SpringSoft on August 24 announced Winbond Electronics has adopted its Laker layout tools and design flows for its mobile memory devices such as SDR, low power DDR and cellular RAM.The Laker system provides easy-to-use, automated tools including routing solutions that enable Winbond design teams to achieve significant time savings at both the block and chip level, schematic-driven layout (SDL) flow to increase user productivity, and built-in scriptable cells that dramatically reduce cell library development time, SpringSoft said in a statement."Using Laker, our design teams have been able to drastically cut routing and verification cycles for 65nm designs compared to other layout tools, while also continuously modifying designs to ensure the optimum power and highest quality implementation," said Mu-Tsai Lo, deputy director of the DRAM Design Department III at Winbond.SpringSoft claimed that more than 300 companies have adopted its Laker layout system for designs down to 28 nanometers.

Applied Materials has unveiled a new chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technology capable of electrically isolating the densely-packed transistors in 20nm-and-below memory and logic designs with a high-quality dielectric film. The gaps between these transistors can have aspect ratios of more than 30:1 - five times higher than current requirements, the tool vendor claimed.Using Applied's proprietary Eterna flowable CVD (FCVD) process, the system delivers a liquid-like film that flows freely into any structure shape to provide a bottom up, void-free fill, the vendor said.Applied said its Eterna FCVD tools are being installed at six customer sites for DRAM, flash and logic applications."The need to fill smaller and deeper structures in advanced chip designs creates a physical roadblock for existing deposition technologies. Applied has broken through this barrier today with the introduction of its new Eterna FCVD system – delivering the disruptive technology that can enable the continued progress of Moore's Law," said Bill McClintock, VP and GM of Applied's DSM/ CMP business unit.Applied Eterna FCVD systemPhoto: Company

Seoul, Korea, August 23, 2010 - Corning, a world leader in specialty glass and ceramics, announced today that Corning Gorilla glass has been designed into the Samsung Electronics Galaxy S, a newly released premium smartphone.The Samsung Galaxy S features a 4-inch super AMOLED display, while weighing roughly 119 grams in a slim, highly durable design. The enhanced super AMOLED display is enabled in part by using Corning Gorilla glass as the protective cover. Gorilla glass is an environmentally friendly alkali-aluminosilicate thin sheet glass that is both scratch resistant and durable.BJ Kang, senior manager of Samsung Electronics said, "Advanced display technology plays a crucial role in meeting consumers' growing expectations on high-end mobile devices, especially smartphones. Corning's Gorilla glass has helped maximize Galaxy S's unique smartphone features by enabling a high-quality touch display."Haeng Hee Lee, president of Corning Korea Company added, "Device makers are challenged with designing stylish yet durable products. The Galaxy S is a fine example of a premium device created through the combination of Corning's specialty glass and Samsung's mobile display technologies. Corning's Gorilla glass enables device makers to introduce durable display products with innovative designs."More than 20 major makers of PC and handheld devices have already recognized the benefits of Gorilla glass by designing it into more than 225 devices, and more than 55 models will be released over the next six months.

Intel has announced that a dozen new netbooks based on its new mobile dual-core Atom processors are available in stores today. The netbooks, available now and through the end of the year from manufacturers including Acer, Asustek Computer, Fujitsu, Lenovo, LG, Samsung, Micro-Star International (MSI), and Toshiba, enable new levels of support for applications like games, as well as Adobe Flash technology for access to a number of Web pages.With the dual-core Intel Atom processor N550, consumers can enjoy Internet access on the go with a more responsive experience in the same form factor, DDR3 memory support and similar battery life as the single-core Intel Atom processor N450, Intel said.

BitFenix, a Taiwan-based startup which aims to develop hardware and peripherals specifically targeting PC gamers, has launched its first product, a full tower E-ATX PC chassis dubbed the Colossus."With Colossus, we focused on how gamers and PC enthusiasts were interacting with their computers on a daily basis, and crafted a PC chassis that actually helps to enhance their computing experience," said David Jarlestedt, BitFenix Product Manager. "What we've been able to do is create a case that not only looks striking, but delivers novel features that truly benefit the user in terms of security, control, and performance."Colossus is available in Monolith Black or Glacier White and combines an aggressive futuristic design with clean modern lines, according to the company. Its top and front surfaces are coated with proprietary BitFenix SofTouch coating, which not only provides aesthetic appeal, but protects the surface from stains. The LED lighting system adorning the front door and side panels provide even lighting, and can be switched between red or blue with the touch of a button. The lighting also has three selectable modes: on, pulse, and off, giving users control over the ambiance of their computing environment.Located at the very top of the chassis is the BitFenix S3TM, a combination storage and security system in one. With S3, users can place their mobile phone, hard disk, USB drives, or other valuables inside and easily lock them away for safe keeping. Inside S3, users will find two SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports ready to connect to an ever-growing ecosystem of USB 3.0 devices.Colossus also features a PWM fan controller that grants users more precise control over their fan speeds without the need for proprietary fans, and is the first chassis to feature both internal and external cable management, BitFenix claimed. Users can keep cables from cluttering the inside of the chassis with Colossus' strategically-placed cable holes, and prevent cables from getting caught in ejecting optical drives with the unique cable-routing front bezel. Colossus' front door can be easily switched to open to the left or to the right, depending on user preference.Colossus is designed to accommodate the latest gaming hardware offering eight PCI slots and enough room to fit up to seven 2.5-inch SSDs or seven 3.5-inch hard disks. To keep all of this hardware cool, Colossus can be outfitted with up to two 230mm fans, three 140mm fans, or three 120mm fans. All air intakes are equipped with dust filters to make clean up quick and easy, and with friendly features like a motherboard CPU cooler cutout on the motherboard tray, specially-designed motherboard standoffs, and an almost completely tool-free design, Colossus is easy to set up, the company highlighted.Bundled with Colossus is the BitFenix Lockdown, a hardware stabilizer that helps prevent accidental damage to graphics cards due to excessive vibrations during system transport.BitFenix Colossus will be available on retail shelves mid-September 2010 with an estimated retail price of 159 euro or US$169.BitFenix ColossusPhoto: Company

Altek has unveiled the T8680 HD, an own-brand handset equipped with 12.2-megapixel camera, which will launch in the Taiwan market at a retail price of NT$10,900 (US$341) through retail chain Senao International on September 1, 2010, according to the company.T8680 is an upgrade to the T8680 debuted in the China market in July 2009, with the new model adding 720p video recording functionality, Altek pointed out.In addition, Altek is developing a 3G Android-platform smartphone with plans to launch it initially in Taiwan and China in the fourth quarter, the company indicated. T8680 HD specifications Item Detail Image sensor 12.2-megapixel 1/2.33-inch CCD Zoom 3x optical Screen 3-inch WQVGA TFT-LCD touch Communication Frequency band GSM900/1800/1900MHz Data GPRS/EDGE Class 12, WAP 2.0 Dimensions (W × H × D, mm) 52 × 113.5 × 16.5 Weight (net) 135g Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, August 2010Altek T8680 HD cameraphone Photo: Company

While the mainstream business model for manufacturing and distributing mobile handsets remains leveraging the OBM/ODM/OEM/EMS model, a whole new paradigm has developed within China's domestic market, according to a new report from Digitimes Research.The local China-based industry called "Shanzhai," but translated as "white box," is based on small-scale or underground factories whose products are seldom sold through regular sales channels, but the scale of the market now rivals that of global top-10 brands or major Chinese brands in the domestic China market, Digitimes Research pointed out. The "white-box" industry currently accounts for more than 100 million handset shipments, and some players in the market, such as K-Touch (Beijing Tianyu Communication Equipment) and Gionee have made the leap to become recognized brands.While accounting for about one-third of domestic handset shipments, the white-box industry in China has been working under the acquiescence, and even active encouragement in some cases, of the government and is proclaimed by its proponents as representing the success of China's homegrown innovation and enterprise. The Digitimes Research special report examines the difference between the traditional ODM supply chain and the virtual organization used by white-box players, and highlights the advantages of the white-box business model.Link: China's white-box handset market

Asustek Computer has announced the launch of the Eee PC 1001PQ, a netbook designed to make it easy for pre-adolescents to learn and have fun, according to the company. The Intel Atom N450-powered 1001PQ comes with full PC functionality, and features a 10.1-inch LED-backlit display, Wi-Fi, and a built-in 0.3-megapixel camera.The 1001PQ runs on Microsoft Windows 7 and features the preteen-friendly Inspirus Desktop. The latter is an icon-based interface designed to make it easy for pre-adolescents to have fun, learn, and communicate with friends and family, said Asustek.On top of granting pre-adolescents net access, other widgets let users view photo albums, create presentations or draw pictures.The Inspirus Desktop comes across as a simplified operating system with applications that have been designed to keep impressionable young minds away from objectionable material on the net, said Asustek.The 1001PQ also features built-in parental controls that allow parents to choose the websites their children can visit, check their email contacts, and control the programs they can access.Asustek Eee PC 1001PQ netbookPhoto: Company

CORNING, NY, July 29, 2010 - Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) announced today that Peter F. Volanakis, president and chief operating officer, will retire on or before Dec. 31, 2010 following 28 years of distinguished service with the company."On behalf of Corning's Board of Directors and Management Committee, I thank Pete for his outstanding leadership and service to the company over his nearly 30-year career," said Wendell P Weeks, chairman and chief executive officer. "Over the past eight years, Pete has been my strategic partner and operations leader. He led the growth of the LCD glass business, the globalization of all of Corning's businesses, and drove a culture of operational and cost excellence throughout the company. He also played a key role in revitalizing Corning's innovation and growth initiatives. Corning would not be in the strong financial and strategic position it is today without him.""I announce my retirement plans with both regret and anticipation," said Volanakis, 55. "While it is difficult to leave Corning, I am fortunate to be able to retire at an age which affords me a unique and exciting window for an entirely new set of professional and personal pursuits. The company's financial position is stronger than ever, and Corning is well-positioned for growth with outstanding opportunities in Display Technologies, and in Specialty Materials with Gorilla glass. My retirement also provides an opportunity for Corning's talented pool of division managers to develop into the next generation of company leaders."With this announcement, the company will begin a leadership transition. Effective September 1, Corning's division managers will report directly to Weeks. Volanakis will move into a transition role serving as a strategic advisor to the CEO. He will continue as a member of Corning's Management Committee and engage on high-priority corporate issues and decisions. Volanakis will step down as a director of Dow Corning Corporation in the fourth quarter and as a director of Corning Incorporated in December. "Pete's announcement and retirement timing will allow us to plan and execute an orderly leadership transition," said Weeks."Corning is truly a unique company with outstanding people, in a special community. I may be retiring from the company, but I will always be a member of the Corning family," said Volanakis.

Micro-Star International (MSI) has announced two new notebooks, the GX660 and GX660R, the latest G series notebooks for the gaming market.Both models are equipped with AMD's latest ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 discrete graphics card with 1GB GDDR5 VRAM and a sound engine from Dynaudio. The GX660R will also feature RAID hard drive configurations.In addition to graphics, sound and storage, the notebooks also boast Intel's latest Core i7 processor with MSI's exclusive TDE technology to throttle up system performance with the press of a button, Cooler Boost technology to boost fan RPM for better heat dissipation, and ECO technology to provide a powerful, silent, and extended computing experience. MSI GX660 notebook specifications Item Detail OS Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit CPU Intel Core i7 processor Chipset Intel PM55 Graphics ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 with 1G GDDR5 VRAM HDD Two 500GB SATA Memory DDR3 1066/1333 MHz with three SODIMM slots LCD 15.6-inch HD / Full HD LED backlight display Dimension (LxWxH) 396mm x 269 mm x 55 mm Weight 3.5kg Source: Company, compiled by Digitimes, July 2010MSI GX660 notebookPhoto: Company