Intel first released the Atom back in 2008 as a low cost, low power processor for laptop computers. It is a SoC or a system on a chip by design, which means it is meant to contain all the components needed to power a computer on a single chip. So a few years pass by and the laptop becomes smaller and smaller, becoming a netbook until finally we arrive at what we have today – tablets and mobile phones.
Remember all those features we talked about the Atom, about it being small (like naming it “atom” can’t be any more obvious), low powered, and powerful? That makes it the perfect candidate for the “laptops” of today. Enter: Android powered smartphones. Windows 8 powered tablets. iPho-I mean, intelligent phones that you can use to make calls, take photos and videos, surf the Internet, and play 3D games. Heck, I am still trying to train my phone to make me a sandwich. Thing is, not only can these gadgets do all of that, but they can do it all at the same time.
So here you are, modern day citizen, reading this article with your super powered phone/phablet/tablet/what have you. Surely by now you can appreciate the power of the Intel Atom processor. The awesome thing about this is that Intel has never stopped innovating. The brand spanking new Z2580, Z2560, and Z2520 processors are optimized for such work – they are even optimized for the Google Android operating system. Sweet, huh?
These are 32-nanometer dual core processors built with Hyper-threading Technology. It includes Intel Graphics Media Accelerator for, you know, those realistic 3D games that you love to look at. The chip also has a very fast image processor which includes features for face recognition, HDR (high dynamic range photography), and panoramic shots. I am still trying to convince Intel to add a sandwich making feature just for me. System on a chip, remember?
Who uses the Intel Atom processor? Here’s a partial list of Intel’s partners:
- Acer
- ASUS
- Lenovo
- Motorola
- ZTE
- Dell
I had a chance to try out some of these amazing gadgets, and they are very very fast. So fast that if you throw me one of the Lenovo smartphones at 60 kilometers per hour and I will catch it faster than you can say “welcome”. Here’s a full list of smartphones powered by the Intel Atom processor.
I can keep going on about how awesome the new Intel Atom processor is, but if I were you I would check out one of these babies on my next visit to the gadget store. Or you can keep reading for the full press release.
So what do you think of the Intel Atom powered smartphones and tablets? Have your say at the comments area below!
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Overview
The pace of mobile life is accelerating, and mobile users want smartphones and tablets with the performance to keep up. The Intel® Atom™ processors Z2580 (2.0 GHz), Z2560 (1.6 GHz), and Z2520Δ (1.2 GHz) deliver dual-core performance built on Intel’s leading 32-nanometer process technology. Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology1 supports four simultaneous application threads for smooth and seamless multitasking and responsive Web browsing.
And the great experiences don’t stop here.
The processors include the Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator for compelling and realistic 3D gaming experiences, 1080p HD video, and crystal-clear graphics. WUXGA 1920×1200 display support is ideal for the larger screens of tablets.
Many users rely on their mobile device as their primary camera, and the fast image signal processor captures all the action with continuous shooting, and 2-axis DVS. Advanced features including face recognition, mobile HDR, and panorama help users create stunning pictures.
The Intel® technology also includes dynamic frequency scaling for outstanding power efficiency. The Intel Atom processors Z2580, Z2560, and Z2520 are optimized for Google Android,* and Intel has developed new firmware, drivers, and middleware to enhance Android power management and security.
Product Highlights
High-Performance Processing
The 2.0 GHz Intel Atom processor Z2580, 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor Z2560, and 1.2 GHz Intel Atom processor Z2520 are SoCs packed with dual-core performance for incredible mobile experiences. Each processor includes an integrated dual-channel memory controller that supports 2 GB memory capacity, and efficient pre-fetching enables fast read/write performance with low latency. All three processors support 1066 MT/s data rates and max data throughput of 8.5 GB/s.
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology
Multitasking is a way of life for smartphone and tablet users.
Intel Hyper-Threading Technology enables two parallel software threads to run on each processor core simultaneously. With four threads running at once, Web pages download fast, and users can quickly and seamlessly switch between apps.
Industry-Leading Graphics
Today’s users want awesome 3D graphics performance, lifelike gaming experiences, and smooth HD video. Each SoC includes the SGX 544MP2 GPU, delivering 533 MHz performance boost in the Intel Atom processor Z2580, 400 MHz in the Intel Atom processor Z2560, and 300 MHz in the Intel Atom processor Z2520. All provide low memory latencies and feature optimized graphics drivers and support for the OpenGL ES2.0, OpenVG 1.1. WUXGA 1920×1200 display support is ready for the larger screens of tablets.
HD video capabilities include support for 1080p video and audio with multi-stream playback and hardware-accelerated decode (1080p at 30 fps) and encode (1080p at 30 fps). HDMI support lets users share 1080p HD video on a big-screen display. The decoder supports H.264, MPEG4, VC1, WMV9, H.263 standards and the encoder supports H.264, MPEG4, and H.263.
Advanced Camera Capabilities
Capture life’s best moments with 8-megapixel photos at 3 frames per second, burst capture of 15 fps for 8-MP photos, zero shutter lag and time-shift, and still image capture up to 16 MP. Advanced capabilities include enhanced HDR, image stabilization and scene motion compensation, automatic night scene detection with advanced noise reduction, and group photo for “all smiles/no blinks” photos to capture the perfect shot with the best facial expression.
The integrated image signal processor supports a primary camera sensor up to 16 MP. With image quality this good, users can rely on their smartphone as their only camera.
Power-Efficient Intel® Burst Performance Technology
Intel® Burst Performance Technology delivers industry-leading performance with the power efficiency that smartphone and tablet users want. The processor intelligently scales between zero-power C6 standby mode, low-frequency mode (LFM), highfrequency mode (HFM), and max frequency, according to demand. Dynamic scaling optimizes performance while minimizing power consumption.
Intel® Smart Sound Technology
Amazing sound is vital for a great user experience. The SoC includes hardware acceleration for audio and voice, optimized for low power and extended music playback.
Optimized for Android*
Smartphone and tablet platforms built on the Intel Atom processors Z2580, Z2560, and Z2520 are optimized for the Google Android operating system. The platform is enhanced using Dalvik VM* runtime optimization, x86 trace-based JIT, Native Code Generation, JavaScript,* and HTML5 code execution.
Intel also developed software specifically targeted at power management and security for Android with new firmware, drivers, and middleware. New Android software integration for Intel® architecture provides superior balance of performance, security, and power efficiency for Android applications.
Smartphones and Tablets with Intel Inside®
The company that revolutionized computing technology is now bringing amazing new experiences to smartphones and tablets. New Intel Atom processors are designed and optimized for lightning fast apps, responsive Web browsing, stunning 3D graphics, advanced camera capabilities, and vivid HD video, with energy efficiency for outstanding battery life. Smartphones with Intel Inside® deliver new experiences at the speed of life.
Technical Specifications
| High-performance Processors |
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| Process Technology |
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| Compact Co-POP Package |
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| Intel® Atom™ Microarchitecture |
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| 3D Graphics Engine |
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| Hardware-accelerated Video Encode
and Decode |
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| Display Controller |
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| System Memory Interface |
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| Image Signal Processor |
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| 6 High-Speed Master I2C Controllers |
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| SPI Controller |
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| USB-OTG 2.0 Interface |
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| Intel® Smart Sound Technology |
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| Flexible GPIO Configuration |
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| Test Interface |
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| Intel® Smart and Secure Technology |
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Intel Atom press launch photos
[slickr-flickr tag=”Intel Atom 20130521″]