Market race
Taiwanese chip maker VIA has unveiled a new programme called Global Mobility Bazaar (GMB), which it's hoping will drive the adoption of mobile computers based around its low power processor platforms.
VIA makes the C7-M and Nano processors that, like the Intel Atom, are low power and intended to be used in the spectrum of ultra-mobile computers with screen sizes ranging from seven to 15 inches.
Its main competitor in these markets is Intel so it's trying to take the initiative in persuading OEMs to make VIA as well as Intel based systems and seems to have identified emerging markets as its best chance of success.
"As the fastest-growing segment of the PC market, mobile computing offers significant opportunities for the members of our new GMB program," said Richard Brown, VP of marketing at VIA. "We are excited to be partnering with them to develop a broad spectrum of devices that will meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of mobile users in both developed and emerging markets."
The co-host of the launch event in Shenzhen, China is Microsoft, which is seeing enduring demand for its cheaper, less resource-intensive XP operating system in these low power systems. "We see that the GMB will enable partners to provide a rich mobile computing experience built around the familiar Windows XP interface to a new generation of users around the world," said Jack Lee, OEM VP for Microsoft China.
You can find out more about the GMB here.
