Intel has revealed a new version of their Atom processor, aimed at the growing smartphone market. The new chip promises lower power requirements, a smaller form factor and reduced cost. Intel says that the new platform will target smartphones, tablets and other handheld mobile devices.
Industry analysts expect Intel to run into difficulties competing with existing mobile chip manufacturers like NVidia, Qualcomm and any other company that bases their processors off the ARM Holdings chip design that dominates the market currently. Previously it was expected that Intel would not be able to compete at all with their chips being too power-hungry to be viable options on the mobile market.
Intel already has a foot in the door of the mobile market due to a software deal with Nokia earlier this year. Should the revamped Atom processor prove successful there is a chance that Nokia will begin placing them in their range of handsets at some point.
Brett Venter
