Computex: AMD launches Desna APUs for tablet devices
by Steven Mostyn - Jun 2 2011, 10:04
Desna APUs aimed at tablet and ultra-thin notebooks. Image: AMD.
Not content to watch as ARM’s energy-efficient processors hog all the tablet limelight, heavyweight chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has announced a new range of Accelerated Processing Units (APUs) aimed at ultra-portable computing platforms.
Formally unveiled this week during the annual Computex show in Taipei, the new “Desna” chips will be released under the banner of AMD’s low-power “Z-series” and have been developed to prolong battery longevity by significantly reducing power drain.
“At the consumer electronics show [CES 2011 in January], we saw a lot of interest in making low-power tablet and clamshell devices,” commented Chris Cloran, corporate vice president and general manager of Products at AMD in a Dow Jones report.
According to Cloran, the new Desna chips will provide host tablets and slim-line notebooks with increased visual performance and bolstered processing oomph. They’re also expected to provide up to 10.5 hours of battery life.
Optimised to work alongside Windows (no word on Android support), the Desna processors boast two 1GHz “Bobcat” cores and a thermal design power (TDP) of 5.9 watts, according to Phil Hughes, AMD’s head of PR.
News of AMD’s shift in focus comes after main market rival Intel Corp. announced its own tablet-specific chip technology, the Atom Z670 (“Oak Trail”) back in April.
The Desna APU chips for ultra-mobile devices are already shipping to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
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