Big news in the world of Android tonight, as Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha joined Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini to announce a partnership between the two companies that'll see Motorola cranking out Android devices that utilize Intel's Atom processors. The deal is of the multi-year variety and will include both smartphones and tablets. Although no specific product details were mentioned, Motorola did say that it plans to begin shipping Atom-powered smartphones later this year.
It's also worth noting that Intel tonight announced that Lenovo will be cranking out the first Atom-powered smartphone, which is due to launch in the second quarter, although it's currently only expected to be released in China. Dubbed the K800, this Lenovo handset features a 4.5-inch 720p display, Atom Z2460 processor, HSPA+ connectivity and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich beneath the company's custom LeOS skin. Check out a photo of the Lenovo K800 below.
This isn't the first time that we've heard of Intel-powered handsets, but so far we've yet to see any smartphones with Intel inside actually hit the market. It looks like that'll finally be changing this year, though, and it'll be interesting to see how these devices perform and how they stack up to offerings from the likes of Qualcomm and NVIDIA. We'll be sure to keep our ears to the ground for more details. As usual, we've got the full press release announcing the Motorola-Intel deal for you down below.
Intel and Motorola Mobility Strike Multi-Year Strategic Mobile Partnership
Motorola Mobility to Begin Shipping Intel®-Based Smartphone in 2H 2012
Jan. 10, 2012
LAS VEGAS - Jan 10, 2012 - INTERNATIONAL CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW - Intel Corporation and Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) announced that the two companies were entering into a multi-year, multi-device strategic relationship that includes smartphones which Motorola will begin shipping later this year using Intel® Atom™ processors and the Android™ platform.
The collaboration, which also covers tablets, will combine Intel's leadership in silicon processor technology and computing innovation with Motorola's mobile device design expertise to deliver products that have the high performance, long battery life and convenience necessary for increasingly mobile lifestyles.
"When great silicon and software technology meets great mobile and design innovation, amazing things can happen," said Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini. "Our long-term relationship with Motorola Mobility will help accelerate Intel® architecture into new mobile market segments. We expect the combination of our companies to break new ground and bring the very best of computing capabilities to smartphones and tablets, which in turn will help to create powerful new experiences that connect and enrich people's lives wherever they may be."
"We are delighted to be partnering with Intel to deliver smartphones and tablets based on Intel's Atom processor to consumers and businesses," said Sanjay Jha, Chairman and CEO, Motorola Mobility. "Though there are 5 billion mobile subscribers in the world, less than 800 million are using a smartphone today. With Android as the leading smartphone OS globally and advancements in computing technology we see tremendous opportunity for the converged devices market."
Smartphones and tablets are quickly becoming an indispensible part of people's daily lives -- making them constant companions. The strategic relationship between Intel and Motorola Mobility will expand opportunity for continued innovation in these areas as they work closely to leverage Intel's low power system-on-chip (SoC) roadmap for Motorola Mobility's converged mobile device portfolio. The companies will collaborate across hardware, software and services to deliver complete solutions and disruptive new user experiences that offer long battery life, increased computing performance, advanced imaging and video capabilities, and seamless wireless connections.
About Motorola Mobility
Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE:MMI) fuses innovative technology with human insights to create experiences that simplify, connect and enrich people's lives. Our portfolio includes converged mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets; wireless accessories; end-to-end video and data delivery; and management solutions, including set-tops and data-access devices. For more information, visit motorola.com/mobility.
Via The Verge (1), (2)
