The processor is based on Intel's 22nm Silvermont microarchitecture and features a PowerVR Series 6 Graphics IP core from Imagination Technologies. Merrifield is the first 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 Q2.
The company is already working on the next generation of the processor, code-named Moorefield, for devices expected to be available in H2. Moorefield adds two additional Intel architecture cores for up to 2.3GHz of compute performance, an enhanced GPU and support for faster memory. Moorefield is optimized for Intel's newest LTE modem, the XMM 7260, which the company also introduced at MWC.
The new modem supports LTE-Advanced capabilities including 23 combinations of carrier aggregation, category 6 speeds and support for TDD LTE and TD-SCDMA. In Barcelona, Intel is demonstrating the 7260 achieving peak data rates of simultaneous 300Mbps downlink and 50Mbps uplink. Customers currently shipping or planning to launch devices featuring Intel's LTE platforms include Acer, Asus, Dell, Lenovo and Samsung.
Intel also announced agreements with Asus and Lenovo to develop more tablets and smartphones running Intel processors, and Intel will work with Foxconn from this year to develop more Android tablets with Intel products. For developers, Intel announced Integrated Native Developer Experience (Intel INDE), a beta productivity suite for devices running both Android and Microsoft Windows. Intel also introduced the Intel System Studio 2014 for embedded and systems development and the Intel XDK developer tool for HTML5-based apps.
Intel is also showing at MWC its McAfee Mobile Security offering for Android devices, which offers additional security features for Intel-based devices, and its Device Protection Technology for businesses using Intel-based Android devices. Mobile device management providers including AirWatch, Citrix and McAfee will provide manageability extensions for devices with Intel DPT later this year. Intel expects tablets featuring Intel DPT will begin shipping later this year from OEMs including Dell.
