Intel to offer various CPU platforms for tablets in 2014

Intel has the tablet market covered in 2014, according to sources with Taiwan's tablet supply chain. The silicon slinger has plans to offer CPU platforms for low-end tablets all the way to top-shelf models. The company has already released its Bay Trail-T chips for Windows 8/8.1. By the end of this year, the company will have introduced its Bay Trail-T line for Android slates.

Intel's Z3735D series is a Bay Trail CPU designed specifically for low-end Android tablets priced at $99 to $129, and for 7 to 8 inch models priced at $149 to $199. These chips will be available in the first quarter of next year. For those Android tablets with a screen size of 8 to 10 inches, and a retail price range of $199-$249, Intel will offer the Bay Trail and Cherry Trail platforms. The latter will also cover 10 inch Android slabs priced at $249 and higher.

The Cherry Trail chip will launch next September and is based on the 14nm Airmont architecture. Cherry Trail will support both 32 and 64 bit Windows 8/8.1 and Android tablets.That will be followed up with the Willow Trail CPU in the fourth quarter. Based on the 14nm Goldmont architecture, this chip will also support Windows and Android slates.

Finally, Intel has some lovin' for smartphones as well. In the first quarter, it will release Merrifield for smartphones while Moorefield is expected to launch in Q3. Both not only use the 22nm process, they both can also be used for Android tablets.

This roadmap dovetails with a similar leak that we passed along to you last August.

source: DigiTimes