Leading international mainboard and graphics card maker MSI announced its latest X79 mainboards with LGA 2011 socket that supports the 2nd generation Intel Core i7 processors. In addition to its commitment to offer the best product features, MSI has now partnered with well-known cooling solutions manufacturer Thermaltake to provide consumers with even better performance and product incentive by pairing the X79A-GD65 (8D) mainboard with the Thermaltake Frio Advanced CPU Cooler. The new limited edition bundle is now available through all major e-tailers and retailers worldwide.Scott Yang, Vice President of Mainboard Sales at MSI, said: "MSI mainboards and graphics card have won unanimous approval for their high stability and high performance since military class components were introduced in recent years. The Intel 6-series mainboards we released this year were also very well received. Our new products are intended to capitalize on our previous success and provide consumers with an even better performing platform. MSI is delighted to partner with well-known cooling solutions maker Thermaltake to bundle MSI's X79A-GD65 (8D) mainboard with Thermaltake's top-of-the-line Frio Advance CPU cooler. The combination of the two products will provide the consumers with powerful performance."Louis Huang, Thermaltake's Executive Vice President of Business Operation, said: "Thermaltake is a leading provider of computer cooling solutions and we began offering the Frio CPU cooler series 2010. The Frio is designed to effectively reduce the temperature of CPUs, even when overclocked. Thermaltake has now leveraged our past success to release the all new Frio Advanced CPU cooler for overclockers in the fourth quarter this year. We are very happy to form this new global sales partnership with MSI to provide consumers with the best platform performance. Both brands will benefit from this development."The all-new MSI X79 mainboards adopt Military Class III components for the best quality and stability. Not only are all components MIL-STD-810G certified, the new mainboards come with the latest PCI Express Gen 3 bus and MSI's exclusive Click BIOS II to deliver the best possible performance and user-friendly tweaking experience. The OC Genie II can generate amazing performance improvements in just one second.The X79A-GD65 (8D) also supports up to 8 sticks of 16GB DDR3 memory. The total memory capacity up to 128GB rivals that of servers and workstations, making it the perfect choice for extreme performance enthusiasts. The new Frio Advanced CPU cooler from Thermaltake features five 6mm direct-contact heat pipes for improved heat transfer. A convenient screw-free fan design, shock-absorbing rubber screws that help reduce noise and vibrations along with a new integrated universal mounting clip enables the Frio Advanced to support the latest Intel LGA 2011 processors. The eye-catching 13cm red-bladed overclocking fan doubles the air flow and increases maximum thermal dissipation to 230W. Tests on the MSI X79A-GD65 (8D) mainboard have seen the Frio Advanced keep the CPU 10 degrees cooler than the reference cooler . The added cooling should provide a boost for those looking to challenge the limits and trigger off another performance race.For more retailer and product information, please visit the following website: http://event.msi.com/mb/x79/thermaltakeMSI X79A-GD65 (8D) mainboard with Thermaltake Frio Advanced CPU Cooler

It's the 2nd round of Linear & IP Hybrid. HUMAX, the leading set-top-box manufacturer, and Opera Software announced that the high-definition (HD) set-top-boxes (STB) model, "iCord HD+/ME, IR-2020HD", powered by Opera's browser technology is now available in the Middle East. Soon, this model will be available in other regions, as well. This particular HD set-top-box model features the HUMAX TV Portal, which enables viewers to have a more enhanced experience of full web content on their TVs.Due to wide distribution of "smart" devices, the Web is no longer the exclusive property of desktop computers. HUMAX has launched HUMAX TV Portal in 2009 in Europe; now it's available in the Middle East. HUMAX's iCord HD+/ME for the Middle East market comes with HUMAX TV Portal, bringing popular online video, social networking, and photo sharing sites, such as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr to the big screens in your living room. These web apps present TV-friendly web content and enable a new level of interactivity for users, together with traditional linear broadcasting viewing and recording. Users can share immediately with their friends which TV program they are watching or show off their online photos with a click of the remote control.The HUMAX TV Portal is now powered by Opera - it was developed upon the Opera Devices Software Development Tool Kit (SDK). The Opera Devices SDK provides a full complement of support for connected TV in the form of web browsing, W3C-compliant Opera Widgets for TV, more intuitive, predictive on-screen spatial navigation, W3C/OIPF/HbbTV specification compliance, hardware acceleration and more. All these offerings provide the best Internet experience for TV viewers."Web-connected TVs have created a new kind of content and service delivery. This opens the door for unprecedented multimedia access and choice on television," said Lars Boilesen, CEO, Opera Software. "HUMAX and Opera make it easier for TV viewers to get the most out of their online experience."Tae Hun Kim, head of the marketing division at HUMAX stated, "HUMAX is now going to the next round of Linear and IP Hybrid. It becomes 'smarter' experience and more genuinely hybrid between linear and web. We believe this partnership with Opera, a leader in web technology, can make it real. Our customers will see more value-added devices including our set-top boxes with Opera globally in 2012."Along with the web experience provided by the HUMAX TV Portal, HUMAX's "iCord HD+/ME, IR-2020HD" also continuously support its linear world-class set-top-box experience though such features as: -Dual smart card slots for various pay TV contents -PVR functionality with internal & external HDD -HUMAX Auto Antenna Search -HUMAX EPG for around 120 TV channels.iCord HD+/ME, IR-2020HD, powered by Opera's browser technology

Leading international mainboard and graphics card manufacturer MSI announced the official release of its X79A-GD65 (8D), X79A-GD65, X79A-GD45, and X79MA-GD45 mainboards. The new mainboards are based on Intel's latest X79 chipset and uses the LGA 2011 socket supporting the 2nd generation Core i7 processors. The X79A-GD65 (8D) features with 8 memory DIMMs, supports 16GB DDR3 memory modules, bringing maximum capacity up to a staggering 128GB! For superior quality and stability, MSI X79 series mainboards adopts Military Class III components. With DrMOS II - the next generation of DrMOS with improved double thermal protection - the lifetime of components is maximized, even in warmer environments or when the machine is heavily overclocked. MSI X79 series mainboards also feature the latest PCI Express Gen 3 bus and MSI's proprietary Click BIOS II for maximum performance and user convenience. When taking into account all of the other advanced technologies supported such as 3-Way NVIDIA SLI and 4-way AMD CrossFireX multi-GPU processing technology, THX TruStudio PRO sound, Multi-BIOS II, Control Center II, and Super Charger, MSI X79-series mainboards are simply the best choice for enthusiasts.New Military Class III components and the next-gen DrMOS: DrMOS IIMSI X79 series mainboards maintains MSI's commitment to product stability and reliability by introducing Military Class III components. In addition to the use of Tantalum core capacitors (Hi-c CAP), Super Ferrite Chokes (SFC) and Solid Capacitors (Solid CAP), MSI now incorporates next-generation DrMOS II design. While competitors are just beginning to adopt a DrMOS solution, MSI's DrMOS II provides an integrated and fully-automated Double Thermal Protection to maximize the lifespan of components – even in warmer environments or when heavily overclocked. All Military Class III components have passed MIL-STD-810G certification, making MSI's Military Class III components synonymous with premium quality and ultimate stability.Double the bandwidth with PCI Express Gen 3MSI's X79 mainboards support the latest PCI Express Gen 3 standard to deliver a staggering 32GB/s of bandwidth, double that of the previous generation. PCI Express Gen 3 support can also be enabled or disabled through the BIOS interface to ensure compatibility with graphics cards regardless of whether users use a PCI Express Gen 3 graphics card.World's 1st unified UEFI & software graphical interface – Click BIOS IIMSI's Click BIOS II is the world's 1st to provide a unified graphical user interface under both UEFI & Windows. System settings can be adjusted using the mouse or even LCD touch control under different environments. Click BIOS II can not only save overclocking settings to a USB storage device but also upload them for sharing with other overclocking enthusiasts. This convenient and intuitive design is the result of continual technological breakthrough developed by MSI for its flagship mainboard line.Easiest one-second overclocking technology – OC Genie IIMSI's proprietary OC Genie II can achieve amazing performance increases in just one second. CPU and memory performance are optimized without compromising system stability, significantly saving the time required by overclockers for fine-tuning. Once the user enables OC Genie on MSI's X79 mainboards, the clock rate on the Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition processor pumped from a default of 3.3GHz to 4.0GHz. The 21% increase enables users to enjoy the performance boost from overclocking with ease.Comprehensive support for multi-GPU processing technologyMSI X79 mainboards fully support 4-way AMD CrossFireX and 3-way NVIDIA SLI multi-GPU processing technologies, providing the most scalability and performance for gamers who require extreme gaming performance.THX TruStudio PRO surround sound technology for the best audio experienceMSI X79 series mainboards are all equipped with THX TruStudio PRO audio technology for the best sound quality. Experience the most immersive surround sound effects when you are watching Blu-ray movies, other media, or playing 3D games.Multi-BIOS II offers safe and convenient BIOS switchingMSI's X79 mainboards support the latest Multi-BIOS II technology. The integrated dual BIOS design improves safety and convenience by allowing enthusiasts to use a switch on the mainboard to manually switch between different BIOS setups when one is corrupted by overclocking or other factors.Super charger charges your iPad / iPhone / smart phone, even when computer is powered offMSI's X79 mainboards support Super Charger fast charging technology to deliver triple the current of standard USB 2.0 interfaces. Even if your computer is switched off, you'll still be able to quickly recharge your iPad/iPhone or smart phone to ensure you always stay connected.If you want to know more details about MSI X79 series mainboards, please visit the website: http://event.msi.com/mb/x79/MSI X79A-GD65

HP has introduced its first business ultrabook, which features a thin and light design, strong security options and a solid-state hard drive.The HP Folio13 also delivers up to nine hours of battery life, the highest performance available among ultrabook devices currently on the market, HP claimed.Measuring less than 18mm thin and using an ultraslim 13.3-inch diagonal high-definition BrightView display, the HP Folio13 weighs 3.3-pounds. It combines the industrial design found on consumer products with the security and usability business users demand.Powered by the latest Intel Core processors, the HP Folio13 also includes Intel Rapid Start Technology, which helps save time by getting systems up and running fast.The HP Folio13 includes a backlit keyboard for mobile users who work in low-light conditions. A full array of ports, including RJ-45 and USB 3.0, allows users greater flexibility to connect to the information they need. The HP Folio13 also includes an SSD with 128GB of storage for fast response times and increased reliability.One model will include a TPM Embedded Security Chip that protects data in email as well as information on the hard drive for security-conscious users.The HP Folio13 features HP CoolSense technology, which uses hardware and intelligent software for a noticeably cooler notebook. The notebook also includes an HP ImagePad for highly accurate, advanced multitouch gesture support.Additional features include an HP TrueVision HD Webcam for brighter, cleaner HD images, and Dolby Advanced Audio.The HP Folio13 also can be configured with a range of Microsoft Windows 7 operating systems, including Windows 7 Professional. A three-year limited warranty is available through an optional HP Care Pack.Users who need a desktop-like environment or additional audio, video, network and USB connectivity can connect the HP Folio13 to the optional HP USB 2.0 dock.The HP Folio13 is expected to be available on December 7 with a starting price of US$899.99.HP Folio13 ultrabookPhoto: Company

GIGABYTE Technology, a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, today announced the launch of their latest X79 series enthusiast motherboard range. Supporting the latest 2nd Generation Intel Core i7 processor family for high-end desktops, these new X79 Express Chipset motherboards unite unrivalled desktop PC performance with a new level of hardware flexibility and control. GIGABYTE 3D Power and its all new 3-way Digital Power Engine offers ultimate control of your PC's power delivery, while GIGABYTE 3D BIOS provides a wholly more intuitive and graphical UEFI BIOS environment."This new GIGABYTE X79 series range of boards are all about giving enthusiasts and professionals unprecedented control over their PC's hardware," commented Tim Handley, Deputy Director of Motherboard Marketing at GIGABYTE. "GIGABYTE 3D Power and 3D BIOS give hardcore gamers, extreme overclockers and cutting-edge content creators absolute mastery over every aspect of their PC."GIGABYTE X79 series motherboards take advantage of the new and exclusive GIGABYTE 3D Power, based on a 3-way Digital Power Engine for both the PWM and memory that delivers unprecedented power delivery control. Utilizing a brand new Digital PWM controller, GIGABYTE's 3D Power features three digital memory controllers for not only the memory, but VTT and VSA, for real-time adjustment and control. The GIGABYTE 3D Power application provides a range of controls via a graphical user interface, allowing adjustment of load line calibration, over voltage protection control and real-time adjustment of CPU, VTT, IMC and four-channel memory frequencies.Based on our new UEFI DualBIOS technology, GIGABYTE 3D BIOS re-imagines the traditional BIOS environment to make it more accessible for novice users than ever before. GIGABYTE 3D BIOS provides a full featured advanced mode for veteran BIOS users, alongside a graphical 3D Mode which offers a far more intuitive BIOS experience that makes it easier to understand how BIOS settings affect their PC's hardware performance.All GIGABYTE X79 series motherboards are designed to get the absolute best performance from the latest 2nd generation Intel Core i7 processors, bringing a number of new enthusiast-class features to Intel's latest extreme platform. The X79 series motherboards will also include an exclusive PCIe expansion card that offers support for the latest Bluetooth 4.0 and IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity (availability may vary by region).GIGABYTE G1.Assassin 2Designed as the base for the ultimate in gaming PC builds, the GIGABYTE G1.Assassin 2 motherboard combines the unrivalled performance of this new X79 platform with our award-winning G1.Killer design philosophy: onboard discrete-class audio is offered courtesy of the Creative Digital Audio processor (20K2) which offers X-Fi Xtreme Fideility and EAX Advanced HD Audio 5.0 technologies, while the Killer E2100 Game Networking Platform offers advanced network optimization and management for the very best online gaming experience. 3-way SLI and CrossFireX capability means users can really push the boundaries of 3D gaming to new heights.GIGABYTE X79-UD7The GIGABYTE X79-UD7 motherboard is designed to provide CPU performance worthy of champions, with specific built-in technologies for extreme overclocking configurations. The X79-UD7 features an all digital PWM, four full length PCIe slots for 4-way GPU configurations plus a range of features that mean overclockers will never tire of tweaking the latest 2nd generation Intel Core i7 processors. With GIGABYTE's exclusive OC-VRM, you'll find POScaps that ensure easy insulation, while OC-Touch lets users tweak in real-time using onboard buttons to change multiplier frequencies. OC-DualBIOS is complimented with a BIOS Switcher button that offers fast back-panel access to two distinct BIOS configurations. A Clear CMOS button is also included along with an OC button for instant OC profile loading. OC-PEG offers additional discrete graphics array power via the SATA rail with two SATA ports, guaranteeing all the power needed for extreme 4-way SLI and CrossfireX configurations.GIGABYTE X79-UD5The GIGABYTE X79-UD5 motherboard provides the ultimate media processing workstation. Design and Engineering professionals that employ the latest CAD and multimedia creation software will be impressed with eight DDR3 memory slots combined with GIGABYTE's unique 3D Power design to offer the ultimate platform for memory and CPU intensive workloads. We've also included back panel access overclocking via a simple OC button so that you can get an instant boost in performance when needed.GIGABYTE X79 series models include: G1.Assassin 2, X79-UD7, X79-UD5 and X79-UD3. To learn more about GIGABYTE X79 series motherboards, please visit: http://www.gigabyte.com/MicroSite/304/x79.htmlGIGABYTE G1.Assassin 2

LSI Corporation announced the TrueStore PA5100 and PA5200, the company's latest high-performance, low-power preamplifier integrated circuits (IC) for the notebook, desktop and enterprise hard disk drive (HDD) market segments.The PA5100 and PA5200 preamplifiers deliver operating speeds of up to 5.0Gb/s, a 25 percent performance improvement compared to the previous generation, and consume significantly less power than their predecessor. The PA5200 write driver uses a conventional dual-power design, and can deliver more than a 15 percent reduction in preamp write power. The PA5100 write driver operates from a single power supply, which can enable a preamp power reduction of more than 35 percent for next-generation HDDs.The new preamplifiers provide hard drive manufacturers with the flexibility to deploy a common IC capable of serving all major HDD market segments -- from 5.4K RPM notebook through 15K RPM enterprise HDDs. Hard drive makers who integrate PA5100/PA5200 preamps into their drive assemblies can benefit from lower development costs, reduced inventories and an accelerated time-to-market with a single preamp capable of addressing a wide range of application requirements."HDD manufacturers rely on LSI to deliver world-class HDD silicon technologies that raise the bar for hard drive capacity, power and performance," said Phil Brace, senior vice president and general manager, Storage Peripherals Division, LSI. "With operating speeds up to 5.0Gb/s, the new preamps provide HDD makers with high-performance solutions that easily surpass end users' data rate requirements while offering optimal power-performance balance."The LSI TrueStore storage IC product portfolio provides a complete head-to-host recording system design, including preamplifiers, read channels, serial PHYs and ARM core processor IP. By optimizing the entire system data path, the TrueStore family enables HDD makers to continually develop higher-capacity products with increased performance and lower overall power usage, while enabling faster time-to-volume and lower costs.By offering a broad portfolio of SoC and preamplifier solutions, LSI enables its HDD customers to address all segments of the storage market, from mission-critical enterprise applications and high-capacity desktop PCs to low-power laptops and tape archive solutions.LSI TrueStore PA5100

Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation, recognized by design engineers as having the industry's broadest selection of electronic components available for immediate shipment, today announced that Clare semiconductor products will be available to Digi-Key customers worldwide.Clare, an IXYS Company, designs, manufactures, and markets high-voltage integrated circuits (ICs) and optically isolated Solid State Relays (OptoMOS) for the communication, industrial, power, and consumer markets."We are excited to announce the expansion of our distribution agreement with Clare," said Mark Zack, Digi-Key's vice president of semiconductors. "With its strong product offerings in high voltage, analog, and mixed signal IC's, customers worldwide will be able to source their engineering, and production needs from Digi-Key."Mark Heisig, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Clare states that, "The extension of our supplier agreement with Digi-Key to a worldwide level will be greatly beneficial to our customers and is a natural extension of our business. We look forward to expanding our engagement with Digi-Key to win and support many new competitive opportunities."Clare's product lines are available for purchase now on Digi-Key's global websites (http://www.digikey.com/us/en/International/global.html).

The complementary nature of the New Zealand and Taiwan economies is on show this week in an area that may surprise many - namely, Medical Technology. Medical Technology is a sector being promoted by Taiwan's Government but for those outside the medical sector it is probably not widely recognized that this is an area where New Zealand already has some strength and the three New Zealand companies participating in the Formosan Medical Show this year are evidence.One of the participating New Zealand companies Fisher and Paykel Healthcare has been designing and manufacturing respiratory care, acute care and obstructive sleep apnea products since 1971. Fisher and Paykel has a range of products that includes the respiratory and temperature controlled units used on premature infants in intensive care units. They are recognised as world leaders in their space and are listed on both the New Zealand and Australian Stock Exchanges employing 2,400 people and with revenues approaching half a billion dollars.Also participating are Dynamic Control's, a maker of drive control systems for mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs with approximately 50% global market share, and Precept Health, a company that specialises in taking patient physiological data measured by a range of other medical devices and then integrating this information into comprehensive Electronic Medical Records.Further testifying to New Zealand's surprising depth of capability in the medical sector; New Zealand company Orion Health acquired Amalga, the Hospital Information Assets of Microsoft in Asia Pacific in October 2011.New Zealand Trade Development Centre Director Liam Corkery commented that "New Zealand and Taiwan recently announced their intention to explore the feasibility of negotiating an Economic Co-operation Agreement. In doing so, New Zealand stressed the complementary nature of the New Zealand and Taiwanese economies. The three New Zealand companies participating in the Formosan Medical Show this year demonstrate both the depth of New Zealand capability in the medical sector and the potential synergy between the economies of New Zealand and Taiwan. For example, Dynamic Control's drive systems are designed and developed in partnership with the Taiwanese electric wheelchair manufacturers that integrate them into their products and who in turn are also world leaders. As more and more Taiwanese companies explore NZ, and more and more New Zealand companies explore Taiwan, I'm confident that we'll see more and more partnerships."For enquiries, please contact:New Zealand Trade Development Centre Larry HuangTel: +886 2 2757 6721Email: larry.huang@nzte.govt.nzThe New Zealand health technology industry leads the world to the next era.

LILIN, one of the world's leading providers of IP Video solutions, has announced the release of the IPR-7334/8SX, the World's first full HD 3Megapixel 60m IR IP Cameras.With Sense-Up Plus technology which provides higher sensitivity in low light conditions, the camera also benefits from an integrated housing with 60m IR illumination. This further maximizes the CMOS sensor sensitivity. The inclusion of 3D noise reduction technology within the camera lowers low-light noise and reduces bandwidth and storage requirements.The IPR-7334/8SX utilizes H.264 compression, providing quality video at less than 3 Mbps bit rate. This can be achieved at 30 FPS at 1080P resolution. A breakthrough in the IP video industry, the LILIN IPR-7334/8SX is designed for the provision of quality images in total darkness in the most demanding environments. For further information please visit www.meritlilin.com.About Merit LILIN LtdLILIN is one of the World's largest IP manufacturers offering network video solutions. With 30 years experience, LILIN provides expertise in digital video. LILIN systems can allow a single operator to monitor cameras from anywhere on the network or remote users to access live and recorded video. LILIN operates worldwide with offices in more than 13 countries and partners in more than 20 countries. Founded in 1980, LILIN has more than 600 employees worldwide with UK headquarters located in Milton Keynes.World's First Full HD 3MP 60M IR IP Cameras (IPR-7334/8SX)

Even before the first personal computer appeared in 1984, BIOS technologies, which are needed to initialize hardware, test hardware functionalities and start the operating system, were already in use for more than 30 years. However, as various IT technologies continue to advance at a rapid pace, BIOS technologies have gradually become unable to satisfy the current usage environment and are being replaced by the new Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), which offers a faster booting time than legacy BIOS and a broader range of support. With Microsoft's soon-to-be-released next-generation operating system featuring significant and revolutionary changes within the software's architecture and application methods, an advanced UEFI technology will be needed to fully execute its advanced functions. At Microsoft's developer-focused BUILD conference in September earlier this year, American Megatrends Incorporated (AMI) launched the industry's first development platform that is compatible with the next-generation operating system. In addition to demonstrating support for UEFI 2.3.1, AMI also provided demonstrations of standards and technologies for this development platform at BUILD including such as SecureBoot, FastBoot, SeamlessBoot, USB 3.0, OA 3.0, TPM, eDrive, IPv6, GPT and CSM Opt-Out. The worldwide IT industry is eagerly preparing to welcome the new operating system, hoping its impressive new user interface will spark a demand explosion among consumers to revitalize a consumer market that has been gloomy for a long time. As a leader in BIOS technologies, American Megatrends - provider of the fast and user-friendly cross-platform UEFI firmware development platform Aptio® - hosted a UEFI technology seminar on October 21 at the Taipei International Convention Center to allow related players and firmware designers to understand the technologies related to the latest version of its Aptio firmware, and the connection between UEFI and next-generation operating systems. AMI (USA) Vice President Stefano Righi and Principal Engineer Alex Podgorsky were invited to the seminar to provide in-depth analyses of the current development status of UEFI, showing that American Megatrends, as the leader in the BIOS industry, is able and determined to always maintain its technologies at the highest level. American Megatrends, founded in 1985, has over 900 employees worldwide with a large proportion of the market share in BIOS and UEFI firmware. Considering Taiwan's status as an important base of the global IT industry, the company established its Taiwan branch in 1996 to provide Taiwan's IT players with more direct and efficient support services. With UEFI set to become the future standard of BIOS firmware, American Megatrends started developing EFI-based solutions in 1998 and launched the Aptio development platform in alignment with EFI/UEFI standards in 2004. The basic structure of Aptio is built within UEFI's open software framework and is fully compatible with the latest UEFI 2.3.1 specification, to shorten the time that program designers will need to develop a new system. Around-the-clock technical support to satisfy clients' development needs According to Kenny Tseng, Executive Vice President of American Megatrends (Greater China), "Starting in 2010, the consumer market worldwide has experienced great changes and with impacts from the rise of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs, vendors are now faced with the tough challenge that they must shorten the time of their product development." In response to these challenges, American Megatrends has designed the Aptio platform in such a way as to ease its adoption into a wide variety of computing environments, including mobile devices, embedded systems, notebooks, personal computers and servers. In addition to reducing the time required to train R&D personnel, Aptio also allows clients' internally developed program modules to be re-used to help shorten the time for developing new products. Although the UEFI specifications are firmly set to be the firmware standards of the future, most system developers still face challenges with their implementation. Apart from having to quickly get familiar with the development methods of new platforms, they also have come to terms with the shortage of qualified firmware design engineers. However, American Megatrends' Aptio, which uses the standard C programming language, allows engineers to quickly familiarize themselves the development environment, and its cross-platform features can also help resolve problems arising from insufficient manpower. With these features, the Aptio platform can be considered the best UEFI development solution currently available on the market. "AMI puts a strong focus on the design interface, hoping to reduce the threshold for firmware engineers to dive into the EFI/UEFI structure," said Pailin Huang, Marketing Division Director of American Megatrends Taiwan. "We provide a complete graphical interface to give program developers the best development environment possible." American Megatrends also has a full-featured program debugging tool, AMI Debug™ for UEFI, to help engineers quickly identify problems within the source code, enabling more stable product quality. Furthermore, American Megatrends also provides a full range of technical support specifically for Taiwan's IT players. In addition to AMI's technical support hotline, various technical documents are available for download from the company website and developer portals for reference during product development. American Megatrends also offers complete training programs; depending on clients' needs, the company can provide introductory, intermediate and advanced classes to enable clients' long-term training of their firmware engineers. Aptio's cross-platform features simplify product development procedures Whenever there is a UEFI specification update, American Megatrends will immediately update its Aptio platform. As a case in point, the latest edition of Aptio, version 4.6.5.1, already features support for industry standards such as UEFI 2.3.1 and PI 1.2, in addition to several key platform security standards. For firmware engineers, upgrading modules through AMI's Visual eBIOS™ (VeB) graphical development platform provides them with support for the latest specifications and functions without any concerns about compatibility of the program modules. As such, engineers can simply concentrate on what they do best - writing the source code. "The UEFI structure is not only intended to accelerate boot speeds, but also to make complete corrections to lingering problems with the x86 platform structure - with the aim to create a safer usage environment," said Stefano Righi, Vice President of AMI (USA). For example, most current PCs are still unable to support hard drives with storage capacity over 2.2TB, or recent improved power management protocols. By leveraging the UEFI structure, however, these problems plaguing x86 systems can all be resolved. In fact, the Aptio platform is not only the best solution for developing within the UEFI framework; American Megatrends has also designed AMI VirtualRoom™ pre-boot applications to allow system developers to offer more value-added functions in their products through customized design services. With AMI VirtualRoom apps from American Megatrends, developers will be able to stand out from the fierce competition. Take the most popular AMI VR-pulse™ application, for example: this app allows consumers to quickly activate their frequently-used functions, such as the e-mail client or web browser, without waiting for a full OS initialization – thanks to UEFI. "Targeting dual-operating-system notebooks that are becoming more and more popular, we also provide the AMI VirtualRoom module," noted Vincent Hsiao, Project Manager of American Megatrends Taiwan. "This module not only features a fast boot-up time, but also allows switching between operating systems in only six seconds, which perfectly fits consumers' expectations." Another example of a value-add app from AMI that is extremely attractive is AMI VR-tune™, which is designed specifically for smart TVs and can quickly switch the TV from displaying digital TV programming to the Windows™ operating system - without adding significant added development time or overhead. With smartphones and tablet PCs fast penetrating the consumer market, the ARM architecture, which benefits from extremely efficient power consumption, has already become a leading choice for developing mobile devices. However, since the ARM architecture has a completely different development environment than that of x86-based devices, firmware engineers face a steep learning curve in developing for these new platforms. This learning curve will not only incur a very high cost in terms of time and resources, but also prevent developers from quickly launching suitable products for the consumer market. "Fortunately, all the above issues in developing for ARM can be resolved in the UEFI structure," said Tony Lo, Senior Manager of American Megatrends Taiwan. "With the help of the Aptio platform, firmware engineers can develop all kinds of Windows application software under the ARM platform without the need to change any usage or development habits." Thanks to the integrated development environment for Aptio, application software designed for x86 platforms can also be quickly adapted for ARM platforms, so that source code can be re-used and product development time can be shortened dramatically. In addition to reducing the time required to train R&D personnel, Aptio also allows clients' internally developed program modules to be re-used to help shorten the time for developing new products, according to Kenny Tseng, Executive Vice President of American Megatrends (Greater China). The UEFI structure is not only intended to accelerate boot speeds, but also to make complete corrections to lingering problems with the x86 platform structure - with the aim to create a safer usage environment, according to Stefano Righi, Vice President of AMI (USA).