Intel’s CES keynote: Highlights from Otellini’s talk

January 11, 2012 — Intel Corporation’s Paul Otellini, president and CEO, spoke at the 2012 International CES in Las Vegas this week, providing information on Intel’s smartphone moves and ultrabook momentum, and debuting the 32nm Intel Atom SoC for tablets and hybrids.

The show’s host, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), has promoted Otellini’s line, "Moore’s Law isn’t about science, it’s about man’s drive to innovate" from the keynote, as well as his theme of "transistors transforming people’s lives."

Intel signed a multi-year, multi-device strategic relationship with Motorola Mobility Inc. A handset by Lenovo will also be based on the Intel Atom processor platform. Several smartphones based on the new Atom processor are expected to come to market in 2012. Analyst firm IHS iSuppli recently reported that Intel’s Atom sales plunged, as the netbook market was eroded by — among other devices — smartphones. Read: Intel sees Atom chip sales decline, maintains microprocessor lead in Q3

Now, Intel processors will provide a "solid foundation" in smartphones, Otellini said. He added that enabling the best mobile experience is a priority for Intel.

The 32nm Intel Atom SoC for tablets and hybrids, running on Microsoft Windows 8 and codenamed ‘Clover Trail,’ debuted during Otellini’s keynote.

Another key mobile device category for Intel is ultrabooks, a kind of mobile PC that is looking to compete with the media tablet. Intel expects its 3rd generation Intel Core processors, codenamed ‘Ivy Bridge,’ and 22nm 3D trigate transistors, to further ultrabook innovation in 2012. Demand for ultrabooks will be driven by consumer interest in sleek design and convenience like instant-on and long battery life, said analyst firm NPD Displaysearch recently, though noting that ultrabook prices are likely to hamper adoption for a few years. Read: Tablets dominate mobile computing; ultrabooks await consumers, thin display techs

Otellini highlighted the Intel Atom processor Z2460 platform, formerly ‘Medfield,’ which was specifically designed for smartphones and tablets, combining performance with energy efficiency. Intel will offer compatibility on tablets with millions of existing applications and devices; an instant-on, software and apps experience; and support of the Metro user interface.

Guest appearances:
Sanjay Jha, chairman and CEO of Motorola Mobility, joined Otellini to discuss the strategic relationship. Motorola will begin shipping smartphones with Intel Atom processors in H2 2012. The collaboration also covers tablets.

Liu Jun, Lenovo senior vice president and president of Mobile Internet and Digital Home, joined Otellini to debut the Lenovo K800 smartphone based on Intel’s Atom Z2460 with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology, available in China in H2. The device includes support for HSPA+ with the Intel XMM 6260 Platform.

Michael Bell, general manager of Intel’s Mobile and Communications Group, demonstrated the Intel Smartphone Reference Design that aims to shrink device development time and costs for phone OEMs and carriers.

Jeff Clarke, vice chairman of Global Operations and End User Computing Solutions at Dell, announced the company’s first Ultrabook, the XPS 13 powered by the Intel Core i7 processor, to be available in February.

Two Ultrabook concept designs powered by ‘Ivy Bridge’ were demonstrated during the keynote speech.

Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is a world leader in computing innovation. Learn more at www.intel.com.

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