Intel Corp.s next-generation cellular baseband processor, dubbed “Hermon,” will handle dual-mode UTMS and wide-band CDMA, the company will announce Wednesday at the 3GSM show in Cannes, France.
Intel, which analysts have accused of lagging behind in the baseband market, also manufactures complementary Xscale application processors as part of its Personal Communications Architecture. To simplify the development process for its customers, Intel will also announce a three-radio reference design, with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GSM/GPRS functionality built in.
The reference design will support Intels applications processor and flash memory. It will play MP3 music files with PC-quality sound, and includes a 1.3 mega pixel digital camera for pictures and video.
“Our track record of innovation and integration — putting more functionality in a smaller footprint — will have a profound effect on these market segments where cost is a critical factor,” Otellini said in a statement. In a keynote address at the 3GSM show, Otellini is expected to reiterate the companys pledge to eventually build in multi-protocol radios into every chip it builds.
Following remarks made at the recent Intel Developer Forum, Otellini is expected to pledge that WiMAX, part of the solution for “last-mile” wireless connectivity, will start to take off in 2006 in notebooks, followed by handsets in 2007.
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