Intel has revealed its 2016 road map for launching tablet-use processors to partnering vendors, with the Atom X3 for use in entry-level tablets to arrive in the first quarter, according to Taiwan-based supply chain makers.

While the global tablet market appears to be in saturation mainly due to competition from large-screen smartphones, global demand in 2015 is estimated at 160 million tablets, the sources said. Global demand for tablets, including notebook/tablet 2-in-1 models, in 2016 is forecast at 160-170 million units, the sources indicated.

Asustek Computer CEO Jerry Shen estimates 2016 global sales of 2-in-1 models at over 30 million units, the sources said. Intel will continue to dominate the 2-in-1 market segment, the sources indicated.