CES 2010: Intel shows first Moorestown phone

Intel's Moorestown is set to appear in many mobile devices in 2010

Intel used CES in Las Vegas to demonstrate several new up and coming technologies, including the first mobile internet device based on its Moorestown platform.

Speaking at the show, Intel chief executive Paul Otellini said that new products are finally starting to deliver on the company's vision of mobile, connected devices that people can use to access the internet and entertainment from just about anywhere.

"Computing is no longer confined to your computer – it's everywhere," he said.

"Advances in connectivity, intuitive user interfaces, immersive content and computer chip performance have allowed computing to move into new areas. Computing moving into all manner of devices and experiences all around us improves our personal productivity and enjoyment."

As an example, he demonstrated a forthcoming mobile device from LG Electronics, the GW990, which is based on Intel's Moorestown next-generation platform for handhelds and smartphones.

Although described as a smartphone, the GW990 has a 5in multi-touch screen and runs the Linux-based Moblin operating system, making it more akin to a miniature tablet. Little other information is available on the device, but some reports have indicated that it will support next-generation LTE mobile networks when it ships.

The Moorestown platform, set for launch sometime in the first half of this year, is also based on Intel's x86 architecture, while smartphones almost exclusively use ARM-based processors because of their low power consumption.

However, Moorestown is based around a system-on-a-chip codenamed Lincroft that is claimed by Intel to reduce power to a fraction of that consumed by today's Atom-based systems. Lincroft integrates an Atom processor core, graphics, video and memory controller onto a single piece of silicon.

Intel also announced an online application store aimed at netbooks. Called the Intel AppUp Center, this is still in beta, but already has the backing of vendors such as Acer, Asus, Dell and Samsung to bring innovative software to consumers, Intel said.

The LG GW990, along with other devices based on Moorestown, is expected to arrive in the second half of 2010.