Possible, but doubt it. While Apple has used portalplayers platform, much of the integration and design work was done in house. Apple (unlike other PC hardware company's) keeps increasing R&D spending even in this downturn and they certainly have the talent and funding to turn out great products like the iPod which essentially was a wake up call to other jukebox manufacturers.
I believe we have established a relationship with PortalPlayer for good reasons, and the following may, or may not, be one of thoses ...
From PortalPlayer`s 6-11-02 Press Release:
"The company is now shipping technology platforms for hard-disk-equipped jukeboxes, and is ideally positioned to capture market share in this very hot product category. With the closing of a strong funding round in a still-difficult environment, we will solidify a leadership role in digital audio and accelerate development of next generation still and motion video-capable systems."
Falk said, "As part of the agreement, PortalPlayer will refer pre-qualified customers to us for engineering services and product development using the PortalPlayer IP. This partnership opens the door for revenue producing opportunities, both from non-recurring engineering (NRE) fees and royalties as well as revenue sharing from PortalPlayer. It also provides us with another opportunity to incorporate new technologies into useful applications and attractive products for OEM customers, which in turn should generate additional OEM interest.”
The Company is working with an ASIC manufacturer to provide a DivX-certified multi- codec solution for video. Several Asian companies interested in developing products using this technology are in negotiations with e.Digital.
Based on my conversations with Robert with regard to video applications, he has always stated that we are targeting the high-end of the market and concentrating on a high resolution solution to ensure good picture quality when connected to a big-screen TV. I believe that we will use the ASIC platform for our IFE device, and it appears that our reference design will have it`s debut at the IFE Conference in April. I`m guessing that, even if all goes well, our first IFE production model won`t be available until sometime this summer at the earliest. I would be pleasantly surprised to see any other video device from us before then, but I really doubt it based primarily on the following:
Press Release from ViewSonic dated 1-9-03:
ViewSonic Announces Initiative To Enter Portable Video Player Category
ViewSonic PVP Expected to Be One of the First in Portable Video Player Category
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9, 2003 – At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), ViewSonic® Corp., a worldwide Visual Technologies™ leader, today announced plans to participate in a Microsoft® and Intel® initiative to create a new category of mobile devices—the portable video player.
Among the first portable media players built upon [Microsoft’s Media2Go platform, the ViewSonic PVP features a 3.5-inch 240X320 color display and a 10GB hard drive that is large enough to store up to seven hours of video content.
Expected to be available in the fall of 2003, the ViewSonic PVP will be sold through authorized ViewSonic resellers. Photos of the ViewSonic PVP prototype are available at: www.viewsonic.com/productimages .
"The 20 GB and 5" display by the end of Q1, but those will be limited to CIF output. THe next generation with D1 resolution (perfect for the big screen) won't be out until late Q3 (think X mas 2003 for the real push). Legal movie downloads look like early 2004 for anything significant with little things here and there up to then.
Personally, I'm focusing on High Definition and we've got some interesting things in store on that front over the next two years as well."
As far as other "new technologies" are concerned, I suppose we could add the various wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi [802.11], Bluetooth and FM Transmitter to the list, as well. With regard to the latter, I distinctly remember Jim Collier saying that we would have a "state-of-the-art" device available in the summer past. I am inclined to believe that we may yet see one, whether it is in the form of a separate unit or built-in as is the case with Samsung`s YEP900 ... and speaking of Samsung, I have these little tidbits to offer:
Press Releas dated 2-4-03:
By Ian Fried Staff Writer, CNET News.com February 4, 2003, 2:26 PM PT
PortalPlayer, whose chip powers Apple Computer's iPod MP3 device, cut an undisclosed number of jobs last month. PortalPlayer Vice President Michael Maia confirmed that layoffs took place a couple of weeks ago, but would not say how many jobs were cut. "We're just getting expenses a little more in line with revenue," said Maia, who added that the company hopes to reach a break-even level by this year's third quarter. The company is also looking for a new chief executive to replace John Mallard who left in December. In addition to powering the iPod, PortalPlayer's technology is used in products from RCA and Samsung.
I asked Robert if we were working with Samsung on something other than DataPlay applications, and he stated in his 11-6-02 e-mail reply:
"Thank you for your e-mail, Phil. I can only comment on what has been previously released; that we are working with Samsung on DataPlay-related products. Thank you for your understanding."
At least he didn`t so, no !
Anyway, I guess there could be some real possibilities here, or perhaps it`s all just wishful thinking ...
Market Data 
Markets 
AI
