Intel has announced that it will showcase Android devices running a new dual core, dual graphics platform at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona from February 25 to 28. “Specifically, Intel will showcase its latest smartphone technologies and devices running the Android* platform, including a new dual core, dual graphics platform, as well as OEM- and service provider-supported devices based on the company’s new Intel® AtomTM Z2420 platform targeted at emerging markets,” the company said in a release.
Intel will also highlight technologies and mobile devices targeted at “a range of developed and emerging market segments,” including smartphones, tablets and Ultrabooks.
Intel was late to the mobile processor market, but is now focusing on mobile products in order to counter stagnant revenues from its Wintel PCs and compete with rival Qualcomm. A key part of Intel’s mobile strategy is gaining traction in emerging markets in 2013. At the beginning of this year, Intel announced the upcoming launch of a new Atom processor named Lexington that is aimed at smartphones sold in emerging markets. Mike Bell, vice president for Intel’s Mobile and Communications Group, said Africa, China, India, Latin America and Southeast Asia are the initial target markets for devices based on the new processor. Last week, Intel made its push into Africa when Kenyan wireless operator and Intel partner Safaricom revealed the continent’s first Intel smartphone, the Android-powered Yolo. In addition, its newly-minted partnership with Acer will help it step into emerging Asian Pacific markets, including Thailand.
During CES, Intel announced the Bay Trail-T microprocessor, which is a smaller and faster enhancement of the Atom Medfield chip that is currently in production. At the Mobile World Congress, Intel is expected to update its investors and partners on the Merrifield processor, due to be launched later this year. The Merrifield processor is targeted to smartphones. Intel has also begun production of its LTE/4G baseband chip.