MWC: Asus, Dell and Lenovo to release Intel Merrifield and Moorefield devices

Mobile devices cost to range from $99 to $400-plus

BARCELONA: Asus, Dell and Lenovo have confirmed plans to release devices based on Intel's new Merrifield and Moorefield architectures.

Intel confirmed inking multi-year agreements with the companies during its Mobile World Congress 2014 keynote on Monday.

Vice president of Intel's Mobile and Communications Group, Hermann Eul, unveiled the partnerships and promised that the devices will run on a variety of ecosystems at multiple price points ranging from "$99 to $400-plus".

"Asus has a complete line-up of devices using platforms ranging from Atom, Cloverfield to Merrifield lined up. Another core partnership [is] Dell - there's an Android tablet that we have supported Dell on building," he said.

"Then we have Lenovo building Windows devices. When I say we have partnerships I mean we have them to cater to all the platforms we have and in all the market segments."

It is unclear how long the partnerships will last and Intel declined requests for further details.

The new dual-core Merrifield and quad-core Moorefield processors both feature 64-bit architecture, and are designed to outperform competing top-end processors, such as the Apple A7 chip. The chipsets are also LTE 4G Cat 6 enabled.

Intel president Renée James said the processors are a key part of the company's ongoing strategy to become a key player in the Internet of Things revolution.

"We've thought about how Atom and devices fit with the Internet of Things and from there how our tech programs like Edison transition through the network and into the data centre. Thanks to this, many of our efforts are coming to fruition and we've made significant advances in mobile computing," she said.

James said the strategy will also see the company refocus its efforts to help improve mobile security and developer interest in the Android ecosystem.

"This morning we're announcing that we're making our mobile security software offering free both from the app store and resellers. The will include device protection for Android that works in partnership with software from McAfee that blocks malware as well as enhanced security at a hardware chip level," she said.

"I'm also announcing a new developer programme for Android. There will be tools, developer kits and we'll also be running all our usual hackathons and contests, one of which will have a million dollar first prize."

The firm also touted a number of security tools that will be included in the proccessors. One will be the company's Intel Device Protection Technology (Intel DPT). The tech is designed to ward off malware by letting enterprise level companies separate personal and corporate data on Intel-based Android devices - a little like Knox and BlackBerry Balance.

On a smaller scale the move will see Intel make a number of McAfee security services free. These include McAfee Mobile Security which includes anti-virus, app protection, web protection and call/SMS filters in addition to contact back-up.

Intel will no doubt be hoping any new devices running its technology prove popular with the market as so far interest in Windows 8 devices using its processors has proved lukewarm. Microsoft confirmed a Windows 8.1 update is on its way at MWC, in its latest effort to boost interest in the platform.