Intel to make more powerful microprocessors

June 3, 2008

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Intel Corp. said today that more powerful microprocessors and high-speed WiMAX wireless networks will usher in a new era of the full Internet on mobile devices. Intel also unveiled new chipsets that make high-definition (HD) images on a desktop computer's screen look more realistic.

The chip giant also announced the availability of new versions of Intel® Atom™ processors for an emerging class of compact, easy-to-use devices called netbooks and nettops that will bring the Internet to new users.

Sean Maloney, Intel executive vice president and general manager said "the convergence of mobile computers, WiMAX wireless broadband, and powerful, HD-rich computer technologies point to a tremendous growth opportunity."

He added "individuals will drive the next era of growth with people each owning one or more computing devices. People have an innate desire to be 'connected' all the time and see personalized, mobile technology as the way to meet that need."

Overall, Maloney showed approximately 100 Intel® processor and chipset-based motherboards, netbooks and nettops that computer makers are showcasing at Computex this week. Netbooks are compact mobile devices that children, first-time Internet users and people who desire an extra PC can use for basic computing applications, listening to music, e-mailing and surfing the Internet.

They can also be used for playing basic online games, social networking and making voice over IP phone calls.

With the emergence of the netbook category this year, Intel believes that this will be the first year that more mobile computing devices will be sold than desktop computers. The company is delivering a variety of high-performance, low-power processors and other advanced computer technologies to help the industry address this opportunity with devices at all price points.

The new Intel® 4 Series Chipsets will be used in mainstream desktop PCs powered by the latest 45nm Intel® Core™2 Duo and Intel® Core™2 Quad processors. Maloney said people want to store all their HD videos, photos, games and music in one "central library" and be able to access it from portable Internet-connected devices while on-the-go.

"The Internet is going high-definition," Maloney said. "Desktop PCs with these new chipsets let you enjoy, share and protect your digital life. They have the processing power and graphics to deliver stutter-free HD video playback, improved 3-D performance and leading storage capabilities."

Maloney also said ubiquitous wireless Internet access is required to mobilize how people are using the Internet today for things such as creating and watching videos, playing games and sharing photos. He said mobile WiMAX will make the Internet open, fast and mobile and it's quickly progressing toward a healthy global footprint.

Informa Telecoms reports that carriers are deploying more than 281 fixed or mobile WiMAX networks today.

"Mobile WiMAX is the right solution and it's happening now," Maloney added. "Wireless networks will be how the majority of people get connected and they have to be Web 2.0 capable. That means they've got to have a lot of bandwidth to send data either to or from devices at a rapid-fire pace."

During the week of July 14 Intel will also introduce processors and some chipsets for its next-generation mobile PC platform called Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology – formerly codenamed Montevina – for high-performance laptops. Intel's full line of chipsets and its Wi-Fi wireless product will ship in early August.

Chii-ming Yiin, Taiwan's minister of Economic Affairs, also addressed the keynote audience via video. He described how WiMAX represents the next growth opportunity for Taiwan's technology industry with local hardware, services and network infrastructure companies developing complete WiMAX solutions for use worldwide.

Intel has developed an integrated WiMAX/Wi-Fi solution, codenamed Echo Peak that will be available as an option for certain Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology-based notebook PCs.

The company aims to enable initial availability of certain WiMAX-enabled notebook PCs in the United States later in the second half of the year depending on individual computer maker plans and WiMAX network availability, with system and network availability expected to increase in 2009.

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Source: Intel.

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