The chip is based on Intel's Xscale microarchitecture, which enables low power consumption and high performance. Mobile phone manufacturers have always asked Intel why it couldn't integrate the components in a cell phone on a single chip, said Benny Ginman, Intel's director for government, education and communication in Europe, in an interview. About 5 years ago we said it could be done, but not in a cost-effective way. One analyst doubted the cost benefit described by Intel, but said increased transistor density on a chip will make production of a multifunctional chip cheaper. The advantage of having different processes is that you can optimize costs.
Integration is the right way to go, but today it probably costs more than producing separate parts.
In the past decade, functionality and battery life has been added to mobile devices, while reducing the cost to users. Intel said it believes that its invention will add to this evolution. Intel expects to see devices such as wearable computers and video watch phones out on the market in 5 or 10 years, said Ron Smith, senior vice president and general manager of Intel's Wireless Computing and Communications Group in the statement. The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate. Feedback Tell us your thoughts on this article or the issues raised in it.