Intel and Nokia unveiled plans on Tuesday to work together to create a type of mobile computing device beyond today’s smartphones and netbooks.

The move takes Intel a step further towards a breakthrough into the highly prized mobile phone market. Nokia typically works with potential suppliers on joint research for several years before deciding to adopt a particular technology.

For Intel, a partnership with a leading mobile player is crucial to adoption of its chips although the announcement suggested the groups would focus on niche products initially in categories of devices yet to be developed.

"We believe that this will allow us to create an entire new category of devices," Kai Öistämö, Nokia executive vice-president in charge of the group's devices unit, told a media conference call. "The mobile and computing industries are coming together and we, as leaders in our respective industries, are taking the responsibility to really be the enablers to create this brave new world."

His counterpart, Anand Chandrasekher, senior vice-president of Intel’s ultra mobility group, described the partnership as "this year's most significant collaboration in our respective industries."

Source: FT

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