Latest development in InterVideo's on-going battles in the US courts over its fast-booting, Linux-based InstantON technology sees Winbook Computers bending at the knee following the matter being put into the hands of the US International Trade Commission.
The Linux-based InstantON technology - or something like it - will be one of the key factors in the speedy growth of media-centre PCs. Using InterVideo's technology, a PC is said to boot up in about 10secs - far quicker than booting normally into current versions of Windows - so there's no lengthy wait while the PC readies itself to play CDs and DVDs, access video clips or TV channels or tune in to radio stations.
A release that InterVideo issued last week said, "WinBook Computer Corporation (http://www.winbook.com) has entered into a settlement agreement intended to end their litigation in the United States International Trade Commission ('ITC')".
This enables, "WinBook to sell computers that integrate personal computer and consumer electronic functions into convergent devices based on InterVideo Technology".
Specifically, "WinBook has agreed to make available InterVideo’s InstantON technology and its universal DVD player, WinDVD, for use in all WinBook computers that integrate personal computer and consumer electronic functions into a single convergence device. WinBook will also sell the full range of InterVideo products through its internet distribution channels. Intervideo and WinBook will collaborate in introducing the full range of InterVideo products with WinBook computers."
Dell and Cyberlink remain targets according to the same release, which says, "The ITC investigation is continuing against PC/CE notebook computers sold by Dell, Inc. under the “Inspiron” label and technology supplied by Cyberlink Corporation of Taiwan and Cyberlink.com of Fremont, California".
If the patent can continue to be protected and quickly licensed, InterVideo stands to earn large amounts of money. That's why the company previously moved against other firms including the manufacturing giant Acer.
But, as we've pointed out before, InterVideo will have to be quick if it wants to make the most from its patent - Vista, the new version of Windows, is around the corner and is likely to include improved fast-booting that won't contravene InterVideo's patents. Also, it's now clear that Intel's new Viiv technology promises faster start-up times, too, so InterVideo may have only a short period in which to continue milking its patent.
HEXUS.links
HEXUS.community discussion thread about this latest development
InterVideo's Winbook release
Our original story about the US ITC's involvement
InterVideo's release about its US ITC complaint
Succinct official backgrounder to Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930.
