Intel Corp will announce the results of its PC133 memory evaluation at the Intel Developers Forum in Palm Springs, California at the end of August, perhaps deciding the future of the nascent memory standard. However, Intel – which long held out against recognizing PC133 – has not given up on its preferred memory standard, Rambus (RDRAM) and will fully disclose the technical details and features of Rambus. Major DRAM vendors will also join Intel in an RDRAM forum. Intel isn’t saying who will join this forum but likely suspects include Samsung Corp and Toshiba Corp.
IA-64 will also loom large at the IDF. The first 64-bit silicon is expected this quarter and Intel is primping vendors to optimize their software for the first of the line, Merced. Novell Inc, Sun Microsystems Inc, Microsoft Corp, IBM Corp and Hewlett- Packard Co will talk about preparing their 64-bit systems. There will also be talks on system interfaces and compiling IA-64.
Intel will again be talking about Bluetooth, the shortware radio interconnection technology. Two demos have been prepared – computer to computer wireless file transfer and mobile phone to computer synchronization. Nokia Oy and LM Ericsson Telefon AB will also be on hand to talk about the final specification of the Bluetooth standard. Intel will also be holding discussions and conferences on embedded datacoms and telecoms and network communications.
Lastly, in the connected home, the firm will be showing more high fashion EasyPC designs which have been optimized for specific functions in the home. The firm was very proud of last year’s PC fashion parade and is promising an all new line-up of curvaceous and colorful silicon and circuit board products this year. More details on http://developer.intel.com/design/idf.
