Intel Talks Mobile, PCs, Internet of Things at IDF China

by Jeffrey Burt

According to Intel CEO Brian Krzanich, the goal for his company is simple: “Deliver on the promise that ‘if it computes, it does it best with Intel.'”

Krzanich holds up an enhanced version of Edison, the small computer first introduced at CES in January that will serve as a platform for device makers to use to build small, energy-efficient systems, such as those for wearable devices and the IoT.

Edison was introduced in January as a platform that would be powered by Intel’s tiny Quark SoCs. However, late last month, Intel officials said, instead, that it will use 22-nanometer dual-core Atom chips, which will help make it slightly larger than its original size, which was about that of an SD card.

Intel’s CEO also introduced SoFIA, the vendor’s family of integrated mobile Atom SoCs for entry-level and value smartphones and tablets. Here, Krzanich shows off a working smartphone powered by a SoFIA chip. SoFIA will ship to OEMs in the fourth quarter.

The IoT is an important growth area for Intel, which in November 2013 created a business unit dedicated to it. At IDF, Intel announced its Gateway Solutions for the IoT, powered by Quark SoCs and combining the Galileo board with software from McAfee and Wind River. It’s designed to help OEMs build gateway systems to connect devices to the cloud.

Krzanich demonstrates new applications for the Internet of things.

IDF attendees look at a display showing off systems designed by Chinese companies. At IDF, Krzanich said that the “China technology ecosystem will be instrumental in the transformation of computing.”

Kirk Skaugen, senior vice president and general manager of Intel’s PC Client Group, holds up a media box built by QVOD and powered by Intel’s current Bay Trail Atom chips. It will be available later this year.

Skaugen also talked about 14nm Braswell Atom SoCs, which will replace the Bay Trail chips for entry-level PCs and systems like Chromebooks. Intel officials expect at least 20 Intel-powered Chromebook designs to hit the market this year. Last year, there were four.

Hermann Eul, vice president and general manager of Intel’s Mobile and Communications Group, talks about the chip maker’s mobile ambitions, which include a tighter embrace of Android.