Intel and ZTE Reportedly Work on Smartphone Design

From X-bit Labs: Intel Corp has reportedly designed a smartphone, which is set to be manufactured by ZTE. If the information is correct, then the first smartphones with x86 microprocessors will hit the market this year. However, it is reported that the handsets will be available only in China.

Sources with knowledge of the plans told Bloomberg news-agency that Intel has developed a smartphone design powered by an Atom-based system-on-chip (presumably code-named Medfield), which is set to be produced by ZTE. The device, which is currently aimed at Chinese market, will demonstrate ZTE, other makers of mobile phones as well as end-users that Atom SoCs and supporting software can provide high quality of experience.

Neither Intel nor ZTE confirmed the existence of the project, but both companies implied that there are x86-based phones in development.

“In terms of the overall market, we recognize that we have some work to do, but we’re patient and we’re committed to the business. We have the right elements to be successful. We are working on a number of engagements, but are not ready to talk about them," Claudine Mangano, a spokeswoman for Intel.

“It is just discussion and cooperation on a technical basis for the time being,” said Margrete Ma, a spokeswoman for ZTE.

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