Intel debuts new Atom platform for smartphone push

Intel unveiled a new Atom-based processor platform, formerly dubbed Moorestown, and said it is aiming the product directly at the smartphone market. Still, the world's largest chip maker acknowledged that challenges remain in translating its netbook and PC prowess to mobile.

Intel moorsetown atom"It's really our first foot in the door," Anand Chandrasekher, general manager of Intel's Ultra Mobility Group, said at a presentation.  Indeed, in mobile processors Intel has consistently trailed behind the likes of Qualcomm (NSYE:QCOM), Texas Instruments, Marvell and Nvidia, which use low-powered architecture from ARM Holdings.

Intel has previously announced deals with Nokia (NYSE: NOK) and LG in mobile.  Intel combined its Moblin Linux OS with Nokia's Maemo to form MeeGo and at least one product from Nokia running Intel's Moorestown chips is expected by the end of the year. However, Intel largely has stayed mum on its mobile customers and efforts.

"The reason why I'm not going to talk about customers is not that we don't have any--we do, a lot of them," Chandrasekher told Bloomberg. "The customers in this domain are much more secretive."

One consistent criticism of Intel's mobile efforts has been the company's inability to address the power demands of smartphones. Now, Intel said its new Atom Z6 series uses 50 times less battery power than its predecessor. Further, an Intel presentation showed the company has largely caught up to the competition in terms of battery life, according to Engadget.

For more:
- see this release
- see this Bloomberg article
- see this Engadget post
- see this Reuters article
- see this IDG News Service article

Related Articles:
Intel brings Android to Atom smartphone processors
Chipset vendors' challenges multiply amid smartphone upheaval
Intel unveils software push, hints at mobile plans
Nokia, Intel team on Linux with MeeGo