I played with as many of them as I could (see which ones in the gallery below), and they are impressive, as least as feats of engineering. But as usable consumer devices? Not so much. None of the manufacturers have figured out exactly how we are supposed to interact with these machines, implementing half-baked touch controls, keyboards that suit neither your thumbs nor multiple fingers, and hardware that is too small to use for a long period of time but too bulky to fit in your pocket. Oh yeah, and projected prices range from $500 to well in excess of $1000. That said, I've got a different needs than a lot of users, and I'm exceptionally curmudgeonly for my age, so I'll pass it it you.

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The design is striking and at first pretty weird, but there's virtually no learning curve to folding or using the UrbanMax. Typing on the roomy keyboard feels like using a desktop, as there is no hand rest to perch the heels of your hand on. There's a unique static mouse button, which is like a high-tech hybrid between a touchpad and the venerable IBM/Lenovo nipple. It takes a minute to get the hang of and I think it could use a little calibration, but sweeping your fingertip across the sensor yields predictable, accurate control over the mouse.

Intel says that the UrbanMax is intended primarily as a touch device (which I guess means they designed it for people who don't, you know ever write words, or something). It's got two or three apps with rudimentary multitouch control, but as with most touch solutions that run atop XP or Vista they feel like an afterthought. The actual touch hardware is very sensitive and among the most responsive I have used on screens this size. Intel says they are hoping that a hardware manufacturer will pick this design up and run with it, so expect a few fresh takes on the UrbanMax concept in the near future. [Giz at IDF]

Like half the products at IDF, this the Media Phone has a touch interface, which at the moment looks an awful lot like the iPhone's. Using it is easy, and it's at a size and orientation that makes for comfortable casual use. The screen was responsive enough for sustained use without frustration, and navigating the interfaces was—and this is really the only thing that matters on these small devices—painless. The handset was attractive and felt solid, though it's currently not touch-enabled (I was assured that this would be rectified by launch).

In its current state it's difficult to see what exactly the Media Phone is meant to do. It's got no browser, but an RSS reader. It can connect with home automation software and control household electronics, but it's stuck to the wall with a power cord. In response to these concerns, the guys at the booth were keen to tell me about the API, which would allow developers to enable a vastly larger set of apps and features. Those customizations will be the deciding factor in whether or not this phone is at all successful. Well, that and its price. OpenPeak says that their first units could ship to customers as soon as January of next year, and they will all be sold with subsidies as part of VoIP service contracts. Negotiations are under way, but the OpenPeak guys say it's conceivable that the units could be free. [Giz at IDF]

Intel had a couple of Classmate 2s set out as well, which looks admittedly dated next to the tablet. The new design takes some cues from popular netbooks like the EeePC and the MSI Wind, with an emphasis on slimness and a forward-sloping keyboard. The case, though still in development, looks more businesslike than its predecessor. There's a new webcam that with vertical tilt capability, and a nifty home button on the screen's bezel that returns the user to the desktop. Speaking of the desktop, the Classmate still runs XP, and Intel has built a simple dashboard with commonly used icons for easy touch access, though using XP's regular functions with your fingers won't be any easier than on other touchscreen tablets. A stylus is included.
The fact that it looks and behaves like a consumer subnotebook is bewildering. Without a dedicated educational OS, multitouch or even kid-friendly looks the Classmate seems to have veered off into overcrowded netbook territory. It seems plenty functional as a compact tablet though, so if the price is right it could well succeed at that. The device is still in development, so at least Intel theoretically has a chance that make this thing interesting. [Giz at IDF]

Intel's work builds on the progress MIT has made with transmitting power through resonant magnetic fields. But where the MIT team, led by Marin Soljacic, has only achieved 50% efficiency over a range of a few feet, Intel is said to have recently zapped up to 60 watts over the same distance at an efficiency of 75%, which is quite a leap forward.

Intel also is extrapolating potential uses of the tech for supercapicitors—basically giant electrochemical "batteries" that recharge almost instantly compared to Li-ion and store over a thousand times more juice than standard capacitors.

Sounds good. We'll keep you posted on any developments from IDF today. UPDATE: Intel didn't tell us anything we didn't know already in their IDF demo today, which lit a lightbulb from a distance of a few feet by passing electricity between two coils. We were assured, though, that being in the middle of the electrically charge resonant magnetic field doesn't hurt one bit.

[New York Times, Photos: John Herrman]

Intel and Yahoo's solution can pull down Flickr photos, weather, and related TV content and dump it into widgets along the bottom of the screen. It's nothing we haven't seen before. But at least now Intel's FCC plea for mandatory ethernet jacks on all STBs makes a lot more sense. The folks at Laptop had a chance to walk through the interface:

CE 3100 predates Atom, so it does not appear to be the Atom-based SoCs hinted at previously. Also, it packs more muscle than what's required to simply dump some web widgets on the screen, so we'll probably see some more robust media extender technology running on the platform soon. [Video: Laptopmag]

Full release from IDF:

Intel Introduces First IA System on Chip for Consumer Electronics, Expands Internet to TV Experience

Internet on TV Collaboration with Yahoo!®, Mobile Internet Device Momentum and ‘Boundless’ Opportunities for Software Developers Highlighted
IDF San Francisco 2008

SAN FRANCISCO—(BUSINESS WIRE)—NOTE TO EDITORS: photos, videos and more facts available at www.intel.com/pressroom/idf.

At the Intel Developer Forum, Intel Corporation introduced the Intel® Media Processor CE 3100, the first in a new family of purpose-built System on Chips (SoCs) for Consumer Electronics devices based on the company’s popular Intel Architecture (IA) blueprint.

Executives on Wednesday also provided updates on the Mobile Internet Device (MID) category and Intel Atom™ processor, unveiled a brand with DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. around the shift to 3-D movie-making and outlined a number of efforts to speed many-core processor software design.

The CE 3100 has been developed for Internet-connected consumer electronics (CE) products such as optical media players, connected CE devices, advanced cable set top boxes and digital TVs. The media processor (previously codenamed “Canmore”) combines leading-edge CE features for high-definition video support, home-theater quality audio and advanced 3-D graphics, with the performance, flexibility and compatibility of IA-based hardware and software. Intel expects to begin shipments of this product next month.

Intel and its customers have been working together to develop a variety of products for emerging growth areas – consumer electronics, MIDs, netbooks and embedded computers – each based on Intel architecture that enables uncompromised Internet access.

“As consumers look to stay connected and entertained regardless of where they are and what device they are using, the Web continues to affect our lives in new ways and is quickly moving to the TV thanks to a new generation of Internet-connected CE devices,” said Eric Kim, Intel senior vice president and general manager of the company’s Digital Home Group. “As Intel delivers its first IA SoC with leading-edge performance and Internet compatibility for consumer electronics devices, we are providing a powerful and flexible technology foundation upon which the industry can quickly innovate upon. This technology foundation will help the high-tech industry bring devices to market faster, as well as encourage new designs and inspire new services, such as connecting the TV to the Internet.”

“I Love TV” – Intel Extends the Power of IA into Consumer Electronics

As another SoC product from Intel, the Intel Media Processor CE 3100 is a highly integrated solution that pairs a powerful IA processor core with leading-edge multi-stream video decoding and processing hardware. It also adds a 3-channel 800 MHz DDR2 memory controller, dedicated multi-channel dual audio DSPs, a powerful 3-D graphics engine enabling advanced UIs and EPGs, and support for multiple peripherals, including USB 2.0 and PCI Express.

The Intel Media Processor CE 3100 also features Intel® Media Play Technology that combines hardware-based decoding for broadcast TV and optical media playback with software-based decode for Internet content. When a consumer watches broadcast TV or content on optical media players, the video is encoded in standard formats, such as MPEG-2, H.264 or VC-1. Intel Media Play Technology software routes the video to the on-chip hardware decoders. When viewing Internet content, the software automatically routes the video, and audio as applicable, to a software codec running on the IA processor core. As the Internet becomes more omnipresent, the ability to decode multiple video and audio formats will provide the industry with greater flexibility to evolving standards and technologies, and consumers with more viewing experiences.

The Intel Media Processor CE 3100 is scheduled to ship to CE manufacturers, including Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.1 and Toshiba1. More information is available at www.intel.com/go/celink.

In related news, Intel and Yahoo! Inc. previewed an applications framework for televisions (TV) and related CE devices that use the Intel Architecture, which blends the openness, personality and community aspects of the Web with the simplicity and entertainment strengths of the TV. This application framework, called the Widget Channel, introduces a new and user-friendly way to enjoy Web content while watching TV programs. The Widget Channel is powered by the Yahoo! Widget Engine and is optimized to use the performance and the capabilities of Intel Media Processor CE 3100. [A separate press release and more information about the Widget Channel and the Yahoo! Widget Engine are available at www.intel.com/pressroom/idf or connectedtv.yahoo.com/newsroom.]

Intel also announced the formation of The Intel® Consumer Electronics Network, a member-based community of hardware, software and services providers aimed at speeding the delivery of Internet-connected CE devices based on IA SoCs. Together, the network, which includes Alticast Inc1., Futarque A/S1, Giga-Byte Technology Co., LTD1, Tatung Co1., Unihan Corporation, Videon Central Inc1., and VividLogic Inc1., will receive early access to Intel CE platforms and will work to develop and market more feature-rich products to ultimately provide consumers with more choice.

Mobile Internet Devices: “Platform for Innovation”

Anand Chandrasekher, Intel senior vice president and general manager for the Ultra Mobility Group, discussed how Intel® Atom™ processor Z5xx series-based MIDs are becoming platforms for innovation in the mobile ecosystem. He added that the Internet revolution continues unabated with the rapid growth of social networking, user-generated content and location-based services. These trends are even more important for mobile users who are demanding the right device to take this experience with them.

Building on the launch of the Intel Atom processor for MIDs in April, Chandrasekher reinforced the growing need for performance, Internet and software compatibility, and wireless broadband connectivity in order to bring Internet innovations to pocketable devices. He showcased a range of MIDs coming to market across the target market segments and welcomed executives from Clarion1 and Panasonic1 to launch their products in the U.S. market. Chandrasekher also demonstrated the world’s first full 1080p high-definition video playback in a handheld device on the upcoming OQO1 MID. Additionally, he highlighted MIDs from Fujitsu1 and Lenovo1.

Supporting the diverse range of devices spotlighted at IDF this week in San Francisco is a rapidly developing software ecosystem based on the Moblin-based operating system. More than 10 software vendors, including GyPSii1 for social networking, Fuel Games1 for online gaming, Move Networks1 for Internet TV programming and Neusoft1 for UI and applications, announced plans for making their applications available for Moblin-based MIDs.

Continuing on the path of innovation, Chandrasekher reinforced Intel’s MID roadmap with the next-generation platform codenamed “Moorestown,” which is on track for 2009/2010. Holding up the first wafer, he announced that first silicon has been produced, reinforced the versatility of the architecture, and the opportunity to target the communication MID with data and voice capabilities.

Developing for the Future of Computing

Renee James, vice president and general manager of Intel’s Software and Solutions Group, described how software developers play an essential role in bringing emerging technologies and Internet opportunities to life. Processor performance and the move to Intel’s multi-core processors with multi-threaded software are accelerating advancements in all aspects of visual computing for richer and more believable experiences.

James and DreamWorks Animation1 CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg jointly unveiled a new brand, InTru™ 3D, that will represent the next generation of movie storytelling and enhanced 3-D viewing experience. The InTru 3D logo represents stunning computer generated 3-D imagery made possible by the unique combination of Intel technology and DreamWorks creativity. The logo will be employed by Intel and DreamWorks in promotion of 3-D movies, and presented within all of DreamWorks’ 3-D movies beginning with “Monsters vs. Aliens.”

James also announced Visual Adrenaline, Intel’s new visual computing developer program. The program offers resources to help developers, publishers, artists, animators and other gaming and digital content creation and consumption professionals take full advantage of Intel products and technologies as they create tomorrow’s most compelling visual experiences. More information on Visual Adrenaline is available at www.intel.com/software/visualadrenaline.

Additionally, Intel announced the next generation of parallel programming tools that offer new options for multi-core software development for mainstream client applications. The Intel® Parallel Studio includes expanded capabilities for helping design, code, debug and tune applications to harness the power of multi-core processing through parallel programming. Intel Parallel Studio will ease the path for parallel application development to deliver performance and forward scaling to many-core processors for Microsoft Visual Studio developers. For more information, visit www.intel.com/go/parallel.

About Intel

Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom and blogs.intel.com.

Intel, Intel Atom and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

The current Classmate PC fits a traditional form-factor and has been moderately successful, if not dominant, in its intended market. Without a truly unique design or an adequately modified (or new) operating system, the first and second generations of the Classmate amounted to little more than a very cheap laptop. Switching to a tablet-style design and relying on nontraditional input methods could push the new Classmate (or whatever this is) over the edge as the de facto digital teaching device for the developing world. That, and a ridiculously low price. In any case, we'll be at tomorrow's IDF keynote when this little tease gets filled out. [Laptop Mag]

Z500
800MHz clock, 400 MHz frontside bus. No HyperThreading. TDP of 0.65W

Z510
1.1GHz clock, 400 MHz frontside bus. No HyperThreading. TDP of 2W

Z520
1.33GHz clock, 533MHz frontside bus. Supports HyperThreading. TDP of 2W

Z530
1.6GHz clock, 533MHz frontside bus. Supports HyperThreading. TDP of 2W

Z540
1.86GHz clock, 533MHz frontside bus. Supports HyperThreading. TDP of 2.2W

The Atom processors also are combined with the former "Paulsbo" System Controller Hub chipset and wireless adaptors into the Centrino Atom package. The SCH takes command of north and south bridges, memory control, PCI express, USB and other connectivity and an integrated GPU. This last supports Direct X9, and Intel says the top range version can also cope with HD 1080i output. That's pretty impressive for a chip that may be destined for portable gadgets.

Intel is ready to go with all these chips, and wants them to be on sale within 60 days. [Reg Hardware and Reuters]

If you're not familiar with Moorestown, it will be packing 45nm processors, and integrates the graphics, video and memory controller all in one efficient chip, sipping battery power so frugally that devices using it'll be able to go 24 hours on a charge.

This piece of vaporware appears to be a stretch iPhone, looking just like Apple's cellphone darling but twice as wide, giving you enough room for a virtual keyboard to slide in on each side without obstructing your web browsing. But sheesh, how is that sucker going to fit in your pocket? Looks like a rearview mirror. Don't expect to see this as a shipping product until at least 2009. [Anandtech]

Asus tech showed the notebook at the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco, and that they're not the only ones—Acer and Mitac Technologies are also reportedly jumping on the secondary display notebook bandwagon. If the big boys take notice, this could become a standard feature in the near future. – Charlie White
Asustek presents notebook with "second display" design [DigiTimes]

Each class of chess piece is represented by a different actor from the IDF: the pawns are IDF soldiers, rooks are missile boats, knights are mobile guns and bishops are patrol jeeps. The king is an IDF pilot standing proudly underneath his F-15 jet while the queen is a Minerva Merkava tank.

$1,650 gets you this piece of Israeli military memorabilia. – Nicholas Deleon

Sterling Silver IDF Chess Set [ZAHAL]