Intel to add smartphones to portfolio

CEBU, Philippines -  Apart from its tablets and Ultrabook convertibles, Intel Corporation plans to include new smartphone offerings in the company’s growing product portfolio with its aim to accelerate mobile device experiences and redefine mobile computing.

In its press statement, Intel executives announced that a new smartphone platform will be introduced for emerging markets along with its forthcoming 22nm quadcore system-on-chip for tablets and intuitive Ultrabook devices in innovative convertible designs.

These were outlined by Mobile and Communications Group vice president and general manager Mike Bell and Intel PC Client Group vice president and general manager Kirk Skaugen.

According to Skaugen, the new mobile platform is set to deliver the biggest increase in battery efficiency in Intel’s history with the 4th generation Intel Core processors.

He also said that it will add broad new human interfaces to computing devices through touch, voice, facial recognition, and gesture-based interactions.

“The best of Intel is coming to a mobile device near you. We’re also significantly extending the performance and power savings in Atom processors as we accelerate our mobile offerings in an unprecedented fashion in 2013,” Skaugen stated.

With the expressed support from Acer, Lava International and Safaricom, Intel unveiled a new low-power Atom processor-based platform and smartphone reference design that is aimed at the value segment of the smartphone market.

This fast-growing market segment is predicted to reach 500 million units come 2015.

The new platform shall feature Intel’s classic product strengths such as impressive performance for quick Web browsing and a great multimedia and Android applications experience.

Bell further noted that the addition of the low-power Atom platform enables Intel to address new market segments and further rounds out our expanding portfolio of smartphone offerings.

“We believe the experience that comes with Intel Inside will be a welcomed choice by first-time buyers in emerging markets, as well as with our customers who can deploy more cost-conscious devices without sacrificing device performance or user experience,” he said.

High-end features of Intel Inside new smartphone offerings include Intel Atom processor Z2420 with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology that can achieve speeds of 1.2 GHz, 1080p hardware-accelerated encode/decode, and support for up to two cameras delivering advanced imaging capabilities including burst mode that allows people to capture seven pictures in less than a second in 5-megapixel quality.

The new platform also has the Intel XMM 6265 HSPA+ modem that offers Dual Sim/Dual Standby capability for cost-conscious users.

Also, Bell cited that another Intel Atom Z2580 processor platform will be introduced and designed for performance and mainstream smartphones.

It includes a dual core Atom processor with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology and features a dual-core graphics engine.

Aside from the competitive power and battery life capabilities, he said that the forthcoming "Clover Trail+" will deliver up to two times the performance benefits over Intel’s current-generation, the Atom processor Z2460 platform.  (FREEMAN)