Multinational giant Intel has teamed up with China’s own Rockchip, to make processors that would power the next generation of low cost Android tablets.
While Intel is known for its x86 processors, Rockchip, on the other hand, has played a major role in getting Chinese Android tablets where they are. The semiconductor fabricator has been rolling out inexpensive, efficient processors for some years now, and has found takers in manufacturers Chinese and international.
The strategic agreement with Rockchip is an example of Intel’s commitment to take pragmatic and different approaches to grow our presence in the global mobile market by more quickly delivering a broader portfolio of Intel architecture and communications technology solutions
– Brian Krzanich, Intel CEO
Gizchina News of the week
The collab will work to roll out 3 derivatives for the ‘SoFIA’ family of chipsets, all three of which interestingly will have on-board cellular modems. While the entry-level dual core version (with on-board 3G) is expected to ship later this year (Q4), the quad-core variants — 3G and LTE enabled, respectively — are scheduled for release in 2015.
Intel has been constantly trying to get into the lucrative Android market, and this might just be their best chance. With other equally important projects going on parallelly, Intel could certainly do with Rockchip’s expertise.
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I have an Asus t100 windows tablet with an Intel Bay trail and I love it, pretty fast for its 4w TDP
Intels experience with fabrication, and Rockchips ARM experience do seem like it could be a good pairing.