Smartphones with dual-core processors clocked at up to 2GHz, with support for multi-threaded processing, a graphics chip that assigns part of the demanding high-definition video encoding to the hardware, support for cameras up to 16Mpixel and the ability to shoot 15 frames per second at 8Mpixel with HDR, are brought by the new platform that Intel proposes to manufacturers from Barcelona.
The reason is Intel's new Atom platform, known by the codename Clover Trail+, with which the company known for manufacturing PC chips is attempting a new foray into smartphones and tablets, while competition from the powerful ARM (with Nvidia and Samsung as companions) is intensifying.
In these devices, the goal remains low consumption and long battery life, and with Clover Trail+, Intel appears determined that it can achieve this. As it claimed from the Mobile World Congress podium, smartphones based on the Clover Trail+ platform are as “frugal” as “the most popular Android phones today.”.
The user experience depends on the capabilities of the SoC platform (which closes the entire arsenal on a chip – System on a Chip): smooth Internet browsing, seamless playback of high-definition movies, fast booting and operation of Android applications.
Higher clock cycle time and hyperthreading
Intel is offering the new dual-core Intel Atom Z2580, Z2560, Z2520 processors, built on the 32-nanometer process scale, which are still clocked at 2GHz, 1.6GHz and 1.2GHz respectively. The system processor supports the so-called multithreading that we have come to know on the desktop, with Intel Hyper-Threading technology , i.e. the execution of four simultaneous application threads, which is expressed as an improvement in Atom performance.
Graphics from Intel Accelerator
As for graphics, the Clover Trail+ platform includes the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator, a single-core graphics engine that reaches 533MHz in boost mode. Intel claims that this improves graphics performance by up to three times and promises “rich 3D graphics, realistic gaming, and hardware-accelerated full 1080P video and decoding at 30fps.”
Two cameras with more Mpixels, burst mode and light in the dark
The new Atom platform also delivers advanced imaging capabilities, with support for dual cameras, with a primary camera sensor of up to 16 megapixels . The imaging system also enables panoramic shots, supports 15 frames per second burst mode for 8 megapixel photos, real-time face detection and recognition, and HDR image capture with de-ghosting technology for clearer photos on the go.
Identity engraved in hardware
Intel seems to be putting a special emphasis on the secure use of smartphones in critical online services, and so smartphones with Clover Trail+ will come armed with Intel Identity Protection (Intel IPT). As the manufacturer describes, this technology helps ensure "strong two-factor authentication" when attempting to access services in the so-called cloud, such as remote banking, e-commerce, and even online gaming and social networking to prevent unauthorized access.
Intel IPT technology will be integrated at the silicon level, the company explains, unlike similar systems that rely on tokens from other hardware or the phone, but it requires collaboration on the other end. To achieve the most secure, yet user-friendly, protection of cloud access, Intel is working with companies such as Feitian, Garanti Bank, MasterCard, McAfee, SecureKey Technologies Inc., Symantec, Vasco Data Security International Inc. and Visa Inc. to integrate this technology into their services.
Tablet with more inches on Clover Trail+
With support for WUXGA resolution at 1900x1200, the platform will also enable the design of Android tablets with larger screens, Intel says. Clover Trail+ also means support for the latest version of Android, codenamed 4.2 Jelly Bean, Intel Wireless Display technology that sends content wirelessly to a TV, HSPA+ at 42Mbps with the Intel XMM 6360 slim modem, and the new industry standard UltraViolet Common File Format.
Asus, Lenovo, ZTE with Intel Inside
The first supporters of the Clover Trail+ platform for smartphones and tablets are ASUS, Lenovo and ZTE.
The Lenovo IdeaPhone K900 was introduced at CES in January 2013 and is based on the Intel Atom Z2580 processor. The IdeaPhone is thin, only 6.9mm, and has the world's first 5.5-inch full high-definition display, with a density of 400+ pixels per inch (pixels per inch, sharpness, color rendering). The K900 will be the first product on the market to be based on the Atom Z2580 processor. Lenovo plans to introduce the smartphone in the second quarter of 2013 in China, with select international markets to follow.
Transition to 22 nanometers in 2013
Intel vice president and general manager of Mobile and Communications Hermann Eul spoke about the expansion of Intel’s mobile portfolio and outlined the company’s future plans, noting that the second-generation Atom doubles the computing power and triples the graphics capabilities, while maintaining competitively low power consumption. In 2013, Eul said, “as we transition to 22nm Atom SoCs later this year, we will take full advantage of the broad capabilities of our design, architecture, 22nm tri-gate transistor technology and leading manufacturing capability to further accelerate our growth.”
After Clover Trail+, Intel will introduce a 22-nanometer system known as Merrifield, promising even greater performance, energy efficiency, and longer battery life in smartphones.
