Tidbyte
Intel Extends Its Bits
Following the lead of competitor Advanced Micro Devices, Intel will add 64-bit extensions to its 32-bit server and workstation processors as soon as the second quarter. Like AMD's Athlon 64 desktop CPU and Opteron server and workstation chips, Intel's technology will support 32- and 64-bit applications. Microsoft confirms its Windows XP 64-Bit Edition and Windows Server 2003 for 64-Bit Systems, planned for release in the second half of 2004, will run with CPUs from both chip makers.
Gateway Goes Shopping
Gateway has been reinventing itself as a consumer electronics company, but recently it returned to its PC roots in acquiring budget PC maker EMachines. The estimated $200 million deal, expected to become final by early April, will create the United States' third-largest PC vendor. Gateway expects to keep selling products under both brands for the foreseeable future. Gateway also plans to offer its consumer electronics devices through the same retailers that currently sell EMachines PCs. Company representatives say no decisions have been made about how Gateway will handle support for existing and new customers.
An Office Update
Microsoft is planning to release its first service pack for its Microsoft Office 2003 editions in late June. Service packs typically include product updates and bug fixes, but Microsoft has yet to disclose any details about what the new pack will include. The company says it has been gathering technical data and customer feedback since Office launched last October, and promises to include necessary updates in the upcoming service pack.
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