Update: Intel will be able to maintain the original 22nm timetable with delivery of Haswell and next-gen Atom products on 22nm in Q2 2013 (see: Intel Haswell: “Mobile computing is not limited to tiny, low-performing devices” [Nov 15, 2012]). This progress, however, will not be enough against the 28nm ARM SoCs of that time, so it is proceding further as fast as only could to 14nm. Expect products from this in H2 CY2014: Intel progressing in development of 14nm technology, says CTO [DIGITIMES, Dec 5, 2012]

Intel CTO Justin Rattner on December 4 said that Intel’s development of 14nm technology is on schedule with volume production to kick off in one to two years and development of 18-inch wafers is under way through cooperation with partners.

Rattner also noted that Intel’s aggressiveness over technology advancement will allow Moore’s Law to extend for another 10 years.

At the end of 2013, Intel will enter the generation of 14nm CPUs (P1272 [process: a shrink from the previous P1270 22-nm process as well as a reduction in power consumption]) and SoCs (1273), while expanding its investments at its D1X Fab in Oregon, and Fab 42 in Arizona, the US and Fab 24 in Ireland, and will gradually enter 10nm, 7nm and 5nm process generations starting 2015.

As for Intel’s competitors, Samsung is already set to enter 20nm in 2013 and is already working on its 14nm node, while Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) 20nm process will enter small volume production in the second half of 2013 with the first 3D-based FPGA chips to also start.

Globalfoundries has previously announced its 14nm FinFET process will start pilot production at the end of 2013 and enter mass production in 2014.

As for 18-inch wafers, Intel has invested in Holland-based ASML for its EUV technology, and related technologies are expected to start entering production in 2017.

See also: Intel’s industry position and prospects for years ahead [Dec 9, 2010]
Follow-up:
– Intel’s SoC strategy strengthened by 22nm Tri-Gate technology [May 10, 2011]
– Netbook prices starting $50 less at $200 via Intel MeeGo strategy [July 29, 2011]

Intel adjusts netbook strategy [April 14, 2011]

Intel has recently adjusted its netbook strategy and is set to cooperate with its partners including Asustek Computer and Acer to launch netbook devices priced below US$199 in regions such as the Middle-East, Latin America and Eastern Europe, according to sources from notebook players.

As for markets such as Europe, the US and China, Intel will continue to push netbook models using the new Cedar Trail-M platform and will add new technologies such as Wireless Display (WiDi) and wireless audio into these devices, for a price of US$299-599 depending on specifications and operating system.

Netbook models priced at US$199 will adopt Intel’s own MeeGo operating system and Intel is currently working on developing content and applications that suit each region and has already demonstrated engineering samples to its partners. Asustek, Acer and several China-based second-tier white-box netbook players have already prepared to launch machines with Intel’s US$199 platform in the second half of 2011.

Updates from Computex 2011:
– Chip Shot: Intel Unveils Innovative New Concept Design, “Keeley Lake” [May 31, 2011]

At Computex, Intel unveiled “Keeley Lake ” an innovative, newly-developed convertible design based on the upcoming Intel® Atom™ netbook platform, codenamed “Cedar Trail.” Whether creating with a keyboard or browsing with touch, “Keeley Lake” will offer customers the best of both worlds with stylish designs, sleek form factors, new capacitive multi-touch displays and thinness from 17mm-20mm. Designs like “Keeley Lake” based on “Cedar Trail” will provide the most flexible platform of choice by enabling operating systems including Chrome OS, MeeGo and Windows.  Intel has enabled ODMs with the “Keeley Lake” design and already started to see the demand.

– Chip Shot: Medfield – The Next Generation of Tablets from Intel [May 31, 2011]

At Computex, Intel reiterated its Atom System on a Chip (SoC) roadmap, highlighting “Medfield,” which will be built using Intel’s 32nm high-k metal gate process technology. The purpose-built solution will provide lower power, a smaller footprint and more integration of features and performance for the tablet market. “Medfield” will enable sub-9mm tablets that weigh less than 1.5 pounds and provide all day battery life. The processors will be in production later this year for tablet designs in market the first half of 2012 and support a range of operating systems including Google Android (“Honeycomb”), Windows and MeeGo.

– Chip Shot: MeeGo Netbooks Based on Intel Atom Arrive at Computex [May 31, 2011]

The ecosystem around MeeGo-based netbooks expands with the introduction of devices including the Acer Aspire One Happy 2, Asus Eee PC X101, Samsung N100 and Lenovo IdeaPad S100 at Computex. These systems are based on the new, 1.33 GHz single-core Intel® Atom™ processor N435. These netbooks will provide new levels of affordability for market expansion. Acer and Asus netbooks will come pre-loaded with the Intel AppUp^SM center in select countries. Also at Computex, Acer demonstrated a MeeGo-based tablet on stage at the Intel netbook, tablet and software focused satellite event.

– A Brief Interview with Intel’s Sean Maloney [May 27, 2011]

Editor’s Note: A few days before traveling to Taipei, Taiwan, where he is slated to deliver a keynote address at Computex 2011, Intel Free Press had a chance to sit down for a brief conversation with Intel Executive Vice President Sean Maloney, the newly named chairman of Intel China. Maloney returned to work in January after suffering a stroke last year.

…

IFP: How do you challenge the critics who are saying that some of this is too little, too late — that the ARM ecosystem is too firmly established now, particularly in tablets and phones?

Maloney: The ARM ecosystem is really well established, but I don’t think that anyone is in the position that Intel is in to get all the way from the bottom to the top. In process technology, we are still 2 years or more in front. I think it will be a good 4 or 5 years.

IFP: Intel has talked a lot about accelerating the SoC (System-on-a-Chip) roadmap, which according to some pundits can’t happen fast enough. Why is it taking so long for the company to accelerate Atom SoCs and is there anything you can do to make it go faster?

Maloney: Well, unfortunately 2 years ago we thought that the market was not moving as fast as it has moved. Now we’ve announced that we will be doing one new process generation every year for the next 3 or 4 years. That’s pretty fast. It’s a big acceleration from where we are now.

IFP: Intel CEO and President Paul Otellini mentioned during the recent investors meeting that China is poised to be No. 1 in the PC market next year. What does that mean for Intel?

Maloney: It means everything, right? The U.S. was the first and foremost market for 43 years at Intel. Now it’s going to be China, No. 1. That’s amazing. Really, I am excited about China. It’s the first market for Intel next year. There are so many things we can do in China, and we’re going to do them.

– Accelerating the Intel® Atom™ Processor Roadmap (part of Intel’s Maloney Talks Mobile Growth, Industry Opportunities at Computex [May 30, 2011], emphasis is mine)

Maloney highlighted key milestones and additional details on upcoming generations of Intel Atom processor-based platforms for tablets, netbooks and smartphones. The Atom processor will outpace Moore’s Law, accelerating from 32nm through 22nm to 14nm within 3 successive years. Having a cadence of a new-process-generation every year will result in significant reduction in transistor leakage, lower active power and an increase of transistor density to enable more powerful smartphones, tablets, and netbooks with more features and longer battery life.

Reaching its 100 million-unit milestone this month, Intel is preparing its next-generation netbook platform, codenamed “Cedar Trail.” “Cedar Trail” is the first netbook platform based on Intel’s 32nm technology, and will enable ultra-thin, fanless designs with new capabilities such as Intel® Rapid Start technology which provides fast resume, Intel® Smart Connect Technology which enables an always updated experience even during standby, Intel® Wireless Display and PC Synch, which let users wirelessly update and synchronize documents, content and media across multiple devices. In addition, the new platform is expected to enable more than 10 hours of battery life and weeks of standby. “Cedar Trail” will support leading operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows*, Google Chrome* and MeeGo*.

In addition, Maloney showcased more than 10 tablets, running on three different operating systems, that are available today based on the Intel Atom processor Z670. The platform already has more than 35 design wins since its launch in April, with several convertibles, sliders and other innovative designs on shelves now and more coming through the rest of the year.

[Medfield relevance is only upto 00:48.
Please note at 00:27: “… initially on Android, later on MeeGo …”]

Maloney also discussed “Medfield,” Intel’s first purpose-built 32nm platform for smartphones and tablets.  “Medfield” has been optimized for both low power and high performance and will deliver long use-time, rich media and gaming, and advanced imaging capabilities. To illustrate this point in tablets, Intel showcased a “Medfield” design running Google Android* 3.0 (“Honeycomb”) for the first time. In production later this year, the platform will enable sub-9mm designs that weigh less than 1.5 pounds for tablet designs in market the first half of 2012. It will support a range of operating systems including Android and MeeGo.

According to Maloney, “The work Intel is doing with the Intel® Atom™ processor roadmap, coupled with the significant changes we are making to our Intel® Core™ processor roadmaps, will continue to enhance Intel’s ability to deliver complete hardware solutions with a choice of software platforms across a full spectrum of computing — from back-end servers that power the cloud to the billions of devices that access the cloud.”

– Computing Becomes More Personal at Computex [June 7, 2011] (emphasis is mine)

Reflecting on Computex last week, I’m once again in awe of all the time and energy across the company (and around the world!) goes into pulling off this event. For Intel, it was a great show. We highlighted several technologies and innovations that will push the envelope when it comes to enhancing what we’re calling “companion computing.” As Intel Executive Vice President Sean Maloney pointed out in his keynote, “computing is taking many forms” and Intel innovation is the “catalyst” for exciting new technologies that will empower our mobile lifestyles.

I hope you heard our big news around the introduction of a brand new category of ultra-slim laptops called “Ultrabooks,” targeted to penetrate 40 percent of the market by end of 2012.

Along that same vein, the Netbook and Tablet Group at Intel, made some exciting disclosures to help meet the varied expectations of the companion device market. One of those was “Keeley Lake,” a brand new, convertible design based on the upcoming Atom netbook platform, “Cedar Trail.”  With its swivel and fold monitor design, “Keeley Lake” packs in the power and performance of a netbook and the functionality of a tablet.

It will have more than 10 hours of battery life and will include Rapid Start, Smart Connect and Intel Wireless Display for displaying content on TVs and PC Synch.

Intel also highlighted “Medfield,” its first purpose-built 32nm platform for smartphones and tablets. Optimized for low power, high performance and longer use-time, these processors will be in production later this year and you can see “Medfield”-based tablets out in the market in the first half of 2012.

Both “Keeley Lake” and “Medfield” will support a range of operating systems including Windows, Google Android and MeeGo.

Speaking of MeeGo, the ecosystem around MeeGo-based netbooks is expanding. At Computex devices such as the Acer Aspire One Happy series, the Asus Eee PC X101, the Lenovo IdeaPad S100 and Samsung N100 were introduced. These systems are based on the new 1.33 GHz single-core Intel® Atom™ processor N435 and will provide new levels of affordability for market expansion.

At the show, we demonstrated the traction our formerly codenamed “Oak Trail” platform, now the Intel Atom processor Z670, has received since it began shipping in April. “Oak Trail” has garnered huge market acceptance and already has more than 35 design wins, 10 of which were showcased on the Computex stage. In addition, several convertibles and sliders are on shelves now, with more coming through the end of the year.

Mobile computing is indeed taking many new forms and I’m looking forward to the future to see how these shapes evolve. Computex 2011 has definitely set the tone for the exciting times ahead!

End of updates from Computex 2011

Intel pushes Android plans [April 14, 2011]

Intel, in the third quarter of 2011, is set to announce a new plan for tablet PCs – PRC Plus, pushing an Intel/Android 3.0 platform, after nearly half of year of negotiations with Google, according to sources from notebook players. However, Intel declined to comment on market rumors.

The sources pointed out that the PRC Plus plan is to use Intel processor’s advantage of stronger performance than ARM-based processors and improve on the operating system’s user interface and user experience. The new plan is also expected to save costs from Windows licensing fees for downstream vendors.

In addition to pushing an Intel/Android 3.0 platform, Intel is also set to adopt a similar strategy as in the PC industry and pay a subsidy of US$10 for each Intel CPU-based tablet PC to attract first-tier notebook vendors.

Asia-based Acer, Lenovo and Asustek Computer have all agreed to start up new netbook projects in the second half of 2011, while Cisco is also set to launch devices adopting Oak Trail/Android 3.0 targeting the enterprise market, the sources added.

As Android for tablets falters, opportunity for Intel [CNET, April 15, 2011]

Intel has been criticized here and in other venues for being late to the tabletparty. But Android’s slow start in tablets may mean latecomers aren’t necessarily losers.

Intel was demoing an Atom-based tablet at its developer conference in Beijing this week (Credit: Intel)

A stroke of serendipity has arrived in the form of a tepid consumer reception so far for tablets beyond Apple’s iPad. Sales of the Motorola Xoom are, to date, anemic, while the sell-through to consumers of Samsung’s Android tablet has also been underwhelming.

And Digitimes reported todaythat tablet suppliers Asus and HTC are delaying Android tablet rollouts.

Meanwhile, RIM’s BlackBerry PlayBook–which is more like an appendage to a BlackBerry phonethan a standalone tablet–is not targeted at the high-volume consumer space.

So, with tablets based on chips from companies like Nvidia (Xoom, Samsung Galaxy Tab) and Texas Instruments (PlayBook) not likely flying off the shelf, are Intel’s chances any better now?

“The door to this market is open. The longer it takes for these other products to get rolling, the more opportunity there is for Intel,” said Richard Shim, an analyst at DisplaySearch.

But:
– No hope: Intel’s new Oak Trail chip headed for tablet limbo [Ars Technica, April 13, 2011]

Everything about the Android tablet experience, from the hardware and software to the price point, is inferior to the iPad. So what hope is there for Intel’s Oak Trail to swoop in and change the game?

There is no hope, but that’s not really the point of Oak Trail. Intel’s latest stab at an MID/tablet-oriented hardware platform is just one more step on its long march to the smartphone, a destination it’s unlikely to reach until it gets a future Oak Trail successor down to 22nm. Until then, Intel will keep producing these “tablet” chips, which will find their way into designs from a number of OEMs, some of which are neat in a gimmicky sort of way, and none of which are likely to sell well.

If netbooks were still selling like hotcakes, this could significantly improve Oak Trail’s prospects, because it will be a solid netbook part. But they aren’t, so we’re left to watch Intel mark time in this fashion for another year or so until it finally catches up to the ARM ecosystem.

– Intel does fondleslabs with Atom ‘Oak Trail’ [The Register, April 11, 2011]

Monday’s announcement of the Oak Trail rollout, while welcome news to Intel fans, may not be “longer-term” enough to make significant inroads into a market now dominated by ARM variants. Although it’s too soon to tell, those same fans may have more reason to hope that the soon-to-follow Cedar Trail might have the chops to move the Intel architecture into a critical mass of “Companion Computing” devices.

Doug Davis: Devices and the Future of Personal Computing [Keynote webcast, April 12, 2011] (some parts transcribed here with their corresponding slides)

[8:20] According to the Moore’s law every two year we delivered a new generation of process technology. … Our 32 nm technology – for example – deliveres 25% increase in performance at the same power level, at the same leakage, OR we can deliver 10X lower leakage at the same performance level [8:41]

[8:59] Now Intel is accelerating the Atom SoC road map. Over the next several years we’re going to move faster than Moore’s law. … Our 45 nm volume products are shipping today. 32 nm will ship in volume over the next 6 months, and 22 nm will be in volume within 24 months. [9:25]

[9:38] The 1st generation of Atom processor was built on 45 nm technology. That product line brought about 10X thermal power reduction vs. our lowest power Celeron products. The 2nd generation Atom added a new set of power management capabilities and features. The focus there was to drive idle power at platform level down by 50X and we beat our own goals.

Our 3d generation Atom will continue to bring new architectural innovations to improve performance and power. With 10X lower leakage on the 32 nm SoC process enables longer standby and idle power improvements as well.

Our 4th generation of Atom will again continue to drive new architectural innovations , and performance and power. It will be built on 22 nm process technology. The most important benefit of 22 nm process technology is to continue to provide very low leakage, and [it] also will provide about 2X reduction in active power along with about 2X improvement in transistor density as well. All this compared to our 32 nm process technology. [10:55]

[14:00] … [New] features [on the upcoming 32 nm Cedar Trail] we are bringing to these new netbook experiences:

We will have things like Intel Wireless Display that allows to project what is on the screen of your netbook onto a larger system like the television in your home.

Intel Wireless Music which allows you to take a playlist on your netbook and to be able to stream it to almost any power speakers in your home. You can listen to that music while you are looking at those pictures from your last vacation.

Always Updated is the technology that keeps tweets and RSS feeds, and e-mail, all of those types of things updated on your netbook even when it is in standby. So when you open up the system and you want to do something all of your information is up to date.

The Intel App Up allows you to have applications from thousands of different developers.

PC Sync is a great technology that allows you to seamlessly connect all the devices in your home so that they stay in sync automatically.

And my personal favorite is Fast Flash Standby. This allows you to be able to come up and use the device instantly. It is really [the case that] the device is ready for a new meeting. [15:24]

Netbook Nation: IDF Beijing 2011 Round Up [April 15, 2011] (emphasis is mine)

If you want the inside scoop on what went on at IDF Beijing 2011 you’ve come to the right place. Netbook News was the only English speaking blog at the Chinese conference. So what went on? We’ll we’ve got a video showing you our favorite products and announcements below, but if you perfer reading, I’ll spell it out for you. Cedartrail Intel’s latest Netbook platform was launched. No details on performance gains, but three new features were added: Intel Wireless Streaming [rather: Wireless Display], Intel [Wireless] Music and Wireless file sharing [rather: PC Sync]. During the Day 1 Keynote we were able to grab a video of the on stage demo in case you’re curious. [the demo of those 3 features is from [4:44] to [6:08] of the below video]

Oak Trail was officially announced with tablets hitting the streets in May. So far all the tablets are 10.1 inches and about 10mm thick. Nothing to get too excited about as we have yet to see what kind of battery life we might be getting. Some tablet manufactures like Evolve Three came out with a unique design integrating a kick stand and keyboard into the hard cover. We’ve included a hands on in the Netbook Nation video if you’re keen to grab a look. [see between 2:40 and 3:45]

Taking a look at gaming hardware there was only one notable announcement and that was by Razer who is bringing the Switchblade, the most innovative Oak Trail device to date to the Chinese market first. And Tencent, China’s largest ISV is going to be providing the installed gaming user base! Razer and Tencent are bring four immensely popular online games with roughly 600 million monthly gamers to mobile. Razer is going to focus optimization of the Switchblade on League of Legends as well as Dungeon & Fighter, Crossfire and QQ Speed. Tencent sees 130 million active monthly users between the four games and views Oak Trail as the mobile computing platform able to deliver a powerful gaming experience. Though the Switchblade is currently running Windows 7, both Tencent and Razer concluded that they were interesting in the possibility of delivering MeeGo on the device.

So check out the video below that also shows off a special PRC skin of the MeeGo tablet UI! [see between 6:16 and 8:24]

http://www.netbooknews.com

Intel Developer Forum: Executives Talk Evolution of Computing with Devices that Touch People’s Daily Lives [April 11, 2011]

Doug Davis: Reinventing Personal Computing for Devices
During his keynote presentation, Davis discussed how companion computing devices, including netbooks, tablets and other devices are tranforming the world we live in through personal, mobile and connected experiences. He described how Intel, over the next 3 years, is accelerating the Intel Atom product line on a pace faster than Moore’s Lawto deliver increased battery life, enhanced performance and new features for amazing user experiences.

Davis also unveiled the highly anticipated Intel® Atom^TM Z670 processor and Intel® SM35 Express Chipset platform, formerly codenamed “Oak Trail,” with a range of innovative tablets and form factors. These devices are available from leading customers with operating system of choice including Android*, Windows 7* and MeeGo* starting in May.

Highlighting the evolution of netbooks, Davis also disclosed “Cedar Trail,” Intel’s next-generation netbook and entry-level desktop platform. Based on Intel’s leading-edge 32nm process technology, “Cedar Trail” will include more than 10 new features that will improve media, graphics and power consumption in upcoming netbooks. The chip’s design, efficiencies and latest manufacturing process technology will enable fan-less, fully enclosed and thus ultra-sleek devices. Davis said other new features will be disclosed in the coming months, with the processor due in the second half of the year.

Renée James: Creating the Ultimate User Experience
During her keynote, James discussed Intel’s transition from a semiconductor company to a personal computing company, and emphasized the importance of delivering compelling user experiences across a range of personal computing devices. To develop and enable the best experiences, James announced a strategic relationship with Tencent*, China’s largest Internet company, to create a joint innovation center dedicated to delivering best-in-class mobile Internet experiences. Engineers from both companies will work together to further the mobile computing platforms and other technologies.

James also announced new collaborations for the Intel AppUp^SM center and the Intel AppUp Developer Program in China to help assist in the creation of innovative applications for Intel Atom processor-based devices. Chinese partners supporting this effort include Neusoft*, Haier* and Hasee* and Shenzhen Software Park*.

Oak Trail Press Deck [April 8, 2011] slide #12:

Intel® Atom™ Processor Z670 (512K Cache, 1.50 GHz) (some extracted specification)

# of Cores         1
# of Threads    2
…
Max TDP          3 W
…
Tray 1ku Budgetary Price    $75.00
…
Max Memory Size                     2 GB
(dependent on memory type)
…
Integrated Graphics                 Yes
Graphics Base Frequency        400 MHz
…
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology        Yes
…
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology  Yes

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology is an advanced means of enabling very high performance while also meeting the power-conservation needs of mobile systems. Conventional Intel SpeedStep Technology switches both voltage and frequency in tandem between high and low levels in response to processor load.

More information:
– Oak_Trail_Atom_Processor_Factsheet [April 8, 2011]
– Embedded_Oak_Trail_Factsheet [April 8, 2011]
– Oak_Trail_Press_Deck [April 8, 2011]
– Oak_Trail_Press_Presentation [April 8, 2011], from which one slide is worth to show here:

Intel® Atom™ Processor Z650 (512K Cache, 1.20 GHz)

The same specifications except the clock speed and there is no price given.

Intel® SM35 Express Chipset (some extracted specification)

Product Name                Intel® 82SM35 PCH
Code Name                     Formerly Whitney Point
…
Max TDP                         0.75 Watts
…
Integrated Graphics     Yes
…
Graphics Output            HDMI

More information: Intel® SM35 Express ChipsetOverview

Intel, on the go [April 16, 2011]

Intel has finally taken an important step in its shift toward making chips for mobile devices, ending a year of speculation.

The processor manufacturing giant on Monday launched a new processor, a low-power version of Intel chips slated for tablets, notebooks and smartphones.

The next-generation Intel Atom processor platform, formerly code-named “Oak Trail,” will appear in 35 tablet computers and other mobile devices, including those made by Lenovo and Fujitsu, in May and throughout 2011, California-based Intel announced.

…

Other device makers using the new Atom Z670 include Motion Computing, Razer and Viliv. The new chip, like other processors from the line, supports Google Android, MeeGo and Windows operating systems.

With the launch of the new Intel Atom processor platform, Intel is finally making progress in the world of chip manufacturing for mobile devices, which has been predominantly occupied by the Cambridge-based ARM.

During the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in Beijing, which opened on Tuesday and ended on Wednesday, Intel also announced that its AppUp center, currently optimized for netbooks and laptops, will be extended to support mobile devices, including tablets and smartphones, in the near future.

The localized Intel AppUp center and Intel developer program for the Chinese market, in cooperation with some local partners, is also expected to debut at the end of the year, Intel said during the IDF. The chip giant also announced at the forum the launch of a joint innovation center with Tencent to focus on mobile computing platforms.

Steering away from purely serving as a technology provider to creating a more user-friendly experienceis a tough job which cannot be done overnight, Yang Xu, president of Intel China, told reporters during the IDF.

…

Razer Switchblade


San Diego, California-based gaming hardware producer Razer showcased at the forum its gaming handheld concept device Switchblade, powered by the new Intel Atom processor. Running on Windows 7, the handheld, with a size of 172mm x 115mm x 25 mm, supports both WiFi and 3G. The gadget combines a new dynamic tactile keyboard and a multi-touch-screen, and, if required, a mobile gaming mouse.

As a concept for now, the device is expected to be available soon in the market, but its exact availability and pricing remains uncertain.

Evolve III Maestro C tablet
[A stand can be kicked off as well as a wireless keyboard has been integrated into the hard cover so the cover is freely detachable. See the excerpts from the video hands-on in the “Netbook Nation” article seen before. A truely innovative design.]

Sydney-based tablet maker Evolve III will join the likes of Lenovo and Fujitsu to become the first batch of manufacturers to use the new Intel Atom Z670 processor. The firm unveiled at the IDF its Maestro Convertible tablet, based on a 1.5-gigahertz Intel Z670 processor. The tablet, featuring a 10.1-inch capacitive touch display, is convertible and will be offering a triple booting of Windows 7, Android and MeeGo.

The weight of the device is 910g. The device, which mainly targets a business clientele, will first go on sale in the US and Europe around June, retailing for $729, according to Warrick Dainter, executive director of the Australian tablet maker. The device is also expected to hit the Chinese market in July or August, which will be the first launch of the firm’s products in China, Dainter said.

More information:

From Intel Newsroom:

 Fujitsu stylistic tablet

The Fujitsu Stylistic Q550 is a business-class slate PC designed for the high-security requirements of mobile enterprise computing, and with the Intel® Atom™ processor Z670 inside, the device provides all-day battery life.

Lenovo Ideapad Slate

The new Intel® Atom™ processor Z670 inside Lenovo’s IdeaPad Slate enables reduced power consumption, extended battery life and full 1080p HD video support. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slate is powered by the new Intel® Atom™ processor Z670, as well as 2GB of RAM and a 30GB SSD for storage with a form function offering both finger and stylus input.

Motion CL900 Tablet PC

The Motion CL900 tablet is the first 10-inch, rugged tablet that enables both touch and stylus input on the display along with a full day of battery life using Intel’s next generation Intel® Atom™ processor Z670. The CL900 incorporates the new Intel® Atom™ processor Z670 to provide the ideal balance between power and battery consumption while running multiple enterprise applications. The new Intel® Atom™ processor Z670 inside the Motion CL900 enables lighter devices, allowing users to work faster and more effectively in today’s decentralized work environments.

  Viliv X70

The slimmest Windows 7 tablet yet, the Viliv X70 Slate offers a custom-split keyboard to ease thumb typing, Clear Type LCD screen and an Intel® Atom™ processor Z670 to provide the ideal balance between power and battery consumption.

New Intel® Atom™ Processor for Tablets Spurs Companion Computing Device Innovation [April 11, 2011]

Company Outlines Plans to Accelerate Intel Manufacturing Lead with Intel® Atom™ Processor Family and Move Faster than Moore’s Law
Intel Corporation today announced that the Intel® Atom™ platform, formerly codenamed “Oak Trail,” is now available and will be in devices starting in May and throughout 2011. Over 35 innovative tablet and hybrid designs from companies including Evolve III*, Fujitsu Limited*, Lenovo*, Motion Computing*, Razer*, and Viliv* are based on “Oak Trail” and running a variety of operating systems.

In addition, at the Intel Developer Forum in Beijing, the company will give a sneak peak of its next-generation, 32nm Intel Atom platform, currently codenamed “Cedar Trail.” This solution will help to enable a new wave of fanless, cool and quiet, sleek and innovative netbooks, entry-level desktops and all-in-one designs.

“The new Intel Atom ‘Oak Trail’ platform, with ‘Cedar Trail’ to follow, are examples of our continued commitment to bring amazing personal and mobile experiences to netbook and tablet devices, delivering architectural enhancements for longer battery life and greater performance,” said Doug Davis, vice president and general manager of the Netbook and Tablet Group at Intel. “We are accelerating the Intel Atom product line to now move faster than Moore’s law, bringing new products to market on three process technologies in the next 3 years.”

The new Intel® Atom™ processor Z670, part of the “Oak Trail” platform, delivers improved video playback, fast Internet browsing and longer battery life, without sacrificing performance. The rich media experience available with “Oak Trail” includes support for 1080p video decode, as well as HDMI. The platform also supports Adobe* Flash, enabling rich content and Flash-based gaming.

With these significant improvements in power-efficient performance, the Intel Atom processor Z670 allows applications to run on various operating systems, including Google* Android*, MeeGo* and Windows*. This unique flexibilitydelivers both new experiences and more choice when it comes to tablets and hybrid designs that combine the best features of the netbook and tablet together.

The platform also helps deliver smaller, thinner and more efficient devices by packing integrated graphics and the memory controller directly onto the processor die. The processor is 60 percent smaller than previous generations with a lower-power design for fanless devices as well as up to all-day battery life¹. Additional features include Intel® Enhanced Deeper Sleep that saves more power during periods of inactivity as well as optimized Intel SpeedStep® technology. An integrated HD decode engine enables smooth 1080p HD video playback at a fraction of the power consumption.

In addition, Intel Atom Z670 processors come with the Intel® SM35 Express Chipset, delivering a lead-free², halogen-free³ design with high-speed USB 2.0 for greater performance and Intel® High-Definition Audioto enable premium home theater sound.

Also ideal for small form-factor and portable embedded designs, the platform provides an excellent solution for a range of tablets in retail, medical and industrial applications. Solutions such as mobile clinical assistantsallow medical staff to directly input data into patients’ electronic files and avoid paper charting. This can result in a reduction in errors, better workflow, higher productivity and reduced paper handling and overhead costs. In addition to the Intel Atom Z670, Intel is offering the Intel® Atom™ processor Z650 for embedded devices with 7-year lifecycle support on Windows and MeeGo operating systems.

Based on Intel’s leading-edge 32nm process technology, the next-generation “Cedar Trail” platform will feature improvements in graphics capabilities including Blu-ray 2.0 support, a dedicated media engine for full 1080p playback and additional digital display options including HDMI output and DisplayPort. New features will include Intel® Wireless Music, Intel® Wireless Display, PC Synch and Fast Boot. In addition, the enhancements made in power consumption and TDP will enable fanless designs with longer battery life. This means great acoustics without the hum of a fan and improved ruggedness and aesthetics of the design. Intel is currently sampling “Cedar Trail” to all major OEMs and ODMs. Users can look forward to a new generation of innovative mobile and desktop designs based on the “Cedar Trail” platform in the second half of 2011.

More information:

Maestro Tablet Runs Three Operating Systems [Jan 18, 2011]

…

IFP: Is this the first tablet that can switch between Android, MeeGo and Windows operating systems?

Warrick: Yes, we believe we will be the first to offer a triple boot OS for customers.  We have been working on the dual boot tablets for a long time, working to get the boot interface to run nice and smoothly. Now the hard part is over. We can offer MeeGo over to the dual boot tablet making it a triple boot really because of the in-depth work that we are going with Intel directly.

…

We would like to work with Honeycomb, however we are devoting most of our efforts to make sure that MeeGo and Windows 7 is 100 percent supported, as we feel that the new MeeGo platform alongside Windows 7 is a more stable platform over the android platform.

Also, using the devices myself, I can’t live without Microsoft’s PowerPoint and Excel and Outlook while on the go. You can’t beat a company dedicated to creating OS platforms as a main market share product (Microsoft/Win 7). These guys have helped us get through the hard parts of moving an OS ecosystem revolving around keyboard and mouse, over to complete touch integration.

We’re getting 7 percent support on Android, compared to nearly 100 percent support from Microsoft and Intel for the MeeGo and Win 7 platforms.

IFP: How has it been working with MeeGo – what makes it different than Windows and Android?

Warrick:MeeGo has been fantastic. It feels great to me, as it’s on the forefront of the platform. We also felt very proud to showcase the new MeeGo platform (at CES), as a lot of internal people – even the guys working at the MeeGo stand had never seen our version of MeeGo. This was the very latest, genuine version of the MeeGo platform. It is so flexible to work with, and the fact that Intel gives us a world of support to move ahead, is a giant difference to developing on the Android platform, where we’re getting very little support.

IFP: What are some of the technologies or features you like most, ones that help set you apart from other new tablets?

Warrick: Some of the things we have been have been working on with Intel is to try to create the slimmest hard drive. To create a 4mm thick external hard drive, we have had to go through some serious R&D thinking to get around some of the issues associated with developing a product like this. For example, do we sacrifice speed for thickness (SATA port is 6mm thick, as opposed to a 1mm thick Micro USB port)? But in all, we want to deliver the best balance between speed and portability.

Once you get down to the nitty-gritty of things …. it’s the ability to access the hard drive remotely via WiFi. I mean, let’s face it, does everybody always want to be accessing their hard drive by plugging a USB into their SSD? Not really, so why not make it accessible via WiFi and USB? A WiFi-accessible hard drive is kind-of cool, but it’s also something people will find useful.

Intel’s support has allowed us to implant the Intel memory wafer directly into our own transistor with our own driver in the chip rather than an external chip, allowing us to create smaller packaged devices, revolving around a completely customized product, rather than taking an existing product and modifying it.

IFP: Why create a custom hard drive?

Warrick: Business is tough in the hard drive market, so we are in tune to be different, and this has evolved from a need for these devices to exist. Memory constraints for devices such as tablets and mobile phones are getting smaller and smaller because everything is getting held on the cloud. We see the need to still be able to store our data locally, but we want this data to be available to all of our devices, not just the one you plugged into.

on App Up:
– From Intel Developer Forum (IDF) Beijing: New Industry Collaborations in China [April 12, 2011]
– How to build an AppUp app from a web page using AppUp encapsulator [April 15, 2011]
– Calling all web app developers…we’ve got something for you! [April 11, 2011]

The Intel AppUp℠ developer program is excited to announce a new opportunity for web app developers to transform web apps into Intel AppUp℠ center apps. This opportunity, called Intel AppUp™ encapsulator, allows web app developers to expand their customer base and revenue potential by making an app from their existing web code that is compatible and available for the Intel AppUp℠ center.

How does this work? The Intel AppUp™ encapsulator embeds the web code into a native application wrapper (a hybrid app) and then creates installer packages. The native application wrapper integrates the Intel AppUp™ SDK for store authorization and QT WebKit which provides the HTML5 and Javascript engines that execute and render the web app code. After talking with one of the developers, Andy Idsinga, I got so excited because Andy said that this process is relatively simply and doesn’t require anything special to get the web code to work with the Intel AppUp™ encapsulator. In fact, developers can use their own web APIs, 3rd Party APIs, and even other 3rd party widgets. Essentially, the developer builds the web code just like other web apps utilizing html, css and javascript, images and AJAX.

Keep in mind that the developer will still need to test and debug the app. But the cool part about it is that the developer can run Intel AppUp™ encapsulator many times as the developer chooses in order to get the app to its desired final product. Once done, then the developer submits the final product to the Intel AppUp center. It’s just that simple!

For more information about Intel AppUp™ encapsulator, please read the FAQs for detailed information. If I’ve convinced you, and you’re ready to expand your customer, then launch the tool and get started now!

– Intel MeeGo 1.2 Tablet UX now open sourced. This and more now on MeeGo.com [April 4, 2011]

Mid February of this year, Intel released the MeeGo 1.2 Tablet UX pre-alpha to our developer community. And now a month later we are happy to announce that this release has been fully open sourced, where it is supported and available under the open source MeeGo project at MeeGo.com. At the time of this post, the open sourced version is pre-alpha and is released as the MeeGo Tablet Developer Preview. Via MeeGo.com:

We are pleased to open up development of the tablet user experience project. This release provides a touch-optimized user interface for MeeGo tablets, introducing the new panels UI concept and including a suite of built-in applications for Web browsing, personal information management and media consumption. This project is a work-in-progress under active development and considered pre-alpha. We welcome your involvement and contributions.

As you likely recall, Intel initially released the MeeGo tablet UX 1.2 pre-alpha in February to coincide with the release of the AppUp SDK beta for MeeGo. This release allowed developers to have the tools & user experience needed to start developing, testing, & submitting tablet applications for AppUp. At the time of initial release the tablet UX could not be fully open sourced, thus was initially released under the AppUp developer program site.

However, with the MeeGo tablet UX released as open source, it sits side-by-side the other device user intefaces (UI’s) from MeeGo.com, such as; the MeeGo Netbook UI, ivi UI, Handset UI and Smart TV UI. Along with these open source device UI’s, the tablet UI is available for the MeeGo community to freely download, support, and contribute to under the MeeGo open source project.

Visit the MeeGo.com site to download the MeeGo Tablet Developer Preview, and get a full list of features and supported hardware.
http://meego.com/downloads/releases/1.2/meego-tablet-developer-preview

Also visit the MeeGo developer portal for AppUp, to get all the information you need to develop and distribute a MeeGo application.
http://appdeveloper.intel.com/meego

MeeGo UX Components

In addition MeeGo.com has released QML based MeeGo UX Components and a cooresponding Wiki.  The MeeGo UX Components make developing for MeeGo devices easier by providing a set UI elements that allow you to quickly build applications that tightly integrate with the look of the MeeGo user experience.

Visit the MeeGo UX Components Wiki
http://wiki.meego.com/MeeGo_UX_Components

This is how App Up has been started:
– Industry Support for the Intel Atom Developer Program [Sept 22, 2009]

During his keynote at IDF today, Paul Otellini announced the Intel® Atom™ Developer Program, a framework for creating and distributing applications designed specifically for Intel Atom processor-based devices. For the next level of detail, tune into Renee James’ IDF software keynote tomorrow at 10 a.m. PST where she will go into the program’s specifics and describe the benefits for software developers, ISVs and OEMs. For now, please refer to the Intel Atom Developer Program announcement and appdeveloper.intel.com for more information.

Although the program has just launched, we’ve already received some encouraging words of support from software companies and hardware manufacturers alike. Here’s what some of our partners are saying:

• “The Adobe Flash Platform enables developers to create and deliver the most compelling applications, content and video to the widest possible audience. We expect the Intel Atom Developer Program will be a great way for the Flash Platform community developing on Adobe AIR to monetize their AIR applications, and we are working closely with Intel to deliver the necessary technology to enable this opportunity on the Atom platform in the future.” – David Wadhwani, General Manager and Vice President, Platform Business Unit, Adobe
• “Customer adoption of our Intel Atom-based netbooks is exceeding our expectations. Acer is excited to see Intel’s effort in bringing new and innovative applications to netbooks and will use the Intel Atom Developer Program framework to open an application storefront.” – Jim Wong, president, IT Products Global Operations, Acer Inc.
• “The Intel Atom Developer Program is an integral element of providing a holistic netbook experience for our customers. Asus sees this new development model as an opportunity to encourage developers and ISVs. Asus plans to offer an application store based on this framework in order to make exciting applications available to our customers.” – S.Y. Shian, Vice President and General Manager, System Business Group, Asus
• “Dell is passionate about providing value for developers. The Intel Atom Developer Program will open a new world of innovation and business opportunity for developers and we look forward to working with Intel to foster the creation of exciting new Windows and Moblin-based netbook applications.” – John Thode, Vice President, Small Devices, Dell Inc.

then later transformed:
– Chip Shot: Mobile Apps Hit Netbooks [Sept 14, 2010]:

Intel announced the general release of its first netbook application store for consumers today at IDF, including both free and paid apps for entertainment, social networking, gaming and productivity. The Intel® AppUp^SM centerheightens the user experience with applications optimized for the mobility and screen size of netbooks. To encourage consumers to discover new applications, the Intel AppUp Center features a free 24-hour “try before you buy” period for all paid applications. To download a copy of the Intel AppUp center today, visit www.appup.com.

Intel Opens Software App Store, Offers New Intel Atom Chips [Sept 14, 2010]

James: The Best Experiences Are Created on Intel Architecture
During her keynote at Moscone Center West in San Francisco, James outlined how tightly integrated and optimized software and platforms will deliver new levels of performance, along with fresh capabilities and the importance of creating an innovative experience across the personal computing continuum – from PCs to smart phones to tablets and cars, as well as any number of Internet-connected consumer devices.

Emphasizing a seamless experience across operating systems, James introduced general availability of the Intel® AppUp^SM center netbook app store for consumers. The Intel AppUp center includes both free and paid apps for entertainment, social networking, gaming and productivity, optimized for a netbook’s mobility and screen size. To encourage consumers to try new applications, Intel AppUp provides “try before you buy” solutions, encouraging consumers to purchase apps they otherwise might not have. The launch was also marked by the availability of Adobe* AIRapplications, as well as apps from companies including Accuweather*, Barnes & Noble*, Funkitron*, Gibson Guitars*, iWin*, Kaplan*, KONAMI*, and Lifetime*.

In an effort to reach netbook owners worldwide, James announced agreements with Best Buy*, UK-based Dixons* and India-based Croma* to outfit each retailer with the Intel AppUp center – pre-installed on netbooks the stores sell, as well as available for current netbook owners to download online. Similarly, James announced plans from ASUS* to ship its version of the Intel AppUp center on netbooks, the “asus app store,” starting in October.

During her keynote, James highlighted the Intel AppUp Developer Program, designed to drive innovative applications for end users and new revenue opportunities for independent developers and software vendors with programs such as the Intel Million Dollar Development fund. Rick Vanner from The Game Creators was recognized as winner of the “Most Innovative Application” in the Intel Atom Developer Challengefor his game titled, “Goals.” James also introduced the “On Intel AppUp” ISV identifier, designed to help developers promote their applications on Intel AppUp center.

James acknowledged seamless experiences are only part of the equation. Open operating systems – such as Intel and Nokia’s* MeeGo*, hosted by the Linux Foundation – allow developers to create, invent and innovate. Pointing to contributions from industry leaders, James discussed MeeGo ecosystem momentum, highlighting a variety of MeeGo-based devices and how third-party software developments and the upcoming MeeGo Web runtime, to be released in October, will make it easier to write applications for these devices. Internet TV pioneer Amino* also joined James onstage to demonstrate how the company is taking advantage of the flexibility and openness of MeeGo to deliver an innovative MeeGo-based smart TV solution.