Intel is testing the sixth-generation Skylake Core M processors for smartphones.
Intel launched the latest Skylake processors at its press conference at IFA 2015. The new processor will be used to power computers as well as USB sticks and mobile devices such as smartphones.
The Skylake processors have a new microarchitecture that promises the enhanced performance of systems and improved battery life. The new chips are also optimized so that they can handle 4K videos efficiently.
"6th Gen Intel Core processors deliver some of the most significant advancements in computing that we've ever seen," said Kirk Skaugen, Intel senior VP and Client Computing Group general manager. "New 6th Gen Intel Core-based systems are more responsive than ever with enhanced performance, battery life and security."
Intel currently does not make chips for the smartphone industry, which has been growing at a very fast pace in the past decade. The chip maker is paying more attention to smartphone processors, and the company may unveil its first range of mobile chips in 2016.
According to an International Data Corporation (IDC) report, handset vendors shipped 337.2 million smartphones globally in the second quarter of 2015, which is up by 11.6 percent in comparison to the same quarter of 2014 when 302.1 million units were shipped. The IDC report highlights that the total smartphone shipments of the second quarter of 2015 is also the second highest quarterly total on record.
"The overall growth of the smartphone market was not only driven by the success of premium flagship devices from Samsung, Apple, and others, but more importantly by the abundance of affordable handsets that continue to drive shipments in many key markets," said Anthony Scarsella, research manager with IDC's Mobile Phone team.
Qualcomm is currently the largest producer of smartphone chips in the world and, Bloomberg reports, the company had more than 80 percent of the market share for 4G phone chips. Intel will have to work hard to get some part of the market share with the introduction of its Skylake processors for smartphones.
It may seem a daunting task for Intel to convince smartphone manufacturers to use its Skylake chips for smartphones in their handsets. However, given Intel's reputation in the chip market, many smartphone makers may try Intel chips in their handsets.
Photo: Maurizio Pesce | Flickr
