electronics

Intel Corp Chief Executive Paul Otellini unveiled new microchips for portable gadgets and home electronics on Monday, saying advances in chip technology were making such devices more powerful than ever.

"We're now in the midst of the largest opportunity to redefine consumer electronics and entertainment since the introduction of the television," Otellini said in prepared remarks ahead of a keynote address to the Consumer Electronics Show.

As the world's largest chipmaker, Intel's microprocessors power some 80 percent of the world's personal computers, but Otellini made scant references to PCs, which the company has pushed as digital media hubs at past CES showings.

Instead, Otellini focused on consumer devices, describing for the first time a new chip aimed at electronics such as set-top boxes, media players and televisions.

Dubbed "Canmore", the new chip is to go on sale in the second half of 2008 and will consist of a processor like those used in personal computers but augmented to handle high-definition video, surround sound and 3D graphics.

"Packaging several important functions -- such as computing, graphics and audio-video processing -- into a single chip will help devices do more while taking up less space and energy," Otellini said.

The emphasis on consumer gadgets comes as Intel has faced slowing growth in the PC industry in recent years. Previous forays into electronics such as digital music players have fizzled, while other moves such as its backing for the Wi-fi wireless technology have helped open up new markets.

Also later this year, Intel plans to ship "Menlow", its first platform for mobile devices optimized for Web access, Otellini said. At the heart of the platform is a chip called "Silverthorne" that is five times smaller and uses 10 times less power than similar chips sold two years ago.

Otellini said future devices will have image recognition technology capable of feats such as helping travelers translate signs and recognize landmarks. Video games and virtual worlds eventually could be controlled by cameras that sense a user's body movements.

Philips Electronics India Limited (Philips India) has unveiled the company's growth strategy for the Indian market. The renewed focus on the Consumer Lifestyle, Healthcare and Lighting sectors, will fuel Philips India’s growth, and is in line with the global strategy, the company said in a release.

The company also announced a marketing outlay of Rs 10 crores for a series of five mega "Philips Simplicity programs" spanning the Consumer Lifestyle, Healthcare and Lighting sectors.

Philips India closed the year 2006 with a sales turnover of Rs 2,649 crores. With the Indian economy growing at over 9 percent, the company sees immense potential for growth. Over the years, Philips has come up with several products and initiatives to improve the lives of the masses.

Philips has announced its "Vision 2010" strategy a week ago to further position the company as a market-driven, people-centric organization and a structure that fully reflects the needs of its customer base, while also increasing shareholder value.

Linking the strategy to India, K. Ramachandran, CEO, Philips Electronics India Ltd.said, “ Vision 2010 is a natural progression in our long stated journey towards being a company that is focused around the consumer in three core areas of Healthcare, Lighting and Consumer Lifestyle. The road ahead is exciting and the timing is just right for Philips to emerge as the leading Healthcare and Lifestyle company. I am very pleased and delighted to welcome Murali Sivaraman who comes with a wealth of diverse global exposure to lead Philips India to its next level of growth”.

Murali Sivaraman, CEO Designate, Philips Electronics India said, “Our brand promise of ‘Sense and Simplicity’ encapsulates our commitment to deliver products and solutions that are advanced, easy-to use and designed to meet the needs of all our users wherever in the world they may be."

Philips India has unveiled five programs under the umbrella of Simplicity:

Business of Simplicity:

A mass campaign celebrating the practice of ‘Sense & Simplicity’, it attempts to seek people and their interpretation of the philosophy of ‘Sense and Simplicity’ to better their daily lives and that of others. The challenge is to come up with a winning idea that is simple, makes business sense and is focused on improving life in Healthcare, Environment and Education. Ideas will be invited from students across 300 institutes in the country and examined for their novelty and simplicity. The short listed candidates will then compete for the final grand prize and winners will be announced via a broadcast medium.

Think Simplicity:

The Think Simplicity contest is designed for Philips employees to generate ideas that breed the essence of Simplicity at work. The Think Simplicity program will touch 3700 employees across 17 locations in 9 cities to build internal Simplicity brand ambassadors. The program will conclude with a mega Simplicity event with the winners of the contest winning a prize for the annual Simplicity event in London in October 2007.

Simplicity Walk:

On the occasion of World Heart Day (Sunday, September 30, 2007), Philips has organized a walkathon aptly titled ‘Simplicity Walk’ in New Delhi. This walkathon planned in association with Heart Care Foundation will see eminent personalities (including the Chak De girls), doctors and leading cardiologists to drive awareness of the benefits of walking.

Art of Simplicity:

The Art of Simplicity, a school contact program is a contest to target school children. Designed to ‘catch them young’ and imbibe strong values related to energy conservation through a fun-filled ‘design a poster’ contest, the program will target 580 schools across 10 cities and tap three lakh households. Three students will be awarded a scholarship of Rs. One lakh each. The school contact program will create awareness and educate them about the importance of energy management. The program also includes specially designed competitions for students to make them understand energy management and energy efficient lighting and its importance in today’s environment.

Gift of Simplicity:

Gift of Simplicity embodies the Philips brand promise of ‘Sense and Simplicity’ through a selection of products across Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. The essence of Simplicity will be showcased through roadshows and exhibitions in high visibility areas to be staged in 10 locations across 9 cities in India. Simplicity corners will be set up at retail outlets to add value and spread the philosophy of Sense & Simplicity