Intel, long associated with desktop computing, is putting more effort into the red-hot tablet market.
The chip-making giant’s focus on tablets may lead to better alternatives to Apple’s industry-leading iPad, whose processors feature technology developed by Intel competitor ARM Holdings.
Intel launched a tablet and netbook division earlier this year and plans to unveil a new processor specifically for tablets by early 2012.
The Santa Clara, Calif.-based company acknowledges that it’s playing catch-up but believes the market is still in its early stages. “It’s going to evolve over time and frankly not look a whole lot like it looks even today over the next six, 12, 18 months,” said Mark Miller, director of communication for Intel’s tablet division.
The first iPad took consumer electronics by storm in April 2010. Competitors such as the Motorola Xoom and Samsung Galaxy Tab have struggled to match the iPad’s processing power, thin form-factor and battery life.
Intel thinks its latest processor, code-named Medfield, will help solve those problems. The company is targeting the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show in January for the launch of Medfield.
Its Oak Trail processor already powers a few tablets, including the Maestro C by Australia-based Evolve III. It features a kickstand and three operating systems — Windows, Android and Linux-based MeeGo.
Andy Vuong: 303-954-1209, avuong@denverpost.com or
