Paul Otellini

Intel and Nokia are combining their Moblin and Maemo operating systems to create a unified Linux-based platform that will run on a wide range of mobile computing devices, including advanced cellular handsets, netbooks, tablet computers, TV sets, and in-vehicle infotainment systems. Called MeeGo, the new open-source platform is expected to launch on next-generation devices from Nokia and perhaps other vendors in the second half of this year.

Qualcomm was the chipmaker of choice for some of the highest-profile tech gadgets unveiled the week of the Consumer Electronics Show -- in Las Vegas and elsewhere. Not only do Qualcomm chips run the Google Nexus One smartphone introduced in Mountain View, Calif., on Jan. 5, but they're also under the hood of computers shown off at CES by Hewlett-Packard. HP and Lenovo are working on smartbooks, scaled-down personal computers, based on Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor.

The Consumer Electronics Association ended the decade on a happy note with an overall increase in numbers at this year's International Consumer Electronics Show. Having faced a tough economy with decreased sales, more competition, and upset shareholders, technology companies were eager to show the world what they have been working on.

More than 2,500 tech companies unveiled more than 20,000 new products at CES. While the show saw repeat vendors, a record 330 new exhibitors came to display innovations, including wrist PCs, 3-D TVs and new services.

Apple tablet rumors may be stealing the electronics thunder in this post-Christmas season, but the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) promises to showcase plenty of innovative products that offer a sneak peak of what we can expect from manufacturers over the next few months. Despite a down economy, the number of new exhibitors shows a growing confidence in the market.

Intel has settled a lawsuit with chip manufacturer and archrival Advanced Micro Devices. Intel agreed to pay AMD $1.25 billion to settle complaints stemming from as early as 2000.

AMD filed complaints in 2000, 2003 and 2006, claiming Intel acted in an anticompetitive manner. Specifically, AMD said Intel illegally gave rebates to computer makers such as Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Lenovo and NEC on condition that they purchase all or most of their x86 processors from Intel.

Intel Corp. has been asserting for months that the personal computer business is rebounding from its deepest slump in nearly a decade. Its stock surged Wednesday on signs that things are picking up faster than expected, despite a few lingering trouble spots.

Intel reported after the market closed Tuesday that its profit and sales both dipped 8 percent from July through September as spending by corporations remained weak, a trend that has dragged on throughout the recession and probably won't ease until next year.

U.S. stocks rallied Wednesday after Intel reported second-quarter revenue of $8 billion and a promising outlook despite a shrinking PC market. Intel shares rose eight percent, driving the S&P 500 stock index sharply higher and providing a positive ripple effect for other tech vendors, including rival AMD.

Dell Inc. said Thursday its fiscal first-quarter profit fell 63 percent as the recession continued to crimp computer sales around the world.

The results, coupled with a cautious outlook from the world's top PC seller, Hewlett-Packard Co., indicate that the computer market has not improved much since last year's economic meltdown led to a holiday season that was the industry's worst stretch in six years.

Dell's earnings for the three months that ended May 1 sank to $290 million, or 15 cents per share, from $784 million, or 38 cents per share, in the same period last year.

Last week, the European Commission fined Intel $1.45 billion for violating EC antitrust rules. This week, analysts are looking at the global market implications of the record-breaking fine.

The EC accused the giant chipmaker of engaging in two illegal practices: Giving rebates to computer manufacturers in exchange for buying Intel's x86 CPUs and making direct payments to a major retailer in exchange for stocking only computers with Intel inside.

Intel Corp. and General Electric Co. are jointly investing $250 million over the next five years to develop personalized home health care devices.

The companies envision products that will cut health care costs and help aging baby boomers and people with chronic illnesses remain in their homes by allowing doctors to monitor patients remotely.

Announcing the agreement Thursday, Intel Chief Executive Paul Otellini and GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt said their cooperation will help them jump quickly into a market they estimate will grow to $7.7 billion by 2012, from $3 billion this year.