Micron introduces Aptina

Micron Technology launched its new CMOS imaging business, Aptina Imaging, on Tuesday 4 March, saying it is initially targeting the Japanese camera market says EETimes.

Micron executives said Aptina will operate as a separate, independent division within Micron.

The new unit also launched new CMOS imaging technologies here targeting applications ranging from mobile phones to digital cameras. Aptina has so far produced working samples of its 1.4-micron pixel technology based on its proprietary process technology and pixel scale optics that funnel light to the most sensitive pixel elements.

Digital camera shipments by manufacturers doing business in January jumped 45.4% from a year before to 5 877 879 units, reflecting continued strong demand mainly in overseas markets, an industry group said Monday, reports JCNNetwork.

By value, shipments increased 30.4% to 123 840 million yen, the Camera & Imaging Products Association said.

Total digital camera exports soared 51.6% to 5 275 132 units, with the value growing 35.7% to 109 288 million yen.

Visitors to CeBIT have had their first look at Samsung's two new printers, the CLP-310 colour laser and the CLX-3170 multifunction device, says PC Pro.

The two devices are based on the same print engine, with the CLX adding scan and photocopy facilities.Their major selling point is their size: Samsung claims the CLP-310 is the world's smallest colour laser, and the CLX-3170 is one of the smallest MFDs on the market.

They're also distinctive for their quietness - the company promises an ultra-low noise level of 46dB(A) - and their colouring. In a departure from Samsung's previous printer designs, they will be available in both traditional grey and stylish black, a new option aimed at sexing up the image of Samsung's printers and positioning them more comfortably alongside the company's range of laptops.