Intel wants to sell 60 million tablet chips this year

Intel Corp., the world’s largest maker of microprocessors, has been selling various system-on-chips for mobile devices for years now. Unfortunately, it hasn't been that successful with the smartphones and tablets market. But the company remains optimistic and has given itself some pretty aggressive targets. This year Intel plans to sell nearly ten times more chips for tablets than it did in 2013.

Last year the chipmaker reportedly sold six or seven million application processors for various types of slates. This year Intel plans to sell up to sixty million system-on-chips for tablets, according to information obtained by DigiTimes from sources in the upstream supply chain.

For 2014, Intel significantly changed its approach to tablets and smartphones. Earlier the company developed two separate lines of application processors for slates and handsets. Starting this year, the company will offer one system-on-chip (SoC) model for two kinds of devices aimed at high-end and mainstream markets. In addition, Intel will also introduce an all-new chip designed for affordable smartphones.

This year Intel plans to release three new application processors for performance and mainstream tablets and smartphones code-named Merrifield, Moorefield and Cherry Trail. The first two SoCs with up to four cores, are powered by current-generation Silvermont micro-architecture and will be made using 22nm process technology. Cherry Trail is expected to be based on Airmont micro-architecture and manufactured using 14nm fabrication process; it is projected to be released in the second half of 2014. Since there is a growing demand for higher-performance graphics in mobile devices, all new mobile application processors from Intel will feature new-generation graphics engines. Besides, the 2014 SoCs from Intel will feature 64-bit processing technology.

It's now pinning a lot of hopes onto its code-named SoFIA product, that is aimed at the value and entry-level mobile market. Intel has not released a lot of details about the chip, but what is known is that it features a 64-bit x86 core, a graphics processing unit as well as integrated 3G/HSPA connectivity.

Besides offering advanced microprocessors for portable devices, Intel has provided discounts to its preferred partners. Besides, the chip giant is expected to further boost its marketing expenses when it comes to mobile products.

Intel did not comment on this news-story.

KitGuru Says: 60 million is a plenty of chips.To even stand a chance, Intel needs to ink a contract with a leading tablet maker and win several designs with it.

Become a Patron!