Intel Denies Atom-Powered iPhone Comments

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Fortune's Apple 2.0 blog (http://apple20.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/05/15/anatomy-of-a-rumor-the-atom-powered-newton-iphone/) notes that Intel has now denied (http://www.zdnet.de/news/hardware/0,39023109,39190870,00.htm?h) the statements published (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/14/intel-confirms-atom-based-larger-iphone-mini-tablet/) by ZDnet.de yesterday. Specifically, they claim that the Intel Germany's CEO was making general remarks about the kind of mobile devices that the Atom might power in the future. They go on to claim they know "nothing" about future products from other manufacturers. Fscklog also contacted (http://www.fscklog.com/2008/05/intel-stellt-an.html) an Intel Germany spokesperson who also states that this statement never happened.

The confusion, however, is not one of poor German-to-English translation, as the original ZDnet article clearly stated what was reported. ZDNet's original article (http://www.zdnet.de/news/hardware/0,39023109,39190850,00.htm) is now linking to another account (http://www.pcgameshardware.de/aid,643741/News/Iphone_2_mit_Intel-Atom-Chip-_oder_doch_nicht/) of the events. PCGamesHardware.de confirms statements like these were made, though without direct quotes the exact interpretation of it remains up for debate (translated by Leo from Fscklog (http://www.fscklog.com)):PCGH-Editor Daniel Waadt was there as well an can attest, that Schwaderer referred to the iPhone as an example for the use of the atom-processor from Intel. The Intel CEO mentioned furthermore, that the display on iPhone 2 would be bigger than on iPhone 1 (although it is already quite big). iPhone 2 is also thinner than iPhone 1.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/15/intel-denies-atom-powered-iphone-comments/)

[Grimace]

[Puts credit card back in wallet.]

Hmmph. :(

[arn]

On the one hand you would think that there would be more reports about it if it was stated as originally reported to the press.

On the other, saying the iPhone 2 would be bigger and thinner than the current iPhone is awful specific for something they claim to have no knowledge about.

arn

[dlastmango]

This is just Apple's Legal team on damage control...

Kinda like a cop saying "Move along, There's nothing to see here" while standing in front of a major crime scene.

[antielectrons]

On the one hand you would think that there would be more reports about it if it was stated as originally reported to the press.

On the other, saying the iPhone 2 would be bigger and thinner than the current iPhone is awful specific for something they claim to have no knowledge about.

arn

Sounds to me like a lot of folks have jumpted to conculsions based on no evidence. Saying a hypothetical device would have such and such a feature or size is different froms saying that Apple will introduce one.

Anyway, it makes no sense at all to launch such a device so near to the 3G iPhone.

[Dustman]

On the one hand you would think that there would be more reports about it if it was stated as originally reported to the press.

On the other, saying the iPhone 2 would be bigger and thinner than the current iPhone is awful specific for something they claim to have no knowledge about.

arn

My thoughts exactly. I'd take it back too if Apple legal came down on me.

[Mykbibby]

El Jobso isn't too thrilled about this...

As he says "Isn't it funny a ship that leaks from the top?"

[Mr Maui]

Sounds like someone in Germany is trying to preserve their job from the iNinjas :p.

[rockinrocker]

yeah, i thought the whole thing smelled fishy.

no tablet anytime soon, i'm bettin'.

[Play Ultimate]

I think SJ smacked somebody upside the head.

[Tattoo]

Sounds more like Apple got pissed off at Intel for a possible leak of a future product. Remember all eyes are on Apple! Everyone is chomping at the bit waiting for Apple's next move to try and copy! :D

[Mykbibby]

Steve Jobs prolly gave Paul O. a Call and said kill this now or I am going to AMD

Or PA Semi...

[Merkuryy]

Anyway, it makes no sense at all to launch such a device so near to the 3G iPhone.

Why not, iPhone now isn't really a PDA, there is still market for a Newton Device. But maybe it's why AAPL bought this chip company recently----- they don't want to be hang by Intel. Being dedicated by another company is not what AAPL like

[antielectrons]

Given how Apple kept the original iPhone so secret even from its own staff I highly double some Intel Exec in Germany will have any information at all about a forthcomming Apple product.

Why not, iPhone now isn't really a PDA, there is still market for a Newton Device. But maybe it's why AAPL bought this chip company recently----- they don't want to be hang by Intel. Being dedicated by another company is not what AAPL like

Why not? How about because it makes terrible marketing sense to launch two major new devices at the same time? If Apple were going to do it then they woulds surely do it when the spotlght wasnt half shinning elsewhere...

[dlastmango]

Given how Apple kept the original iPhone so secret even from its own staff I highly double some Intel Exec in Germany will have any information at all about a forthcomming Apple product.

Maybe this is why Apple acquired that chip company. Steve doesn't like having outsiders knowing details of upcoming products. he knew this would happen sooner than later.

[TMay]

Meanwhile, midnight oil is being burned around the world to create knockoffs...

[antielectrons]

Maybe this is why Apple acquired that chip company. Steve doesn't like having outsiders knowing details of upcoming products. he knew this would happen sooner than later.

I don't know, do Apple own their other suppliers in China? Seems to be no problem with confidentiality there.

[RoboCop001]

My thoughts exactly. I'd take it back too if Apple legal came down on me.

Especially if it was Grace Park. And especially if there were hundreds of her!

Yeah! They'd show up naked at the door. And start talking about how there was no such statement, while doing naked Tai Chi and Ballet.

Hundreds!! :D

[PlaceofDis]

i knew this would happen. so this means its one of two things

1. a misunderstanding, which seems likely
2. apple covering up, unlikely.


the reason i think its genuinely a misunderstanding is that i don't know that individual would have access to that sort of information, and was probably more speculating or using an example more than anything.

[uMac]

I don't know what Apple is up too, but I would think it funny if they came out with another portable device so soon after the MacBook Air which made it obsolete.

[sassenach74]

Alot of people only believe what suits them, even when the obvious is smacking them in the face. Oh well, it takes all sorts.

[jonnylink]

I don't think any of this means anything significant. We are in the dark, totally. Could be true, just as easy as it could be false. It's all just pointless guess work. Your time would be better spent trying to divine winning lotto numbers.

[AidenShaw]

Meanwhile, midnight oil is being burned around the world to create knockoffs...

Yes, but certainly not based on this story. But how do you create a "knockoff" of something that doesn't exist - that sounds like innovation to me.

Intel has been talking about Atom and mobile internet devices (MIDs) / ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs)for a long time.

See http://www.intel.com/products/mid/index.htm

Atom-based motherboard
http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2008/0515/esec_8.jpg

Intel Atom chip makes strong showing at Japan conference (http://www.cnet.com/8301-13924_1-9944795-64.html)

When Apple's Newton ][ ships it will just be one of many MIDs.

[nostaws]

I can't wait for my next macbook pro: Running an IBM chip :p

[madrag]

...and in June well see that it was true...

[jaison13]

why not release multiple products that take advantage of the iphone sdk? i have an iphone and won't upgrade for just 3G at this point. but a larger PDA that has a bigger high-res screen. if it goes of the patent where it folds open revealing 2 more touch screens that would be insane. like a mini-laptop and phone in oe device. hopefully it gets a slightly bigger battery. they said they were flush with cash and would be introducing many new products this year. so far all we got were faster imacs. i can easily see two new devices at wwdc.

[RoDe]

Highly doubt that the Intel guy said that. They all know how p*** off Apple gets when employees talk with a mouth full.

[Hattig]

[Puts credit card back in wallet.]

Hmmph. :(

Only if it means there's no tablet.

If there is a tablet, then I don't care what's powering it, as long as it is adequate for the task.

[sassenach74]

What I want to know is, where in hell did people get 'tablet' from that initial rumour? There wasn't a single reference to a tablet (only this site mentioned one). I quote:

As part of an Intel event for the 40th birthday of the semiconductor company at Munich’s BMW World, Germany managing director Hannes Schwaderer confirmed today what has long been a rumor on the Internet: namely, that there is an iPhone with Intel’s new Atom chip. The device is slightly larger than the current version, Schwaderer said. That is not, however, because of the Intel chip, but because of the larger display used in the new iPhone.

Mention SLIGHTLY larger and it's suddenly a total different device to what's being mentioned....bizarre.
Talk about twist stuff to suit.

The line everybody went into frenzy over is this one:

While Schwaderer calls the larger device a "version of the iPhone", it seems clear that it refers to the rumored mini-tablet device. Some rumors have suggested that it would be introduced at WWDC.

I can't see how it 'seems clear' at all that it is the rumoured mini-tablet device.
This is only what MR has suggested, nothing in that rumor (some people need to google the word 'rumor/rumour' too) suggests a tablet.

[sterlingindigo]

This is just Apple's Legal team on damage control...

Kinda like a cop saying "Move along, There's nothing to see here" while standing in front of a major crime scene.

Exactly, couldn't have said it better myself. My credit card is on "yellow alert standby".

[Yvan256]

Being dedicated by another company is not what AAPL like

They should just buy intel. ;)

[Stately]

Only if it means there's no tablet.

If there is a tablet, then I don't care what's powering it, as long as it is adequate for the task.

LOL I hear ya, me too. I can't wait 4 a tablet. However I agree with others when they say we are kinda in the dark on this one. Oh well no more speculation for me, but I will dream ;) 5"x7" , 4"x 5 1/2" , 7" x 8" all different types of umpcccc's !

[boss1]

The fact that intel is retracting with a formal statement doesn't diminish the insight of his statement.

The circles up top aren't overpopulated and I'm sure developing products, including those from other manufactures, are discussed within those circles more often than not.

Bottom line: He let the cat out of the bag while trying to talk about the processor and probably regrets that he let his tongue slip.


Does this all mean the product he was referring to will be released in June 08? no. It just means he thinks Apple may use this chip in the developing product he has insight on. Ultimately it's still Apple's call on when or even IF to release such tablet which is why Intel formally retracted.

Everyone knows Apple creates products that never make it to retail frequently.

[backspinner]

The question is, was Schwaderer standing in a blurry elevator while doing the press conference :D

[Penguinwrangler]

...FOR INTEL!!!!!




P.S. 3G iPhone nau, danka!

[bigmc6000]

What I think would be cool would be an iPod Touch Pro (or whatever you want to call it) that's about 7 or 8" widescreen with Wi-Fi (a/b/n), a couple USB jacks, Bluetooth, a built in stand (no, I'm not kidding, I don't want to have to hold it upright when watching a movie on a plane), all the iPhone apps + a Mac-like Safari so I can watch flash and, here's the big kicker, work out a deal with AT&T (in the states) where you can choose from either, say, a bigger battery or an AT&T 3G card and if you get the 3G card as well as an iPhone (any kind) it'll be like $5 a month or something cheap. That would get people more likely to buy an iPhone if they were thinking about it but weren't sold on it but really want the "tablet" and would get a lot of people willing to shell out just $5 a month for 3G on their iPod Touch Pro who already own iPhones. :)

Yes, I know I'm dreaming but it's fun to dream!

[L3X]

This is just Apple's Legal team on damage control...

Kinda like a cop saying "Move along, There's nothing to see here" while standing in front of a major crime scene.
good post

[joneill55]

Uh-Oh, SJ going to be doing some serious bitch slapping at Intel Germany!

[Shasterball]

Eh, I don't need a PDA... I will get the next revision of the MacBook Air though...

[retroneo]

I don't know, do Apple own their other suppliers in China? Seems to be no problem with confidentiality there.

No, Apple doesn't own Hon Hai/Foxconn. They have been making Macs for well over a decade.

[jnc]

Oh noes! Put your Photoshops away, it's just a slightly larger screened iPhone! I'm betting 3.7" instead of 3.5". :D

[Scooterman1]

Steve Jobs prolly gave Paul O. a Call and said kill this now or I am going to AMD...another account:
http://blogs.computerworld.com/apple_tablet_emerges

Click on the link above, and read the Comment Titled:Check Your Sources under the Heading of What People Are Saying.

If his comment is true, this has been blown way out of proportion on a bad translation.
:D

[twoodcc]

i'm not really surprised that they denied it. doesn't mean it still can't come true

[Preclaro_tipo]

I think Intel Germany CEO Hannes Schwaderer just wants to be cool and be a part of the action.

He still could be accurate about the iPhoneBIG and this could be damage control, or he could be wrong and just speculation. Either way, I think he just wants to be relevant and cool.

And what do you get when you set out to deliver relevance and 'coolness'? Anyone? Well, typically, I say you become decidedly uncool. *cough* Microsoft (except for the sync team, they just set out to make a good product).

[johnnyjibbs]

Click on the link above, and read the Comment Titled:Check Your Sources under the Heading of What People Are Saying.

If his comment is true, this has been blown way out of proportion on a bad translation.
:D
This could indeed be true. None of us were there, so we can't say for certain, but it may be that the iPhone was mentioned purely as a market guide for size, etc and that these comments are more generic.

Unfortunately, my German is not very good so I have to rely on computer translations as does most everyone else here.

[minik]

I think it's a good news. :D

[sassenach74]

I think it's a good news. :D

What is?

[MacTheSpoon]

This sounds right to me. It was probably a misunderstanding.

[dernhelm]

The question is, was Schwaderer standing in a blurry elevator while doing the press conference :D

Perfect! Post of the day!

[minik]

What is?

For denying the whole thing, true or not.

[mdriftmeyer]

This is just Apple's Legal team on damage control...

Kinda like a cop saying "Move along, There's nothing to see here" while standing in front of a major crime scene.

Wrong. It's an article pushing vaporware.

[Buschmaster]

So we're all going to spend a few months developing applications optimized for a 320x480 screen and end up having to redo a good chunk of them because there will be two different sized screens?

I bet the next iPhone has a screen the same size. (but maybe a larger portion of the total device?)

[AidenShaw]

So we're all going to spend a few months developing applications optimized for a 320x480 screen and end up having to redo a good chunk of them because there will be two different sized screens?

Those of us who aren't writing resolution-independent apps will be...

The rest of the apps will work on future platforms as well, without rewriting every time Ive spits out a new style device.

[Diode]

Hasn't apple pulled a product in the past from a keynote because of a similar leak?

[mdriftmeyer]

Hasn't apple pulled a product in the past from a keynote because of a similar leak?

Yes. However, this Atom product for Apple doesn't exist.

XScale being sold by Intel in 2006 was the logical choice for future joint work and that's DOA.

Apple's recent purchase makes it clear they want more control over their fortunes on the iPhone platform.

There aren't competing chips for the iPhone platform like their is in the x86/ppc space.

This advanced chip design IP recently bought has been a growing venture for years between the two.

Apple will have more products coming out that do not have Intel inside.

[AidenShaw]

XScale being sold by Intel in 2006 was the logical choice for future joint work and that's DOA.

I would think that it is more logical to have the MID-sized computers running OSX to be binary-compatible with full OSX running on x64 chips.

A 64-bit dual core MID has a lot of promise :eek:

[pmoeser]

I know that if anyone can make one that is cool and actually works it is apple, but who really cares about one?
Who actually has a need for one?
The reason they haven't done it yet is because there is no profitable market for one yet
Tablet PCs have been around for years, but no-one is using them apart from niche applications.
If they do release a tablet it will only be for the "see we could" factor and I don't think Steve is going to waste money on that.
It would be a gaming platform with PDA abilities before a fully fledged tablet Mac
My 2c anyway (Not that we have 2c here anymore. Our smallest coin is 5c)

[Tallest Skil]

Yes.

When and what was this?!

[EagerDragon]

Under the article at http://blogs.computerworld.com/apple_tablet_emerges

Is this translation which I trust.

check your sources! the
Submitted by Roman on May 15, 2008 - 8:41 A.M.
check your sources!

the essential part of your article is wrong:
Intels Germany chief in a presentation said:

"Einen MID kann man sich vorstellen wie ein iPhone, nur mit einem etwas größeren Display."

(Translation: "an MID looks pretty much like an iPhone, only with a bigger display.)

that was the only time he ever mentioned the iPhone. he was talking about atom-chips in MIDs, not in iPhones. but someone in the audience lacked the talent of listening carefully... an you wrote that nonsens, as did many others.
:apple:

[EagerDragon]

Hasn't apple pulled a product in the past from a keynote because of a similar leak?

Yes and other times Apple acknowledged that the rumor was true. I think that was the case with the iPod Nano (fatty).

[zepharus]

Two words. Plausible Deniability

[jons]

Yes, but certainly not based on this story. But how do you create a "knockoff" of something that doesn't exist - that sounds like innovation to me.

Intel has been talking about Atom and mobile internet devices (MIDs) / ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs)for a long time.

See http://www.intel.com/products/mid/index.htm

Atom-based motherboard
http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2008/0515/esec_8.jpg

Intel Atom chip makes strong showing at Japan conference (http://www.cnet.com/8301-13924_1-9944795-64.html)

When Apple's Newton ][ ships it will just be one of many MIDs.

How big is that board? It's hard to tell from the photo.

- js

[inkswamp]

Good. I was hoping this stuff about a tablet wasn't real. What a waste of time. Laptops are small and light enough nowadays and smart phones are powerful enough, I can't really see the need for an in-between device.

Now Apple can blow us all away with something worthwhile. :D

[AidenShaw]

How big is that board? It's hard to tell from the photo.

- js

Less than 152mm by 94mm, since those are the outside dimensions of the MID with 5-inch WSVGA screen that uses it:

http://pocketables.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/04/04/sophia_peartree.jpg

[macwall]

Actually I thought the newton was pretty nifty. I would definitely go for an updated version of it.

[MikeELL]

Under the article at http://blogs.computerworld.com/apple_tablet_emerges

Is this translation which I trust.

check your sources! the
Submitted by Roman on May 15, 2008 - 8:41 A.M.
check your sources!

the essential part of your article is wrong:
Intels Germany chief in a presentation said:

"Einen MID kann man sich vorstellen wie ein iPhone, nur mit einem etwas größeren Display."

(Translation: "an MID looks pretty much like an iPhone, only with a bigger display.)

that was the only time he ever mentioned the iPhone. he was talking about atom-chips in MIDs, not in iPhones. but someone in the audience lacked the talent of listening carefully... an you wrote that nonsens, as did many others.
:apple:

Nuts - I believe you - still, I hope they do something mid range between iphone and MBA - I think there could be a market for it, given multitouch.

[i.mac]

Good. I was hoping this stuff about a tablet wasn't real. What a waste of time. Laptops are small and light enough nowadays and smart phones are powerful enough, I can't really see the need for an in-between device.
...
:D


There is a need:

1. students taking notes in class on digital paper (i.e. portable tablet)

2. industry at large such as:
a. mechanics on assembly line
b. aircraft maintenance shops worldwide
c. doctors in the hospital
d. everyne that uses a laptop-tablet hybrid today such as inventory folks
e. researchers at national labs (i.e. one-hand portable lab computer with wireless connections to sensor suite)
f. reporters, FBI, port-of-entry places (for both human and cargo), etc.
g. military industry

3. main-stream consumers:
i. text books
ii. books
iii. kids (imagination is the limit here)
iv. portable TV / computer
v. folks that travel and do not have space in their airplane seat to open up a laptop (or may be afraid that the person in front will suddenly and unexpectedly lean back and break your laptop LCD)
vi. folks that do not want to use the antiquated keyboard-and-mouse combo any longer

In any case, uses for a portable tablet are many. The laptop design will take the place of the desktop (i.e. portable desktop), and something will take the place of the laptop (i.e. as a true portable device).

As you can see, the current iPone is almost there; and therefore, a bit more ump on a slightly larger iPhone-like device will do the trick.

Regards...

[Digital Skunk]

What I want to know is, where in hell did people get 'tablet' from that initial rumour? There wasn't a single reference to a tablet (only this site mentioned one). I quote:

Wrong. It's an article pushing vaporware.

Watch it you guys. Start making sense around here and bad things will happen.

It really just goes to show us how easy vaporware can be blown away in the wind. I would like to have a slightly larger, much higher rez display in the iPhone 3G/3rd party apps/productivity software/Asurion insured device. I hope it comes by WWDC.

I hope AT&T nor Apple do anything that keeps me waiting or reassuring me that they don't want to make a kick @$$ smart phone.

I won't know anything or speculate or keep my fingers crossed or load my posts full of ZOMGs and (:D:eek::D:eek::cool::apple:)s until it is unveiled.

I will keep this fence warm until June 9th!