May 5 2004

Intel has unveiled a new generation of processors designed to enable handheld PDAs and smartphones to better leverage the availability of wireless broadband networks.

The PXA27x processors offer improvements in terms of multimedia performance, security, battery life and management of multi-mode access over cellular, WiFi and Bluetooth networks.

The new chipsets utilise Intel’s Wireless MMX technology, which will deliver high quality 3D graphics and video images to mobile users. In combination with improved power and connection management this will allow mobile service providers to offer higher quality video-conferencing, interactive gaming and photo-messaging services. Devices based on the new Intel platform will be able to render DVD-quality video and to take four-megapixel quality digital photos.

The PXA27x family of processors also include hard-wired security features that will make the boot-up and storage processes of wireless devices less vulnerable to hack attacks. Until now security solutions on handheld devices have relied upon client software, which is run together with other applications. Intel’s new platform seeks to improve upon the inherent weaknesses of this approach by running security applications on a completely separate chip.

The first volume shipments of the PXA27x chipsets will take place later this month.

They are priced at between US$17 and US$32.