Intel unveiled a new roadmap of mobile processors as well as a new
branding strategy for its Atom lineup at MWC 2015, currently under way in Barcelona. The new Intel processors
will be released under the names Atom x3, Atom x5 and Atom x7, which
matches the "good-better-best" strategy that the company employs for its
Core lineup of desktop and notebook processors.
The new Atom x3
lineup will include processors with integrated 3G or LTE modems, while
the Atom x5 and Atom x7 will need to be paired with discrete modems just
as existing processors are. Atom x3 processors will be Intel's first
fully integrated mobile SoCs. They are based on
Intel's SoFIA platform, which was developed after the company acquired
the wireless arm of Infineon Technologies. SoFIA (Smart or Feature phone
with Intel Architecture) is the company's integrated solution for
emerging markets and low-cost devices.
SoFIA is based on the
current Silvermont architecture and was developed primarily for Android,
though Windows 10 will be supported. It was originally scheduled for
2014 but is only launching now. Atom x3 processors will be 64-bit
capable and support two SIM cards. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, FM radio and
GLONASS are also integrated. LTE models will have optional NFC as well.
Intel's projected performance figures indicate that the Atom
x3-C3230RK, a quad-core model running at up to 1.2GHz, will outperform
MediaTek's MT6582 and Qualcomm's MSM8212 by 50 percent in light media
tasks. Brands already signed on to produce Atom x3-powered devices
include Asus, Jolla, Compal, Quanta, ECS and Pegatron.
On the
other hand, the Atom x5 and x7 products are based on the new 14nm Cherry
Trail architecture, which Intel announced had entered mass production
earlier this year. These will be 64-bit and also support Intel
RealSense, True Key and Pro Wi-Di, all of which are billed as enhanced
user experiences.
The company is positioning the three new Atom
brands below its Core M line, which was launched last year and is
targeted at ultraportable fanless tablets and convertible devices. While
the Atom x3 would be suitable for low-cost phones and phablets, the
Atom x5 and Atom x7 could power mainstream to premium tablets, with
screens ranging from 7 inches to 10 inches. Intel claims up to 2X
graphics improvements in GFXbench and up to 50 percent gains in 3DMark
Ice Storm Unlimited with an Atom x7, compared to a current-generation
Atom Z3xx processor.
Lenovo, HP, Acer, Toshiba, Dell and Asus are
on board to bring out Atom x5 and Atom x7 products. These are expected
to hit markets in the first half of 2015, but more specific dates have
not been announced.
Intel also announced a new lineup of discrete
wireless products, including the XMM 7360 LTE modem which supports 3x
carrier integration and global LTE band support.
MWC 2015 in Pictures
Disclosure: Intel made the announcement at an event on the sidelines of MWC in Barcelona. Qualcomm sponsored the correspondent's flights and hotel in Barcelona
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Further reading:
Intel,
Intel Atom,
Intel Atom x3,
Intel Atom x5,
Intel Atom x7,
SoC,
laptop SoC,
mobile SoC,
mobile chip,
tablet SoC,
MWC,
MWC 2015
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