Intel Corp (INTC)

[Ideal_Inv]

out of the smartphone AP game altogether

Yes, Intel has made a drastic pullback in mobile. But I wouldn't go so far as to say they have pulled out "altogether".

Interestingly, for once I agree with ibc (on perhaps his only non-pessimistic post on Intel), that big-core (core M) may be on the way for some high-end smartphones.

These expensive smartphones can provide high price/performance and accommodate high-end SOCs with integrated eDRAM/3DXP/NAND and discrete modems.

Wishful thinking? Maybe. But why stay with Intel if you didn't think Intel can penetrate the high-end smartphone market which could afford higher ASPs than low-end PCs? Of course, the low-end smartphone market is definitely out of reach for Intel for the forseeable future.

========================

Intel Made A Tactical Retreat On Smartphones
http://seekingalpha.com/article/3969851-intel-made-tactical-retreat-smartphones

* With MediaTek unveiling LTE-integrated SoCs fit for $50-$60 phones, Intel had to scrap SoFIA and Broxton processors.

* It is a tactical retreat to protect more important assets.

* Intel needs time to build a smartphone processor with an integrated5G modem.

* The phone form factor is the next evolution of the desktop PC.

* The iPhone 4G/LTE modem deal with is in the bag. Intel wants to focus on modems to keep Apple happy.

===========================

Stephen Breezy's comment on the article:

I don't think that Intel is retreating from smartphones. I think that they're making clever uses of new technologies which enable their "big core" processor technology to use much less power. The Core M consumes only 4.5 watts right now. The Atom x7 consumes 2 watts.

They've got chalcogenide switching technology that will not only make this gap a non-issue, but it will make battery life a non-issue.
===========================