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Fujitsu will develop several product lines for the PC platform based on leading 3D technology. The company will also target all segments of the 3D marketplace from CAD engineers and multimedia developers to avid players of 3D-based games such as Doom and Myst. As performance, price and memory barriers are overcome, demand for powerful and affordable tools to support 3D-intensive applications and game software will increase dramatically.
"Continued growth in 3D acceleration for the PC will be driven by the entertainment and games markets," said Mark Kirstein, senior analyst at the industry research firm In-Stat. "Performance improvements provided by hardware acceleration solutions will drive the state-of-the-art in visualization, high-quality imaging and interaction." With Fujitsu's extensive resources and expertise in the memory and semiconductor markets, FMI's Graphics Products business unit is poised to bring the best price/performance value to 3D users for all segments of the market.
"In this emerging market, users will be looking for 3D graphics performance at the right price," said Jim Evert, vice president of FMI Graphics Products business unit. "The release of Windows® 95 and further support for the 'Plug and Play' standards will attract more of the mainstream market to 3D graphics applications. Fujitsu has recognized the mass market appeal of 3D animation and graphics and will devote the resources necessary to become a leading player in the 3D graphics arena," Evert added.
Fujitsu has launched its 3D rollout strategy with the introduction of the Sapphire 2SX, the first product from the Sapphire family of graphics cards. The Sapphire 2SX is based on the GLINT technology from 3D Labs. With 32-bit color capabilities and resolution support up to 1600x1200 pixels, the Sapphire 2SX provides the tools needed to produce photo-realistic and innovative 3D images for CAD, visual simulation and location-based entertainment applications. Fujitsu will expand the Sapphire line of products to include a range of 3D performance solutions for both high-end and mainstream applications on the PC. The Sapphire products and FMI's future 3D product lines will be sold through retail channels using value-added resellers and distributors.
Fujitsu Microelectronics, Inc. (FMI) designs, manufactures and markets a comprehensive portfolio of advanced semiconductor products and other leading-edge electronic components. FMI provides customers with sophisticated design capabilities and access to one of the industry's largest, most experienced research and development teams with worldwide manufacturing capabilities. The company was founded in 1979 as a subsidiary of Fujitsu America, Inc. (FAI). In 1980, FMI became a subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited of Tokyo, one of the leading suppliers of computer, telecommunications and microelectronics products. FMI's Graphics Products business unit markets and develops 3D graphics accelerator cards for all sectors of the 3D marketplace. FMI Graphics Products business unit is located at 30 Rio Robles, San Jose, CA 95134-1807 and can be reached at 408-922-9000.
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Windows® 95 is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Sapphire is a trademark of Fujitsu Microelectronics, Inc. GLINT is a trademark of 3D Labs. All other brands and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.