An AMD-powered Windows-based HP SleekBook. Hewlett-Packard, a large AMD
customer, is turning increasingly to Android.
(Credit:
Hewlett-Packard)
Advanced Micro Devices will consider Android, but that's about all at this
point.
Like Intel, the No. 2 PC processor maker has made its money selling chips
that power Windows systems. Unlike Intel, however, AMD is not making any
commitment to Android yet.
There's "no schedule for Android/Chrome support announced [and] no
specific processors mentioned for support," an AMD spokesperson told CNET
Wednesday.
But he added that "we have consistently said AMD is committed to
applying our [intellectual property] anywhere where it makes sense for our
business and our customers."
That's about as
specific as AMD is getting right now about work on Android.
Principal analyst at
Insight 64 Nathan Brookwood -- who follows AMD closely -- said he has seen no
signs of AMD getting cozy with Android. "I know of no one who is doing
anything with AMD and Android," he said.
Of course, that's
just a snapshot of AMD today. If a large customer comes forward and asks AMD to
commit, things could change overnight.
And that's not an
unlikely scenario. Windows stalwarts like Hewlett-Packard and Asus are bulking
up their tablet
-- and in some cases laptop -- lineups with Android systems.
HP's SlateBook x2 is
a laptop-tablet hybrid running Android as is Asus' Eee Pad Transformer.
Intel is now deeply
committed to Android. Samsung -- as one example of many -- just announced the
Android Galaxy Tab 3 with an Intel Atom processor and Intel 3G/LTE silicon
inside. And the chipmaker's Atom phone strategy is completely predicted on
Android.
The
problem for Microsoft -- and by extension AMD -- is that the world is turning
more and more to mobile devices like smartphone and tablets for their computing
needs. And that means more Android -- as well as more iOS -- and less Windows.(source: cnet)
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