012 appears to be the successor Ivy Bridge with new TRIGAT transistors in 22-nm structure. This will consume less than half the energy of its predecessor. Intel plans for 2013 then the new architecture Haswell, which can reduce power consumption of the processor, according to Otellini, the 20-fold.Intel's CEO promised ten days battery life in standby mode and full working days without charge for mobile computers Haswell.

As a demonstration of feasibility, a research staff then led before a Pentium-based test chip on Asus board with solar power. The chip runs at voltage levels near the threshold voltage of transistors - a postage stamp large enough to supply solar panel from the processor to calculate a simple, animated graphics. The remaining system components, however, were conventionally powered.


The Intel-daughter McAfee has developed a new security concept for PCs
Image: Erich Bonnert / H together with subsidiary McAfee  Intel has developed a new security concept for PCs: deep safe discovered through support of Intel's VT technology, the core architecture unknown rootkits before loading into memory. New rootkits, which often disguise themselves as operating system files are visible with conventional pest control very difficult. In real time, ie the penetration into the target system, this has been so good as impossible. Deep safe is part of Intel hardware, the API will be accessible to external developers, so Otellini.

News Otellini had concluded with the smartphone and tablet platforms. With evident satisfaction he put Google's Android head Andy Rubin ago as a new partner. The entire software stack, Android would be optimized for the Intel architecture, Rubin said, as the multimedia features and 3D graphics. The first phones with Intel's chip to Medfield in the first half of 2012 come to market, Otellini promised. The first Android-based models will all be - though probably not yet optimized the Android software, because this will only appear in future versions. Although Rubin, the co-operation with Intel as a "completely open partnership" characterized, he gave no further details.


Paul Otellini, and Google's Android head Andy Rubin announce cooperation on Android for Intel CPUs
Image: Erich Bonnert / H Whether Google will also use Medfield or other Intel chips in Motorola devices, Otellini said it would not comment. There are at least several OEM products planned for 2012. The interoperability tests with mobile phone manufacturers and providers begin in early 2012, featuring typically the period immediately before the launch, Intel told the boss. Otellini held up a proud Medfiel phone that he finally gave Rubin.

As the only Android-tablet with an Intel chip Cius Tablets of Cisco were seen, which were launched in summer 2010. For the mobile-Unix system Meego, there are currently no concrete plans for smartphones. Play in the embedded market with the first Nokia developed platform is a good role, Otellini claimed. Especially in the automotive sector leading manufacturers such as BMW and Mercedes put on Meego in the development of infotainment systems. After separation from Nokia but it is still in search of mobile partners. Both hardware manufacturers and mobile operators would still have interest in another platform.

[Update:] The "new" Android partnership between Google and Intel raises a number of questions, because some versions of Android are already long ago  in x86 versions available, such as Android-x86 . Intel also supplies already have a development board with an Atom N450 and explained , how to install it Anroid-x86.According to the Intel press release is what the deal with Google Chrome but could also refer to OS and Google TV. Already in 2010 introduced Google TV devices such as the Logitech Revue  work but also now with Atom SoCs such as the CE 4100 (Sodaville / CE 4150).

Android under the x86 compatibility plays no significant role of the atom. In comparison with ARM SoCs, which presumably offer lower prices to a similar functionality, SoCs are advantages of nuclear non-obvious. Intel uses for atomic SoCs as well as in the E-and Z-atom with purchased from Imagination Technologies PowerVR graphics core, which is also in many ARM SoCs. So it is unclear what advantages Android brings to an x86 SoC compared to an ARM SoC. [/ Update]

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