New ATI Name is... New AMD

awhir · 25-10-2006 7:54pm #1

Description
Ever since the details of the AMD buyout of ATI emerged, gamers wondered what the future of the graphics company would be. We are now discovering that AMD plans to gradually phase out the ATI brand name although it is likely that the RADEON brand will survive.

The first signs that the ATI name is on the go, come from the new AMD marketing push which claims that AMD+ATI=The New AMD. Further evidence of the subtle change is the Ati.com URL which now redirects to ati.amd.com. These new changes, coupled with earlier reports that ATI employees had been given amd.com emails suggests that the change may be quicker than initially anticipated. Additionally the, redesigned ATI website, now includes no ATI logo while the only logo present is an AMD one.

A press release, posted on both the AMD and ATI websites, pretty much puts an end to the speculation about ATIs future by announcing the creation of ONE company although it stops short of actually stating that the name ATI shall cease to exist. The press release states:
On October 25, 2006, AMD and ATI joined forces in a transaction that combines AMD’s technology leadership in microprocessors with ATI’s strengths in graphics, chipsets and consumer electronics. The result is a processing powerhouse: a new competitor, better equipped to drive growth, innovation and choice for its customers in commercial and mobile computing segments and in rapidly-growing consumer electronics segments.

Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California with centers of excellence around the world, the new company has a combined workforce of approximately 14,900 employees. This transaction breaks new ground for both companies and is expected to provide increased customer benefits in four key technology areas:

Commercial Clients
As a combined company, AMD and ATI will develop commercial platforms that deliver simplicity, stability, and manageability in graphics-rich and mobile environments.

Mobile Computing
As a combined company, AMD and ATI will advance mobile computing by delivering integrated platforms that are designed to extend battery life while optimizing graphics and media processing.

Consumer Digital Media
As a combined company, AMD and ATI will empower users to create and experience rich, immersive digital entertainment across multiple consumer devices, including PCs, handhelds, and digital televisions.

High-Growth Markets
As a combined company, AMD and ATI will deliver highly-integrated, low-cost, power-efficient solutions to meet the expanding demands of billions of new users in emerging markets.

Anti · 25-10-2006 8:24pm

This was inevitable really wasn`t it. But it can only mean good things from both companys. Intergreted Gpus on the cpu die. And other such marvelous things.

Should read this too:

http://digg.com/hardware/AMD_Buys_ATI

Users bitch at each other in the comments. i lol'd

Endurance Man · 25-10-2006 8:42pm

So basically they're changing the name, big news!

mp3guy · 25-10-2006 9:00pm

Maybe this'll finally mean some decent linux graphics drivers

Anti · 25-10-2006 9:12pm

Maybe this will interest you:

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/2006/10/25/amd_announces_fusion_processor/

Orion · 25-10-2006 11:52pm

mp3guy wrote:

Maybe this'll finally mean some decent linux graphics drivers

I wouldn't count on it. :rolleyes:

Khannie · 26-10-2006 12:39pm

OT:

I think that the latest ATI linux drivers are actually reasonable enough.

I read that the nVidia ones are on a par with the windows drivers for 3d performance. Not sure how that was measured. Personally, I laughed at how my 9800 pro worked on linux, then switched to nVidia. It'll take a lot to convince me to go back to ATI tbh.

DublinEvents · 28-11-2006 4:40am

ATI seems to think that the installed base of Linux users is so small that it isn’t feasible spending development efforts and money on excellent Linux drivers. They are just being condescending to the Linux community by providing them with a half baked solution. Unfortunately, the Linux community is not dumb and most Linux enthusiasts swear by Nvidia’s drivers due to their excellent quality. Nvidia is simply serious about Linux. ATI is not.

jesus_thats_gre · 28-11-2006 4:54am

And I couldn't give a toss ^^ Great, less than 1% of desktop pc users think Nvidia great while a potential 99% of desktop users think ATi is great.. Wooohooo

challengemaster · 28-11-2006 8:45am

actually 40% and 60% would be more realistic

Khannie · 28-11-2006 1:43pm

I think he meant 1% of desktop users are linux users. I'm not sure what the number is, but the point is well made. Linux users are small in number compared to windows users. The thing is, I'll probably never buy an ATI card again (and I absolutely *swore* by my 9800 pro). Windows or otherwise, nVidia have never let me down, though ATI have.