The inventor of the x86 series of microprocessors - Intel, observing the first anniversary of its Atom processor, announced two new versions of its Atom processor, confirmed to launch Nehalem-based mobile processors later this year, and introduced new chip codenamed "Jasper Forest". The Santa Clara, California based chipmaker disclosed about the launch of its upcoming Moorestown chip platform at its Developer Forum in Beijing, on Wednesday.

Offering the live demonstration of its next-generation Atom-based platform, codenamed "Moorestown" for the first time, Intel stated that the new platform will come with a new Moblin software version, a Linux-based operating system (OS) that Intel develops for small devices. According to Intel, the new version of Moblin software will enable a PC-like Internet experience along with cellular voice capabilities.

Officially, Intel is aiming Moorestown platform including energy efficient set of chips for mobile Internet devices (MIDs) or small computers, focusing on basic online use and media playback, which can fit well in pockets. The set of cips will be based on the company's Lincroft system-on-chip (SoC) that includes an Atom microprocessor core and a memory controller hub. The coming with chipset is code named Langwell. The Atom power-efficient Moorestown chip platform is expected to work well in smartphones. The family of chips in Moorestown platform will also come with 3G cellular capabilities. It will also provide optional support for both WiMax and HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) cellular networks.

Anand Chandrasekher, the Intel's senior vice president and general manager of the Ultra Mobility Group, demonstrated a device with Moorestown consuming 10 times less power. The company earlier stated that Moorestown would be released in late 2009 or early 2010, but at the Developer Forum in Beijing, Intel firmly fixed 2010 as the launch target.

Intel also announced Atom Z550 and Atom Z515 - the two new Atom processors for mobile Internet devices. Of the two Atom updates, the Atom Z550 is the fastest. The Atom Z550 enhances the Atom line's performance to 2GHz, while the Atom Z515, equipped with the Intel Burst Performance Technology (Intel BPT), can work at 1.2GHz when required. The Atom Z550 includes Hyperthreading to simulate dual cores while still consuming the same 2.4W of typical power as a 1.86GHz processor. The Atom Z515 normally runs at the same 800MHz and consumes just 0.65W of energy, but it can work up to 1.2GHz, consuming 1.4W.

In a keynote speech at the Intel Developer Forum, Anand Chandrasekher also talked about upcoming processors for laptops based on the Nehalem architecture, which will be released in the 2nd half of this year as part of the "Calpella" platform. According to Mr. Chandrasekher, these processors, which will come equipped with technologies like Intel Hyper-Threading Technology and Intel Turbo Boost Technology, will be more powerful than their predecessors.

Mr. Chandrasekher also discussed Intel's ultra low-voltage (ULV) processors. He also disclosed how the company is developing a category of ultra-thin laptops less than one inch thick. According to Mr. Chandrasekher, the company will release lower-priced versions of these processors by early summer.

Finally, the senior vice president and general manager of the Digital Enterprise Group, Intel, Pat Gelsinger, for the first time, uncovered the Nehalem-EP based processor codenamed "Jasper Forest," which is specifically designed for embedded and storage applications.