Intel launches 64-bit Atom processor Merrifield

Intel launched its latest 64-bit Intel Atom Processor (codenamed Merrifield) Mobile World Congress in Barcelona today. The processor is aimed mainly for smartphones and tablets. The company also disclosed details of its next-generation 64-bit quad core Atom processor for Android mobile devices, codenamed Moorefield.

The Intel Atom processor Z3480 will now be known as Merrifield. According to the report on The Next Web, the 64-bit ready SoC is based on Intel’s 22nm Silvermont micro architecture and runs at 2.13GHz. Intel claims it offers an improved battery life. The company expects Merrifield-based devices by multiple OEMs to launch post April this year.

Devices with Moorefield would only be expected in the second half of the year. Moorefield will add two additional Intel architecture (IA) cores (up to 2.3GHz), an enhanced GPU, and faster memory support.

“64 bit computing is moving from the desktop to the mobile device. Intel knows 64-bit computing, and we’re the only company shipping 64-bit processors for mobile devices today capable of supporting both Android and Microsoft Windows,” Renee James, Intel Corporation president, said in a statement at the MWC. James also emphasized that the company was hoping the new technology to push mobile computing way into the future.

The Next Web also stated that Intel announced multi-year agreements with Lenovo, Asus, and Foxconn to expand the availability of Intel-based mobile devices.

Foxconn proposes to build affordable Intel-based Android tablets. Lenovo will bring in new Intel-based mobile devices ahead in 2014. Asus will do the same with smartphones and tablets this year.

Asus also unveiled the Fonepad 7 LTE (ME3762CL) which incorporates an Intel Atom processor and Intel LTE connectivity.