Lenovo Signs Up Intel For Newest Smartphone Chips

Intel’s mobile processor family may still have life left in it, following reports that Lenovo will be using the company’s hardware for two new devices.

The Chinese company, which is the largest PC manufacturer in the world, will use a 64-bit Intel Atom processor and an Intel cellular modem chip supporting LTE-Advanced for two new Intel-powered smartphones in the first two months of next year, a person familiar with the devices told CNET.

Both phones should make an appearance at CES in January, with one set to launch in China in early February, with the other being introduced in January and focus on emerging countries, marking Intel’s first entry into the Chinese 4G smartphone market.

Upwards

Lenovo has been showing several signs of ramping up its mobile operations recently, following the company’s acquisition of Motorola Mobility from Google for $2.9bn (£1.7bn) in January, and buying thousands of mobile technology patents from NEC in May.

The company reported a 29 percent rise in full year earnings back in March, driven by strong smartphone sales, which were over 50 million units, a 72 percent improvement from the previous year.

If true, the news would signify Intel’s most significant mobile win for a long time. Following a period of decline since it entered the market in 2011, the company announced it would be merging its loss-making mobile chipmaking division with its PC business as the company faces up to strong competition in a changing market.

However, there had been recent signs that the company was looking to ramp up its investment in the mobile markets. Last month, it revealed it would be paying $1.5bn (£920m) to acquire a 20 percent stake in Spreadtrum Communications and RDA Microelectronics as it looks to push into the Chinese market.

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