We have already seen the first new smartphone which is based on Intel’s new Medfield smartphone platform, the Lenovo K800 and now we get a look at Intel’s reference design which will be used by manufacturers to develop new Atom based smartphones.
The device that Intel is showing off at CES 2012 comes with a single core 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z2460 processor, and Intel are also using the stock version of Android 2.3 Gingerbread on the device.
Other features include Intel Graphics Media Accelerator, a 4 inch touchscreen display, a rear 8 megapixel camera and a front facing 1.3 megapixel camera there is also support for NFC.
Intel’s Ambitious Entry into the Smartphone Market
Intel’s foray into the smartphone market with the Medfield platform marks a significant shift for the company, traditionally known for its dominance in the PC processor market. The Intel Atom Z2460 processor, codenamed “Medfield,” is designed to offer high performance while maintaining energy efficiency, a critical factor for mobile devices. The 1.6GHz single-core processor, although modest by today’s standards, was quite competitive at the time of its release, promising to deliver smooth performance for everyday tasks and multimedia consumption.
The inclusion of the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator further enhances the device’s capability, allowing for better graphics rendering and video playback. This is particularly important as smartphones increasingly become the primary device for media consumption, gaming, and even productivity tasks.
Features and Potential Impact on the Market
The reference design’s 4-inch touchscreen display was fairly standard for smartphones in 2012, offering a balance between screen real estate and device portability. The 8-megapixel rear camera and 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera were also competitive features, catering to the growing trend of mobile photography and video calling.
One of the standout features of the reference design is its support for NFC (Near Field Communication). NFC technology enables a range of functionalities, from contactless payments to quick data transfer between devices. This inclusion indicates Intel’s forward-thinking approach, anticipating the rise of mobile payment systems and other NFC-based applications.
Manufacturers like Motorola, who just signed a deal with Intel to produce Intel based smartphones will be using the Intel reference design as the starting point for their new smartphones. This partnership is crucial as it combines Intel’s processing power with Motorola’s expertise in mobile hardware, potentially leading to innovative and high-performance devices.
The collaboration between Intel and Motorola could also spur competition in the smartphone market, challenging established players like Qualcomm and Samsung in the mobile processor space. If successful, Intel’s Medfield platform could pave the way for more Atom-based smartphones, offering consumers more choices and potentially driving down prices through increased competition.
In conclusion, Intel’s reference design for Atom-based smartphones represents a significant step for the company as it ventures into the mobile market. With its competitive features and strategic partnerships, Intel has the potential to make a substantial impact, offering consumers powerful and efficient smartphones. As the market evolves, it will be interesting to see how Intel’s Medfield platform influences future smartphone designs and innovations.
Source Android and Me
Image Credit Forbes
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