intel

Dell, Intel eye investment in Sharp, report says

Ailing electronics maker Sharp might soon receive a cash infusion from a few prominent technology companies.

Dell, Intel, and Qualcomm are all in talks with Sharp to invest some cash in the company, The Wall Street Journal is reporting today, citing sources who claim to have knowledge of the discussions. Sharp has reportedly asked both Dell and Intel for a $240 million infusion in return for equity or debt. Qualcomm's investment would likely be smaller.

This isn't the first time we've heard reports of Intel and Qualcomm considering an investment in Sharp. Reuters reported earlier this month … Read more

Intel to kill off desktop as we know it, reports claim

The end of the desktop is near, according to reports trickling out over the last few days.

Changes in the way Intel connects its processors to the circuit board may signal broad changes to the desktop PC as we know it today.

Desktop processors are attached to the PC's main circuit board (aka motherboard) via a socket. Intel processors compatible with that socket are then inserted by the end user, be it an enthusiast or PC supplier.

This is the design that is in danger of disappearing, reports claim.

Mobile processors, on the other hand, are soldered directly to … Read more

Intel uses Facebook to out ultrabook Cyber Monday deals

Intel's ultrabook spec is getting some promotion on the company's Facebook page today.

Intel has taken it upon itself to promote what it believes are the top Cyber Monday deals for ultrabooks. The company's listing includes a host of products from major vendors, including Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, and Dell.

The chipmaker offered up "top picks" for its followers to check out. The first option comes from HP, which is offering a $50 discount on its Envy TouchSmart Ultrabook and a free Barnes & Noble Nook with the purchase of the computer, which starts at $749.99. … Read more

Intel CEO startled board chairman with decision to retire

Intel CEO Paul Otellini's decision to retire likely caught a lot of people off-guard, one of them being the company's own chairman of the board.

Speaking with Barron's yesterday, Intel Chairman Andy Bryant acknowledged that he and Otellini had talked in the past about transitioning the CEO job. But Otellini surprised him last week with the decision to retire next May.

"I did everything I can think of to buy myself another year [of Otellini's leaderhip]," Bryan said. "We were targeting further out for this."

In yesterday's announcement, Intel touted Otellini'… Read more

Analysts turn negative on Windows 8 prospects

Windows 8 got pummeled today by analysts, who cited it as a major factor in tepid PC growth.

The launch of a new Microsoft operating system rarely, if ever, goes smoothly. But Windows 8 is having an especially bumpy takeoff.

The first reason Deutsche Bank listed today for cutting its PC estimates this quarter was a "lackluster initial uptake of Windows 8," in a research note from analyst Chris Whitmore.

After citing the impact of amorphous factors like "macro weakness" and the "fiscal cliff," Whitmore continues.

As in past cycles we expect the introduction … Read more

Apple's rise to test Intel's next CEO

The success of the iPad and iPhone is a problem for Intel's next CEO.

Intel CEO Paul Otellini seems to be exiting in the nick of time. His successor will face an increasingly hostile world of customers like Apple fashioning chips for their own purposes.

Apple is a big Intel customer. Macs are all Intel-based. Problem is, most of Apple's growth is happening in tablets and phones.

This is not a trivial issue for Intel. As Apple ships more iPhones and iPads, more R&D and money flow to Apple's internal chip development -- in the … Read more

Otellini's legacy at Intel: Plentiful profits, mobile misfires

When Intel CEO Paul Otellini retires in May, he'll leave a mixed record.

On the one hand, Intel's processor manufacturing prowess remains second to none, with the company often introducing new miniaturization technology years ahead of rivals. As ever more companies withdraw from chip manufacturing, Intel manages to keep turning the crank profitably. During Otellini's reign, Intel has so far generated $107 billion in cash from operations and paid dividends of $23.5 billion.

But Intel also has failed to come to terms with a powerful force in the processor world -- the rise of mobile devices … Read more

Intel CEO Paul Otellini will retire in May

Intel's Paul Otellini will retire from his post as president and CEO in May 2013, the chipmaker announced today.

The time frame will give the board of directors almost six months to look for the right person to succeed Otellini. The board said that it's open to either internal or external candidates for the job, a sign that the company doesn't appear to have anyone specific in mind at this point.

Otellini's retirement will close the door on almost 40 years of employment with Intel.

"Paul Otellini has been a very strong leader, only the … Read more

Qualcomm, Intel consider $375M investment in Sharp

Qualcomm and Intel are in discussions with Sharp to invest more than $375 million, according to two reports.

Japan's Kyodo News reported today that Intel is in talks to invest between 30 billion and 40 billion yen (approximately $378 million to $500 million) in Sharp.

But a more recent report today from Reuters said the two companies may make a joint investment of about $378 million.

However, the Reuters report goes to describe the Intel investment as less certain than Qualcomm's commitment. The latter may reach an agreement with Sharp as early as the end of this month. … Read more