Nokia gets Intel inside - but where are the phones?

 

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By David Fearon

Posted on 23 Jun 2009 at 17:34

Nokia and Intel have announced a "long-term strategic relationship" to produce new mobile devices - but the companies won't reveal what they are.

The two companies will be collaborating on developing new Intel architecture definitions and chipsets, according to Anand Chandrasekher of Intel's Ultra Mobility Group. Intel will be licensing Nokia's 3G modem chipsets to integrate into its own devices, as part of the deal.

The pair will also be sharing expertise on the Moblin and Maemo operating systems. Maemo is the Linux platform featured in Nokia's N810 Internet Tablet, while Moblin is Intel's Linux-based MID OS. Neither has seen great commercial success to date.

In a press conference this afternoon, Chandrasekher and his opposite number at Nokia, Kai Oistamo, remained absolutely tight-lipped in the face of repeated questions over whether actual phones will emerge from the tie-up, saying only that the company is collaborating on new platforms.

Oistamo did add that, "we do need innovation to go far beyond today's smartphones, notebooks and netbooks".

Oistamo also mentioned going "beyond MIDs". The MID (mobile internet device) is Intel's class of handheld internet-access device, which has seen very limited commercial take-up despite several years trying to garner interest.

Chandrasekher also refused to be drawn into whether its upcoming Moorestown/Menlow ultramobile platform, due to appear later this year or early 2010, will be affected by the plans.