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2011-04-12 06:29:26
Intel has formally launched its Oak Trail processor, designed for use in tablet
computers.
The new microchip is smaller and uses less power than other models in its Atom
range.
Despite being the world's largest manufacturer of microprocessors, Intel has
been largely pushed out of the growing tablet market.
Until now, most devices have used chips designed by Apple and Cambridge-based
Arm Holdings.
Announcing Oak Trail's retail name - the Z670 - Intel conceded that it was
currently lagging behind the competition.
"You won't find a lot of Intel based tablets on the shelves at the moment,"
said Kevin O'Donovan, marketing manager for notebooks and tablets.
However, he insisted that the company now had a competitive product.
"2011 is about becoming relevant," he said.
Multiple platforms
One of Oak Trail's biggest selling points is likely to be its ability to run a
number of different tablet operating systems.
Windows 7, Android, MeeGo and Google's upcoming OS will all work on the Intel
platform.
Currently, chipsets based on Arm's designs, such as Nvidia's popular Tegra
processors, are unable to run Windows.
However, Microsoft recently announced that it would support Arm processors for
the next release of its operating system, expected in early 2012.
At least one tablet manufacturer had postponed the launch of their Windows
device until Oak Trail became available.
Some observers believe that Intel may struggle to get into the game.
"I think they have got some serious challenges," said Gartner research director
Michael Gartenberg.
"They continue to beat the drum of performance, but in reality, I don't think
there are a lot of people running around complaining about how slow their
tablets are.
"They seem to be quite happy with the Arm architecture."
Tech specs
Oak Trail / Z670 processors use Intel's 45nm production process.
The figure is a measure of circuit track density and broadly relates to
processing power and energy consumption.
Current high-end microprocessors use 32nm production, however the technology is
largely limited to laptop and desktop computers.
As well as the main processor, the new system includes a second chip, the SM35,
to handle various input and output functions such as USB and audio.
The first tablets to use Oak Trail technology are expected to hit the market
around May.