Dell’s Latitude-On gives TI a PC entree -- but doesn’t displace Wintel!

EL SEGUNDO, USA: Dell Inc.’s new Latitude-On concept marks the first use of Texas Instruments Inc.’s ARM-based OMAP applications processor in a notebook PC. But does it really represent a challenge to the PC hegemony now enjoyed by the X86 microprocessor and the Windows operating system?

With Latitude-On intended only to perform a specific and limited function in notebook PCs, iSuppli Corp. does not believe it represents a threat to Wintel’s dominance.

Dell describes Latitude-On as a “system on a system” wherein a regular Dell laptop using an Intel Corp. X86 and Microsoft Windows adds a separate subsystem that is based on Texas Instruments’ OMAP3430 chip.

The OMAP system allows users to boot into a slimmed-down Linux operating environment with access to a web browser. When turning on a notebook using the Latitude-On mode, the PC delivers nearly instantaneous web access, bypassing the lengthy boot-up time required for Windows.

Latitude-On aims to provide access to web-based e-mail, contacts, calendars and other Internet content and services without the lengthy boot cycle associated with traditional laptops. Basic document viewing functionality also is supported for Microsoft Office and Adobe PDF files.

Via one of its technical blogs, Dell announced the availability of Latitude-ON on its new Latitude Z series of business laptops.

In addition to TI OMAP processor, Latitude-On also includes Wi-Fi and mobile broadband connections. The Latitude-On module can also be retro-fitted to specific Latitude models.

“While at first glance Latitude-On appears to represent an encroachment of the ARM microprocessor and Linux operating system into the Wintel-dominated PC world, the reality is quite different,” said Matthew Wilkins, principal analyst, compute platforms, for iSuppli.

“Yes, Dell is making use of a TI OMAP processor-based system in these laptops, but it is only being employed for a very narrow purpose: providing a very lightweight conduit to certain types of information. It does not in any way displace the key functions of the Intel- and Microsoft-based laptop platform.”

ARM microprocessor-based chips presently do not command any significant volume in the PC market.

The main barrier for ARM’s acceptance is that there is no version of Microsoft Windows that has been compiled to run natively on the microprocessor architecture. Microprocessors based on the ARM instruction set use a fundamentally different set of operating procedures than those of the x86 processors from AMD and Intel. Therefore, an ARM-based microprocessor cannot run applications and operating systems designed for X86 chips.

Despite rumors that a port of Windows to the ARM has been or is being investigated, it seems unlikely that there will be an ARM-centric Windows PC in the near- or mid-term.

However, an ARM-centric Linux PC certainly is possible and could be an intriguing option for users looking for alternatives to Wintel in personal computing.

A boost for Texas Instruments?
TI’s OMAP processors typically are used in cell phones and various types of Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs). The processor employed by Dell for Latitude-On, the OMAP3430, is targeted primarily at smart phones.

Texas Instruments’ OMAP line dominates the market currently for standalone applications processors, with a share of 24 percent of global revenue in the second quarter of 2009. In comparison, No.-2 applications processor supplier Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. accounted for 15.9 percent of the market during the same period.

However, Texas Instruments’ OMAP line has been under increasing competitive pressure from Samsung in the smart-phone market, primarily fueled by Samsung’s partnership with Apple Inc. for the applications processor in the iPhone. If Dell’s Latitude-One gains acceptance in the market, it could represent a significant boost for the OMAP line.

“As the market for handsets continues to mature, semiconductor suppliers traditionally targeting that segment are looking to expand their presence in other applications to help promote growth,” said Francis Sideco, principal analyst, wireless communications, for iSuppli.

Blurring the lines
The Latitude-On system endows notebook PCs with features similar to those of smart phones like the iPhone and members of the BlackBerry line, which also provide access to email and document viewing in an “instant on” manner.

“Dell’s solution certainly represents an attempt by the PC market to fight back against the kind of access that smart phones provide,” Wilkins observed. “Dell clearly has sought and received sufficient customer feedback to implement such a rapid-on and limited-environment system. However, before drawing any conclusion on the success of this approach, iSuppli will wait and see how the system performs with customers. It also will be interesting to see what the reaction will be from Intel and Microsoft.”

TI announces new 720 MHz OMAP3530 processor for multimedia apps

BANGALORE, INDIA: Giving designers more performance to run new application features and additional headroom to add their own IP, Texas Instruments Inc.(TI) announced a speed upgrade for the OMAP3530 applications processor and evaluation module (EVM).

The new OMAP3530 processor features a 720 MHz ARM Cortex-A8 core and a 520 MHz TMS320C64x+ DSP. This enables users to gain faster access to databases, spreadsheets, presentations, e-mail, audio and video attachments, Web browsing and video conferencing applications.

This single-chip solution also supports faster boot times suitable for applications such as portable infotainment, Point-of-Sale (POS) devices, Web tablets and single board computers.

720 MHz OMAP3530 processor key features and benefits:
* 720 MHz ARM Cortex-A8 core provides 1400 Dhrystone million instructions per second (MIPS).
* 520 MHz C64x+ DSP provides more headroom to optimize quality audio and video codecs and custom IP.
* POWERVR SGX subsystem for 3D graphics acceleration to support display and gaming effects.
* Comprehensive power and clock-management scheme that enables high-performance, low-power operation and low-power standby features.
* Pin-for-pin compatible with TI’s OMAP35x devices makes it easy for OEMs to efficiently create a complete product portfolio based on the single platform.

OMAP3530 EVM key features and benefits:
* Based on the 720 MHz OMAP3530 processor and can also be used to evaluate the OMAP3503, OMAP3515 and OMAP3525.
* Ability to run full-featured operating systems, such as Windows® Embedded CE and Linux.
* New S-Video/Component/Composite input, S-Video output.
* Features TI’s TVP5146 analog-to-digital video decoder.
* TI integrated power management ICs, OMAP3530 power requirements and design considerations.

TI's OMAP technology powers AMX’s automation and control panels

BANGALORE, INDIA: As homes and businesses become more complex, there is a need to simplify building automation and management by eliminating the clutter of multiple control devices. To help with this, Texas Instruments Inc. (TI) announced that its OMAP technology powers AMX’s automation and control panels.

The Modero ViewPoint touch panels (MVP-5000 series), Modero wall/flush mount touch panels (NXD-500i and NXD-430 series) and the Metreau Entry Communicator devices are sleek, single-system automation panels that seamlessly manage electronics, lighting, temperature, video/audio conferences, Internet and more for homes, theatre systems, hotel rooms, meeting and conference rooms, classrooms or restaurants.

TI’s OMAP processor provides advanced processing performance and extended battery life for crisp, life-like video and graphics for these latest products.

The ARM and digital signal processor (DSP) processing architecture offered by the OMAP device enables AMX to deliver advanced graphical user interfaces (GUIs) so consumers can navigate on-screen functions with multiple windows, monitor remote security cameras and control audio and video equipment at the same time.

Additionally, the multi-core design of the OMAP processor simultaneously supports numerous functions, such as video encoding/decoding and playback, 2D/3D graphics and audio. This gives AMX the edge in designing multi-functional touch panels with exceptional system efficiency to instantly run applications without compromising performance.

With several power modes from full-powered to processor shutdown, the Modero ViewPoint touch panels for instance, take advantage of the sophisticated power management framework to yield greater energy savings by turning off unused peripherals based on the user’s activity and modes of operation.

“We are dedicated to developing flexible, compact and innovative solutions that allow consumers to easily automate their entire home or corporate environment from managing audio and video equipment, changing the thermostat, checking who is at the front door to making a phone call with just a single touch of a button,” said Robert Noble, Chief Technology Officer, AMX.

“By working with TI, we are able to address customer’s growing demands for products featuring the latest, cutting-edge technologies that are easy to operate to ultimately simplify their lives.”

Complete system-level solution
AMX leverages a complete system-level solution from TI, ranging from the OMAP applications processor to a full complement of analog ICs, including power management, interface, audio, touch screen control and logic devices.

The combined solutions pave the way for AMX’s signature ultra-light, ergonomic designs to integrate the fastest video processing, intuitive GUIs with photo-realistic graphics and low power consumption levels on a single platform.