Intel expands mobile push in China
Chipmaker ramps up diversification drive, partnering with Chinese smartphone and tablet makers as demand for portable devices soars
Intel, the world's largest chipmaker, is accelerating its involvement in mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and ultrabooks in the China market.
In March, ZTE, China's second-biggest manufacturer of telecommunications equipment, announced a strategic partnership with Intel for advanced smartphones. Intel is developing unique smartphones for ZTE that are powered by its new Intel Atom Z2580 processor.
"We are expanding into the mobile device field because this is a big market," said Vincent Lee, Intel manager for southern China.
We are expanding into the mobile device field because this is a big market
The huge popularity of smartphones and tablets means 1.2 billion of these devices will be sold worldwide this year, estimates market research firm Gartner.
Mainland industry analyst Luo Qingqi said it is natural for Intel to branch out into mobile devices.
"Technically, [the chip] is similar to that of personal computers though not completely identical," Luo said.
In mid-2011, Intel launched ultrabooks, a category of computing devices aimed at providing faster processing speed and longer battery life in the form of thinner and lighter laptops.
Lee said the minimum battery life for ultrabooks is five hours.