Stefan Mileschin

Intel has officially launched its next generation Clover Trail+ Atoms just in time for Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Clover Trail+ comes as no surprise, as Intel already talked about it back at CES 2013. The platform is based on the same 32nm architecture as Medfield, but the new dual-cores come with new PowerVR SGX 544 graphics. The Z2580 is the fastest of the lot, clocked at 2GHz, while the Z2560 and Z2520 run at 1.6GHz and 1.2GHz respectively.

Intel still doesn't have an integrated LTE solution, but it has introduced a radio chip, capable of supporting 15 LTE bands along with HSPA+. Sadly though, the chip will ship with next generation 22nm SoCs, not Clover Trail+.

In fact, the Clover Trail+ rollout feels somewhat dull as it is practically a stopgap measure. Intel plans to transition to 22nm SoCs by the end of the year. Still, it clearly demonstrates Intel's commitment to mobile. The Clover Trail+ reference design features a Z2580 chip, 2GB of RAM, 1920x1200 screen and a 16-megapixel rear camera.

Intel is not saying much about design wins at this point. Asus is expected to introduce a tablet based on the old Z2420, and the same chip will end up in a new smartphone built for Etisalat in Egypt.

http://news.techeye.net/chips/intel-...e-clover-trail