Intel Sues Nvidia as CPU Power Moves To GPU

Intel has sued Nvidia, arguing that a cross-licensing agreement between the companies doesn't apply to CPUs with integrated memory controllers. Nvidia, which makes GPUs, disagrees. Nvidia CEO Jen-Hsun Huang said "the CPU has run its course and the soul of the PC is shifting quickly to the GPU." He described the CPU business as "decaying."

More than 40 years ago, Gordon E. Moore, one of the cofounders of Intel, observed that the number of transistors that could be incorporated into an integrated circuit had increased exponentially, doubling approximately every two years. Despite the challenges posed by the incredibly minute sizes of modern-day chips, Moore's Law is expected to hold true for at least another decade.

Having retired from Intel a dozen years ago, maybe Moore has time to work on a new law: The growth in the number of attorneys needed to litigate new chip designs.

A long-standing cross-licensing agreement between Intel and Nvidia is on the rocks. On Monday, Intel filed suit in Delaware state court, arguing that the agreement between the two companies doesn't apply to CPUs with integrated memory controllers that were not in existence when the licensing deal was signed.

By Frederick Lane

http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=694500000689340021

Nintendo's Third-Generation DSi Is Expected in April

The Nintendo DSi handheld video-game device is expected in North America on April 5. The third edition of Nintendo's DS features two cameras, a microphone and an interactive music player. At $169.99, the Nintendo DSi will have only two colors -- black and blue, and a Nintendo DSi Shop will allow users to download new applications.

Nintendo's newest handheld video-game device is expected to hit the North American market on April 5. The DSi is the third edition of Nintendo's DS.

The DSi features two digital cameras -- one on the outside of the device and the other inside when it's flipped open. The cameras include 10 interactive lenses.

Along with the cameras, Nintendo also included a built-in microphone for its DSi Sound feature to record a user's voice. Also included is a music player that allows users to interact with the music by controlling the pitch and speed of music files.

The Nintendo DSi costs $169.99 and is available in only two colors -- black and blue.

By Patricia Resende
http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=64762

Second Android Phone Is More Elegant than T-Mobile G1

HTC insists the HTC Magic mobile phone for Vodafone is better than its original Android-powered T-Mobile G1 handset. Reviews of the Magic are mixed, but an analyst says the appearance and operating system are improved. He called the G1 the Apple, Inc. iPhone for the poor man. More Android mobile phones are likely.

It's certainly not the G2, but is it a far cry from the T-Mobile G1? HTC is insisting its second Android-powered smartphone, dubbed Magic, is a much-improved model.

Vodafone and HTC unveiled the phone on Monday at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

"The Magic is a better-looking phone than the G1. The form factor is more elegant," said Greg Sterling, principal analyst at Sterling Market Intelligence. "At the margins, that will attract people. All things being equal, some people will choose a phone with the physical keyboard. But my sense is that a lot of people would prefer this phone. It is a refinement of the first version."

The HTC Magic offers a variety of mobile Internet capabilities, beginning with an Android-optimized Webkit browser. As would be expected, it also features Google applications, Google Maps and Google Search as well as favorites like YouTube. The Android Market lets consumers download games and applications over Vodafone's network.

The Android platform is backed by Google, and although the reviews on the phone are mixed, Sterling said there are improvements in both the physical appearance and the operating system that may cause Vodafone customers to upgrade. "The G1 was sort of the poor man's iPhone," he said. "That's not the case with the Magic. It has a slicker appearance as well as technology improvements."

By Jennifer LeClaire
http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=64752&full_skip=1

Despite Economy, Microsoft Set To Launch Stores

Other than hiring David Porter, Microsoft hasn't offered many details on its retail plans, yet there are already many poor comparisons being made, according to Stephen Baker, director of Industry Analysis at the NPD Group.

Despite a dismal retail sales environment, Microsoft on Thursday hired a former Wal-Mart executive to help it launch its own retail stores.

David Porter, a 25-year Wal-Mart veteran, is joining Microsoft as its corporate vice president of Retail Stores. Porter will head Microsoft's efforts to create a better PC and Microsoft retail purchase experience for consumers. He'll report to Microsoft COO Kevin Turner.

By Jennifer LeClaire
http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=64689

Google Advocates for Smart Electric Grid

Google wants to organize the world's electric information and make it available online. More smart meters would make collecting the information easier, Google says, and the economic stimulus plan includes money for meters. Google's Bill Coughran said smart meters could help educate consumers about energy savings. By Patricia Resende http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=64601

Apple Reportedly Asked Google To Avoid Multi-Touch

The first Android-based smartphone, the T-Mobile G1, reportedly doesn't have multi-touch capabilities because Apple, Inc. asked Google not to implement that feature. Reportedly the Android team was relieved to avoid an Apple patent lawsuit. But Palm, which has many former Apple employees, went ahead with multi-touch on its Pre smartphone By Frederick Lane http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=64612&full_skip=1

IBM announces new Sequoia supercomputer

IBM has announced that they are working on a newer fastersupercomputer.

This would be faster than their current fastest supercomputer.

The new machine is expected to have the processing power of as many as 2 million typical laptops.

The company said that they are going to deliver this machine in 2011 to the Department of Energy for use at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

IBM said that they are aiming to achieve 20 petaflops per second processing power in this new machine being built.