Intel Corp (INTC)

[fowler]

Intel to Work with Major Consumer Electronics Companies to Bring `Portable Media Players' to Market
Thursday January 9, 3:01 am ET
Intel and Microsoft Collaborate on Reference Design


LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 9, 2003--
International Consumer Electronics Show

Intel Corporation today announced that it is working with Microsoft Corp. to develop a portable media player (PMP) hardware reference design for the new Microsoft Media2Go* software platform. As a result of the Intel and Microsoft collaboration, Samsung Electronics and ViewSonic Corp. will develop Intel® XScale(TM) technology-based PMPs running the Media2Go* platform that will allow consumers to enjoy video and other types of media anywhere they want.

Called the portable video player in its early development, the PMP is a new type of mobile entertainment product pioneered by Intel. PMPs will be small enough to fit in a coat pocket and will allow people to take video, still pictures and music with them anywhere they go -- on the plane, train, or bus, to the gym, or hand it to the kids sitting in the back seat of the car during a long drive. Intel-based PMPs will feature high-quality video playback using an Intel® XScale(TM) technology-based processor. The different types of media can be transferred to a PMP from a PC or a Personal Video Recorder using a fast Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connection.

Intel and Microsoft are working together to develop an initial hardware reference design based on Intel XScale technology and Microsoft's Media2Go software platform. Media2Go is based on Microsoft's Windows CE .NET* operating system and offers consumers the ability to enjoy their videos, music and photos on-the-go.

"Intel and Microsoft are paving the way for device manufacturers to deliver compelling PMP products to consumers quickly and cost-effectively," said Peter Green, general manager of Intel's Extended Computing Division. "Microsoft Media2Go helps make it easier for users to bring media content from the PC to the PMP and takes advantage of the high performance and low power consumption of Intel's XScale processors."

Samsung Electronics and ViewSonic Corp. will develop Intel XScale technology-based PMPs running the Microsoft Media2Go software platform. Both companies will develop PMPs and build on Intel's technology enabling work over the last two years in key areas such as video playback and device architecture. Intel has been working with numerous consumer electronics manufacturers and software providers for more than a year to help bring Intel XScale technology-based PMP products to market.

"Just as VCRs gave consumers the freedom to view content when they wanted to, PMPs will give consumers the freedom to consume content where they want to," Green said. "By working with companies like Samsung and ViewSonic to build these new devices on Intel XScale technology-based processors, we can ensure that wherever they go, consumers will have a high-quality media experience."

Intel's Emerging Platforms Lab has developed key enabling technologies for the PMP, including high-performance video software (H.264/MPEG 4 Part 10 video codec), a USB 2.0 implementation, hard-drive caching algorithms that extend battery life, and working PMP prototypes and reference designs. By combining these technologies with the high-performance and low power consumption of Intel XScale technology-based processors, Intel is creating the foundation for a new category of mobile media devices.

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.

Intel XScale is a trademark or registered trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

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