Intel, Compaq agree on extension of IPAC into PocketPC

By Darrell Dunn
EBN
(08/22/01, 01:35:51 PM EDT)

Intel Corp. and Compaq Computer Corp. today revealed plans to collaborate on extending Intel's Personal Internet Client Architecture (PCA) into future versions of Compaq's PocketPC personal digital assistants (PDA).

Compaq's IPAQ PocketPC PDA, which has become a significant challenger to Palm-based PDAs that have dominated the market, currently utilizes Intel's StrongARM processor, the predecessor to its new XScale processor.

"We are absolutely on track and Compaq announcing this collaboration with us is yet another indicator," said Ron Smith, vice president and general manager of Intel's Wireless Communications & Computing Group in Folsom, Calif.

"We are trying to set a new blueprint for the future of wireless handheld devices," Smith said. "The clock is ticking. People are introducing new and different applications and momentum continues to build."

Intel introduced PCA about a year ago. The platform is built around the XScale, a RISC processor based on the ARM architecture, and its Micro Signal Architecture (MSA) DSP, co-developed with Analog Devices Inc.

As part of the agreement with Compaq, the two companies will work to improve the performance of multimedia applications running on PCA-based devices. The companies also plan to create PocketPCs that will be included in reference platforms for PCA developer kits.