Market research firm TrendForce released NAND flash shipment figures for 3Q 2012. The global NAND flash market is valued at US $4.626 billion, a healthy 6.6% growth over the previous quarter. A TrendForce DRAMeXchange report provided a break-down of shipments of NAND flash by manufacturers. Leading the pack is Samsung, with 41.2% market-share, registering a 1.8% QoQ growth. Trailing behind is Toshiba, with 24.7% market share, and a significant 12.9% QoQ growth. In September, Toshiba cut prices and scaled up production, which may have contributed to the growth. Micron holds 14.4% of the market with 2.8% growth, SK Hynix 11.6% with 6.4% growth (the company began mass-production of SSD-grade NAND flash this quarter), and Intel with 7.6% of the market-share, growing at 19.7%. Bear in mind, these numbers represent NAND flash components used not only in SSDs, but also USB flash drives, memory cards, etc.

Intel's 2011-launched Core i7 "Sandy Bridge-E" HEDT platform is based on a 32 nm silicon that's common with Xeon E5 series processors. While the silicon physically packs eight CPU cores and 20 MB last-level cache (LLC, or L3 cache), client Core i7 processors are configured with only a maximum of six cores, and up to 15 MB L3 cache. According to a MyDrivers.com report, the maximum core count won't change with next-generation 22 nm Ivy Bridge-E Core i7 processors.

Ivy Bridge-E will be an upscale of Ivy Bridge. Similar to Sandy Bridge-E, the silicon will feature up to eight cores and 20 MB L3 cache. In its Core i7 avatar, however, the chip will be configured with no more than six cores, and no more than 15 MB L3 cache. The new chip will introduce IPC improvements, PCI-Express Gen 3.0 certified root complex (one which NVIDIA will approve of), higher CPU core clock speeds, and support for faster memory.

STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and a top player in ICs for home multimedia, today added the STDP43 series of products to its innovative DisplayPort portfolio. These Systems-on-Chips (SoCs) are the world's first high-speed active-protocol bi-directional media-routing devices that manage audio and video data from various sources and send this data to multiple displays. The devices support DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4, the latest versions of the two most common digital-display interface technologies used in computer and consumer electronics. The STDP43 SoCs are catalytic in the rapidly expanding markets for next-generation digital signage, universal docking stations and video hubs required by the new generation of notebooks and PCs based on the latest Intel and AMD CPUs that support the multi-stream features of DisplayPort 1.2.

Researchers at Intel have begun ground work on many-core processors that could drive ultra-mobile devices (such as tablets, smartphones, Ultrabooks, etc.,) in the near future. It design calls for no less than 48 processing cores on a piece of silicon, built on the "single-chip cloud computer" (SCC) design. The new technology could reach the markets anywhere between five to ten years from now, probably since current silicon fabrication technologies aren't advanced enough to put that much processing power into a chip that runs off a smartphone battery.

"If we're going to have this technology in five to 10 years, we could finally do things that take way too much processing power today," said Patrick Moorhead, an analyst with Moor Insights and Strategy. "This could really open up our concept of what is a computer... The phone would be smart enough to not just be a computer but it could be my computer." With devices like Microsoft Surface, which transform from a tablet to a fully-functional desktop with a dock, or a notebook with the flip of a smart cover, the definition of what constitutes a personal computer is changing. In a few years, your mobile could transform into a computing device of any shape and size for consumers.

Intel's newest flagship desktop processor, the Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition, started selling. In Singapore, the chip is being sold at S$ 1,425 (US $1,167), including local taxes. Based on the 32 nm "Sandy Bridge-E" silicon, and built in the LGA2011 package, the i7-3970X is a six-core processor clocked at 3.50 GHz, with maximum Turbo Boost frequency of 4.00 GHz. The six-core chip is bolstered by HyperThreading, enabling 12 logical CPUs, 256 KB L2 cache per core, 15 MB shared L3 cache, and a quad-channel DDR3 integrated memory controller, supporting up to 128 GB of memory. Surprisingly, the chip's 200 MHz speed bump over the Core i7-3960X affected its TDP, which is rated at 150W, up from 130W of the i7-3960X.

Crucial, a leading global brand of memory and storage upgrades, and Intel, a world leader in computing innovation, today announced the inclusion of Crucial server memory modules in the Intel Demo Depot Program. This service lends fully configured Intel Xeon-based servers to customers for evaluation and testing prior to final purchase. As a brand of Micron Technology, Inc., one of the largest memory manufacturers in the world, Crucial supplies the Intel Demo Depot Program with DDR3L registered DIMMs ranging from 8 GB to 16 GB densities, in speeds of 1600 MT/s and 1333 MT/s to support Intel's latest generation of servers.

The Intel Demo Depot Program consists of more than 200 servers and is available to interested customers throughout North America. Potential customers procure evaluation servers for 30-day periods to test equipment and proof-of-concept trials. Servers are also used by various technology manufacturers for demonstrations at tech-focused tradeshows and customer demos by Intel field account engineers.

Intel Capital portfolio company Crossing Automation announced today that it is being acquired by Brooks Automation (NASDAQ: BRKS) for $63 million. Intel Capital invested in Crossing in 2005 and provided financial support and strategic and operational planning guidance to the company, which manufactures fab and tool automation equipment for the semiconductor market, enabling Crossing to achieve significant revenue and operating income growth.

The deal follows on the heels of FormFactor's (NASDAQ: FORM) $117 million acquisition of Intel Capital portfolio company MicroProbe, which provides advanced wafer test solutions to global semiconductor manufacturers. These successful exits signal a revival of opportunities in the semiconductor investment sector where Intel Capital is well positioned to add value to these companies.

Intel Corporation announced today it is shipping its first solid-state drive (SSD) using industry leading 20-nanometer (nm) NAND flash memory process.

The new Intel Solid-State Drive 335 Series (Intel SSD 335 Series) uses the smallest, most efficient multi-level cell NAND flash on the market, allowing Intel to advance its 300 Series client/consumer SSDs to the next-generation technology. SSDs offer users an overall PC performance boost accelerating productivity applications and other computing activities, such as Web surfing, movie watching, video chatting and content creation.

Still reeling with over-production, swelling inventories, and spot-prices on free-fall, the DRAM industry had been banking on Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system launch to come to their salvation. Apparently, it didn't. As is customary with each new Windows launch, orders for DRAM components go up, as PC makers announce new products, and consumers purchase new RAM to upgrade their systems. Windows 8, which is essentially based on the same (albeit slightly tweaked) kernel as Windows 7, isn't really heavier on system resources. Let alone that, Windows 8 in itself is not expected to bring consumers to get a new PC, because Microsoft made it extremely simple and cheap to upgrade Windows 7 to 8. The industry's only real hope now is for hardware makers Intel, AMD, and ARM to introduce platforms that make use of DDR4 DRAM.

Intel slipped in a new processor model to lead the Atom series of low-power processors, the D2560. Introduction of the new chip follows discontinuation of the D2700, it is positioned above the D2550. Based on the "Saltwell" micro-architecture and built on the 32 nm "Cedarview" silicon, the Atom D2560 is a dual-core x86 processor clocked at 2.00 GHz. It features HyperThreading, which enables four logical CPUs for the operating system to deal with. The dual-core x86 component is armed with 1 MB of L2 cache. Its instruction set includes SSE2/SSE3/SSSE3. Among its uncore components are a single-channel DDR3-1066 MHz IMC, which supports up to 4 GB of memory, and integrated HD graphics clocked at 640 MHz. Its TDP is rated at 10W. The new chip should cost OEMs $47 a piece in 1000-unit tray quantities.

Intel announced today a new Intel Solid-State Drive (SSD) Toolbox version 3.1 that is Windows 8-compatible. Offered in 11 languages, the Intel SSD Toolbox helps users keep their Intel SSD in prime condition. Other new features include RAID 0 Trim support with RST 11.x drivers, Plug and Play Support and proactive user notifications. Download the updated toolbox at: www.intel.com/go/ssdtoolbox

Today, leading technology companies announced the creation of the Cyber Security Research Alliance (CSRA). The CSRA is a private, non-profit research consortium formed in response to the growing need for increased public-private collaboration to address complex problems in cyber security. The founding members of the CSRI are Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Honeywell, Intel Corporation, Lockheed Martin, and RSA/EMC.

President Obama has prioritized cyber threats as one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face as a nation and a dependency to America's economic prosperity in the 21st century.

Today, leading technology companies announced the creation of the Cyber Security Research Alliance (CSRA). The CSRA is a private, non-profit research consortium formed in response to the growing need for increased public-private collaboration to address complex problems in cyber security. The founding members of the CSRI are Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Honeywell, Intel Corporation, Lockheed Martin, and RSA/EMC.

President Obama has prioritized cyber threats as one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face as a nation and a dependency to America's economic prosperity in the 21st century.

CSRA seeks to achieve coordinated industry participation to address national cyber security research and development (R&D) imperatives and bridge the gap between government funded R&D and commercially available products and solutions in cyber security. CSRA will focus on challenges that are bigger than any one company, consortium, sector or nation and ensure that government, industry and academia collaborate on in-depth problem understanding and definition.

MarketResearch.com has announced the addition of "Ultrabooks Market to 2016 -- Financial and Technological Support from Intel Corporation Coupled with Demand from Business Users Segment Will Drive Growth," to their collection of market reports.

GBI Research's new report, "Ultrabooks Market to 2016 -- Financial and Technological Support from Intel Corporation Coupled with Demand from Business Users Segment Will Drive Growth," provides key information and analysis on the Ultrabooks market. The Ultrabook is defined by Intel as being any notebook using Intel processors and meeting certain chip manufacturer specifications. However, in general the term is being used for notebooks that are lightweight (less than four pounds), ultra-thin (less than 2.1cm thick) and have screen sizes varying from 13 to 15 inches. GBI Research expects the global Ultrabooks market to reach $75.8 billion in revenue in 2016, from just $1.3 billion in 2011, growing at a CAGR of 69.2% during 2012-2016.

Intel has made available the new HD Graphics driver version 15.28.7.2867, which includes support for Microsoft Windows 8, OpenGL 4.0 and Ultra HD video playback & display (4K resolution). Additionally, this driver improves the gaming fun delivered on dozens of recent PC game titles including Runic Games' Torchlight 2, Arkane Studios' Dishonored, and EA's Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes. With support for Ultra HD resolution, 3rd generation Intel Core based PCs can support playback of content at resolutions beyond 1080p up to 4096x2048 on Ultra HD displays. This driver supports both Windows* 7 and Windows* 8 and be downloaded from these links:

DOWNLOAD: Intel HD Graphics Driver for Windows 8 32-bit and 64-bit

SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), a global leader in flash memory storage solutions, today announced it has appointed Thomas Rampone as senior vice president of the company's solid state drive (SSD) business, which includes SanDisk's Enterprise Storage Solutions (ESS) and Client Storage Solutions (CSS) organizations. He will report to Sanjay Mehrotra, SanDisk's president and CEO.

Rampone joined SanDisk from Intel where he served for over 27 years in various engineering and executive roles. Most recently, Rampone was vice president and general manager of Intel's Non-Volatile Memory Solutions Group where he was responsible for all of Intel's flash memory business including technology and product development, operations and marketing. Previously, Rampone served as vice president and general manager for Intel's Channel Platforms Group and the Desktop Boards Business.

Noctua today presented its new NH-L9i and NH-L9a low profile CPU coolers for Intel and AMD. At a super-low profile of only 37mm, the NH-L9 coolers are ideal for extremely slim cases and with footprints tailored to the respective socket keep-out zones, they provide full compatibility with tall RAM modules and VGA cards on mini-ITX mainboards. Topped off with the new NF-A9x14 PWM premium fan, the NH-L9 coolers fuse everything users have come to expect from Noctua's larger coolers into a super-compact package for slim HTPC systems.

"The response on our first low profile cooler, the NH-L12, has been overwhelming", says Mag. Roland Mossig, Noctua CEO. "However, users asked for even smaller, lower height models that also provide better compatibility for extra slim, ITX based HTPCs. We're thrilled that we can now meet this demand with the new NH-L9 coolers."

Intel made an addition to its performance mobile processor lineup, the Core i7-3632QM. Targeting performance notebooks in the $1200 range, the i7-3632QM is a quad-core chip based on the 22 nm "Ivy Bridge" silicon. It features HyperThreading, enabling eight logical CPUs. Surprisingly, the new chip comes with slightly lower clock speeds than the i7-3630QM, but a significantly lower TDP. While the i7-3630QM comes with 2.40 GHz core, 3.40 GHz Turbo Boost, and 45W TDP; the new i7-3632QM comes with 2.20 GHz core 3.20 GHz Turbo Boost, and 35W TDP: 8.5% lower clock speeds, resulting in 25% lower TDP.

The Core i7-3632QM features 256 KB L2 cache per core, and 6 MB shared L3 cache. It features Intel HD 4000 graphics core, clocked at 650 MHz. While it features PCI-Express 3.0 root complex, and Intel VTx, it lacks Intel vPro and Trusted Execution Technology, features found with certain "business class" Core i5/i7 mobile chips. Available in BGA and rPGA packages, the new chip should be available to notebook makers.

Today Newsweek unveiled its annual Green Rankings and Intel is ranked #7 on the U.S. 500 list (up from #15 in 2011) and #35 on the Global 500 list (up from #47 in 2011). Intel was recognized for its green initiatives including buying more green power than any company in the U.S., reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent since 2007, and tying employee compensation to green performance.

Find the Newsweek list here.

The Intel Perceptual Computing SDK 2013 Beta, announced in September at Intel Developer Forum, is now available as a free download. Developers can add perceptual computing usages to create immersive software applications that incorporate close-range hand and finger tracking, facial analysis, speech recognition and 2D/3D object tracking on 2nd and 3rd generation Intel Core processor-powered Ultrabook devices and PCs.

The SDK includes APIs to help reduce development time and testing costs. Also available for use with the SDK is the Creative* Interactive Gesture Camera Developer Kit a small, light-weight, USB-powered, depth-sensor camera tuned for close-range interactivity powered by technology from SoftKinetic. Download the SDK and order the Creative Interactive Gesture Camera Developer Kit today.

The 330 Series solid state drives are already old news for Intel as the Santa Clara-based company has already begun to roll out the 335 Series drives. The first 335 model, codenamed SSDSC2CT240A4K5, just went on sale in Japan and it features a 240 GB capacity, a 2.5-inch form factor (9.5 mm thickness), a SATA 6.0 Gbps interface, a SandForce SF-2281 controller, and 20 nm MLC (multi-level cell) NAND Flash memory.

Intel's 335 Series SSD delivers read/write speeds of up to 500/450 MB/s, is backed by a three-year warranty, and costs ¥16,980 (about $214). 80 GB and 180 GB models are expected to arrive in Q1 2013.

Foxconn, a global innovator and channel manufacturer of electronics and computer components, announces the release of the quietest NanoPC AT-5250, which is about to keep your surroundings silence in the next upcoming months. The latest AT-5250 with Intel GMA 3650 HD boosts graphics and CPU processing capabilities while maintaining energy efficiency to create a palm-sized home theater PC capable of high-definition video playback and lightning-fast system responsiveness. The elegant design can go with the environment freely, meeting the high-end needs of sales centers and real sales presentation who are seeking for a powerful tower PC replacement, home theater or energy-efficient PC.

Intel has launched the Intel Ethernet Controller I210 Family for desktop, server, and embedded systems. These new low-power gigabit Ethernet controllers include advanced features, such as IEEE 802.1AS Time Stamping and 802.1Qav Audio-Video Bridging for better streaming of content. The I210 also comes with innovative power management features that reduce overall platform power consumption, and can withstand industrial temperatures, making it ideal for Industrial Automation, In-Vehicle Infotainment, Medical, Print Imaging, Telecommunications Infrastructure, and Military platforms.

Like other embedded products, Intel offers 7-year extended lifecycle support so customers can protect their development investment. Additional information can be found here.

Designed to boost business productivity with advanced performance and multi-level security, the new Acer TravelMate P453 is the answer to the needs of SMB/SOHO looking for the perfect balance between security, productivity and ergonomics. All details have been fine-tuned by Acer to offer the optimal user experience whether in the office or on the go.

Acer takes the protections of users' data and valuable assets very seriously. To secure the IT investment, protect data and reduce TCO thorough remote management features, the TravelMate P453 comes with Acer ProShield Security, a suite of security and manageability tools integrated in a unified user interface. Acer ProShield secures the notebook from unwanted access with multi-level security features including BIOS/HDD password protection and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) solution.

Despite a modest outlook for the PC industry looking into 2013, Intel plans to begin production of its 4th generation Core processors, codenamed "Haswell," on schedule, in Q4-2012. In the run up to Q4, Intel has taken stepped down production to prevent swelling of inventories. A little earlier this week, the company declared good Q3 results, turning $13.5 billion in gross revenue, and $3 billion in net income. In its press-release, CEO Paul Otellini acknowledged a increasingly tough environment was taking shape for the industry. "Our third-quarter results reflected a continuing tough economic environment," he said.