Article Abstract:
Philips Electronics NV's recently introduced Velo 1 handheld personal computer is one of the giant electronics group's initial efforts to become a household name for consumer electronics products in the US. Developed by the Sunnyvale-based Philips Mobile Computing Group (PMCG), Velo 1 is Philip's first consumer product that carries the Philips brand rather than its Magnavox brand, which is being phased out. The autonomous development team's market research determined that among the essentials for its product were a user-friendly operating system, significant communications and computing abilities, a backlit screen and a price tag under $600. Microsoft's Windows CE was chosen as the operating system, due to its wide range of capabilities and its name recognition. According to one industry analyst, Velo is being well received by the market and is ranking first or second in major corporate evaluations of handheld PCs.
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Article Abstract:
The switch and relay business is expected to grow steadily until 2000, according to forecasts. Venture Development Corp. (VDC) senior analyst Jim Taylor predicts the annual growth rate will total 5.4%. VDC projects the 2000 North American relay market at around $1.7 billion, compared to its prediction of slightly below $1.4 billion for 1996. The North American switch market will increase from around $892 million in 1996 to more than $1 billion in 2000. Switch growth will drop to 4.0% during the same period, down from 4.3% since 1995. Taylor attributes the switch development to the rise of membranes, touchscreens, conductive switch pads and voice activation. Omron Electronics Inc. believes increased applications will spur its key pads and key switches growth rates by 5% to 10%.
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Article Abstract:
Vickers Electronic Systems develops the Acramatic 2100, a computer numerical control (CNC) system for machine tools, using outsourced motherboards and the Windows NT operating system. The Acramatic system, shipping since September 1994, controls machine tool movement and command inputs using two motherboards with Pentium or 486 central processing units. This has allowed Vickers to remain state-of-the-art while cutting costs and development workload compared to proprietary hardware designs. It is also easier to upgrade standardized motherboards with new microprocessors. Vickers' market share in CNC systems for cutting tools for 1995 is estimated at 5% or $38 million in a $750 mil market, according to Frost and Sullivan data.
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