At an Intel news conference for Mobile World Congress (MWC), Intel president Renee James introduced two Intel Atom processors, an LTE-Advanced communications platform, and announced multiyear agreements with Lenovo, Asustek Computer and Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry) to expand the availability of Intel-based mobile devices.

　　Intel launched the 2.13GHz Intel Atom processor Z3480 (Merrifield) for Android smartphones and tablets. The 64-bit ready SoC delivers compute performance for the mainstream and performance segments.

　　Based on Intel's 22nm Silvermont microarchitecture, the new processor also features a PowerVR series 6 graphics IP core from Imagination Technologies and is designed for simple pairing with the Intel XMM 7160 LTE platform. Merrifield is the first Intel Atom SoC to feature the new Intel Integrated Sensor Solution, which manages sensor data to keep applications contextually aware even when the device is in a low-power state. Intel expects Merrifield-based devices from multiple OEMs to launch beginning in the second quarter.

　　Intel also disclosed new details on its next-generation 64-bit Intel Atom processor, codenamed Moorefield for devices expected to be available in the second half of the year. Building on the Merrifield feature set, Moorefield adds two additional Intel architecture (IA) cores for up to 2.3GHz of compute performance, an enhanced GPU and support for faster memory. Moorefield is optimized for Intel's 2014 LTE platform, the Intel XMM 7260.

　　The Intel XMM 7260 delivers competitive LTE-Advanced capabilities including carrier aggregation (supporting 23 CA combinations in a single chip), Category 6 speeds and support for TDD LTE and TD-SCDMA, which expands the addressable market. The 7260 builds on Intel's competitive Intel XMM 7160 platform introduced in 2013.

　　Now certified to run on 70% of LTE networks worldwide, the 7160 is expanding to connect a range of products spanning smartphones, tablets, 2-in-1s, ultrabook systems and more. Customers currently shipping or planning to launch devices featuring Intel's LTE platforms include Acer, Asustek, Dell, Lenovo and Samsung.

　　Signaling the expanding availability of tablets and smartphones powered by Intel Atom processors and connected by Intel communications, James announced three new multiyear agreements with leading device manufacturers for Intel-based mobile devices.

　　Intel and Lenovo announced plans to introduce new Intel-based mobile devices this year. Both companies will dedicate engineering resources to deliver unique experiences across a variety of smartphone and tablet form factors spanning value to performance market segments. Lenovo also said it plans to incorporate Intel LTE connectivity into some ultrabook and multimode designs.

　　Additionally, Asustek announced it will bring a full portfolio of Intel-based smartphones and tablets to market this year. The company recently introduced its ZenFone line of smartphones and the PadFone mini, both of which feature Intel processors and communications platforms. At Mobile World Congress, Asustek unveiled the Fonepad 7 LTE (ME3762CL) featuring an Intel Atom processor and Intel LTE connectivity.

　　Dell and Intel are expanding the long-standing collaboration between the two companies to include a range of tablets that started with the introduction of the Dell Venue line in fall of last year. Intel-based products from Dell will span Android and Windows solutions.

　　Foxconn and Intel are teaming up to drive the broader, global availability of Intel-based Android tablets. Intel will provide Intel Atom processors and communications platforms for a range of Foxconn products, beginning with tablets, this year (2014).

　　James also highlighted numerous Intel-based trials with global operators including China Mobile, SK Telecom and Telefonica that are demonstrating the benefits of NFV and SDN for enabling personalized and contextually aware services, improving asset utilization, and simplifying installations and upgrades.