Kenrick Josephs, Staff Reporter
TAIWANESE CHIPMAKER Via Technologies recently launched a new chipset that could drastically increase the performance and reduce the size of mobile devices and laptop computers.
Via launched the Via VX700 chipset to complement its Via Ultra Mobile platform in Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC) devices. The Via VX700 is expected to be available in volume quantities later in the third quarter of 2006.
UMPCs are a new category of devices small enough to fit into a pocket or handbag. According to Via, the new chipset will allow manufacturers to create computers that are up to 40 percent smaller than today's UMPCs.
Microsoft looks to mobile messaging market
As technology constantly improves, cell phones have been steadily morphing into portable computers that busy executives are using to keep in touch with clients, suppliers and co-workers while on the go.
Now, after passively watching this market take hold, Microsoft, wanting a piece of the action, has decided that it wants to become a key player, an attainable but not an inevitable goal.
The company has been lured by the growing importance and increased use of wireless e-mail. "Businesses are using technology to provide their employees with more mobility because it makes them more productive," notes Monica Basso, research vice-president at market research firm Gartner.
Verizon unveils Samsung phone
Samsung and Verizon Wireless last week announced the availability of the first 3.2-megapixel digital autofocus camera phone for Verizon customers.
The SCH-a990 lets photo enthusiasts take high-resolution photos and hosts a number of media features, including video recording capabilities, technology to download music and movies, Bluetooth technology and navigational software.
"The launch of the A990 marks the first time a multimedia phone is fully integrated with a high-resolution camera in the U.S.," said Peter Skarzynski, senior vice-president, Samsung.
Source: TechNewsWorld.com
