HTC developing Atom-, Snapdragon-based MIDs

HTC is gearing up to produce mobile Internet devices (MIDs) based on Intel's Atom processor as well as Qualcomm's Snapdragon mobile chipset, say reports from those in the industry. The reports would have the creator of the HTC Shift and other crossover computers produce the systems with the faster, more power-efficient chips as early as the second half of this year in a bid to improve HTC's standing in ultra-mobile PCs, which have been hurt by mini notebooks like the ASUS Eee PC.

Details of the devices are unknown, though the Atom is suitable to both Linux and desktop variants of Windows and thus suits itself to larger UMPCs like the HTC Shift, while the Snapdragon is intended for mobile operating systems like Windows Mobile and lends itself to smaller devices like the HTC Advantage. Either more closely fits the definition of a MID with an emphasis on Internet access, basic work, and media playback over the full-sized computing of a traditional UMPC or notebook.

Filed under: computers, gadgets
Other story tags: Intel, Linux, Windows Mobile, Atom, htc, Qualcomm, Snapdragon, Advantage, Shift