With tablet chip, Intel tries to lessen its dependency on PCs

28.09.2012
With Intel unveiling a tablet processor this week, analysts say the chip maker may be on track to becoming less dependent on the struggling PC market.

Intel on Thursday took the wraps off a new processor code-named . The Atom Z2760 chip is set to launch when ships Windows 8 toward the end of October.

The chip is designed to boost battery life and performance for Windows 8 .

The unveiling of the new tablet chip is a big step for Intel, which has but has yet to compete in the burgeoning tablet market where ARM chips dominate. Tablets have been taking a big chunk out of a and Intel needs to branch out into other lucrative -- and growing -- markets.

"Intel has so far missed out on the smartphone and tablet boom, and these devices are driving a massive amount of chip volume," said Dan Olds, an analyst with The Gabriel Consulting Group. "Intel needs to have a piece of these high growth and high volume markets in order to remain the dominant player in the chips space over the long haul."

Olds isn't alone in his take on Intel's market position.