Santa Clara (US) Feb 14: Intel unveiled a new chip for next-generation mobile phones in the firm's first significant move into the mobile handset market. Until now, Intel has largely focused on chips for personal computers and the move means the company will be challenging rivals -- including Texas instruments -- which are already well-established in the mobile phone chip market.

The mobile phone processor, called the Intel PXA800F, combines components of cellular phones and handheld computers onto a single piece of silicon, which will improve mobile phones' battery life, Intel said in a statement yesterday. The chip "is unmatched in the industry and promises to deliver outstanding performance, greater versatility and a richer experience to cell phone users worldwide," said Hans Geyer, Intel vice president and general manager of its PCA components group.

"As the industry transitions from voice-only phones to advanced devices that combine voice and data, the ability to effectively and efficiently combine advanced processing, memory and communications technologies will be required to drive the next-generation of cell phones." Intel said production volumes of the processor are expected in the third quarter and has a suggested list price of $ 35 in 10,000 unit quantities.

Products using the new processors will be available later this year, or early next year.

Bureau Report