Intel has launched their new Intel Atom processor platform based on Moorestown architecture aimed at smartphones, tablets and handheld devices. The platform includes the Intel Atom processor Z6xx Series Family (formerly "Lincroft" system-on-chip [SoC]), the Intel Platform Controller Hub MP20 (formerly "Langwell") and a dedicated Mixed Signal IC (MSIC), formerly "Briertown." The new platform supports a range of scalable frequencies, up to 1.5 GHz for high-end smartphones and up to 1.9 GHz for tablets and other handheld designs.

The platform has been repartitioned to include the Intel Atom processor Z6xx, which combines the 45nm Intel Atom processor core with 3-D graphics, video encode and decode, as well as memory and display controllers into a single SoC design. It also includes the MP20 Platform Controller Hub, which supports a range of system-level functions and I/O blocks. Additionally, a dedicated MSIC integrates power delivery and battery charging, and consolidates a range of analog and digital components.

Collectively these new chips deliver significantly lower power including >50x reduction in idle power, >20x reduction in audio power, and 2-3x reductions across browsing and video scenarios compared to Intel’s Atom platform for netbooks. These power savings translate into >10 days of standby, up to 2 days of audio playback and 4-5 hours of browsing and video battery life. When combined with 1.5-3x higher compute performance, 2-4x richer graphics, >4x higher JavaScript performance, and support for full HD 1080p high-profile video decoding and 720p HD video recording, these low-power innovations bring a rich, PC-like visual experience to powerful handheld computers.

"After we delivered the first-generation Intel Atom processor with 10x thermal power reduction, we challenged ourselves to achieve 50x power reduction at the platform level," said Belli Kuttanna, chief Intel Atom processor architect. "We are delighted to have exceeded this goal while increasing performance and are proud of the architects and designers who consistently reinvent the possibilities of Intel Architecture."

The Intel Atom Processor Z6xx Series, Intel Platform Controller Hub MP20 and the dedicated Mixed Signal IC are available now.

Even though, Intel’s new Atom platform offers significant improvement in power efficiency, it is yet nowhere near the low power requirements of ARM processors. And that might be the reason why companies like LG who were planning to launch smartphones based on Intel Atom platform are postponing their launch schedule for Intel based smartphones.

Below we have added a video showcasing the performance advantage Intel Atom offers compared to ARM processor on Apple iPad. However, not only iPad offers more battery life, but it also has bigger screen. Also the comparison better the two browsers is not justified, as iPad uses a mobile version of Safari browser that is designed to use limited resources, whereas the Atom tablet is using full-fledged Chrome browser that should further decrease battery life to offer faster performance.