Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) and other ARM-based processors such as Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) and Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) are the chief contenders for the chips that will power the upcoming Windows 8 tablets. Now, AMD (NYSE:AMD) has added its name to the list of potential competitors by showcasing Compal Electronics prototype Windows 8 tablet running on Trinity chips at the 2012 Computex press conference recently.
Windows RT, which is a new version of Windows OS for ARM devices, has already been showcased in the tablet form running on Nvidia, Qualcomm and Texas Instruments (NYSE:TXN) chips. (See: Nvidia Takes On The Mobile Market With World’s First Windows RT Device)
While Intel seems to have a clearer vision for Windows 8, AMD has not been very vocal about its strategy for the new operating system. Although the company recently released its Windows 8 catalyst graphic preview drivers, it has stayed away from the limelight when it comes to sharing its hardware plans for Windows 8.
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Windows 8 will be a radical re-imaging of Microsoft’s (NASDAQ:MSFT) core products and could turn out to be the next big thing in the PC industry, and the devices will run faster thanks to the high performance processors. Having its first Windows 8 concept device on display, AMD highlights its intention to keep pace with competitors in meeting the changing consumer needs.
With the launch of its Trinity chips last month, AMD took over Intel’s Atom processors. With an emphasis on high performance and low power consumption, the company intends to give stiff competition to Intel-powered ultrabooks. (See: AMD’s Trinity Chips to Challenge Intel Powered Ultrabooks)
During Computex, Intel claimed that over 20 tablets with its processors are in the works to run on Windows 8. [1] It has also announced that almost all of its Atom-based systems – tablets or notebooks – will be Windows 8 compatible. However, apart from the demo at Computex, AMD is yet to reveal much about the performance of Trinity on Windows 8.
Following the erosion in investor confidence in 2011, the company should do well to keep pace with the changing consumer trends. Showcasing the Trinity chips on a Windows 8 compatible tablet reconciles AMD’s broader effort to re-build its image.
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Update: An earlier version had mistakenly mentioned Motorola as a chief contender for chips powering upcoming Windows 8 tablets.
- Over 20 Windows 8-based tablets with Intel chips coming, Neowin.net, June 6, 2012 [↩]
