What is Intel's New Strategy to Counter Microsoft's ARM Support?

Chip maker Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) is said to join hands with Taiwan-based notebook makers to push in to Android tablet PC market, a move after Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) said its Windows operating system will add support for ARM-based platforms.

In January, software giant Microsoft said the next version of Windows will support System on a Chip (SoC) architectures, including ARM-based systems from partners NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ: NVDA), Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) and Texas Instruments Inc. (NYSE: TXN).

However, on the x86 architecture, Intel and AMD (NYSE: AMD) continue their work on low-power SoC designs that fully support Windows, including support for native x86 applications.

Meanwhile, Intel is expected to cooperate with Taiwanese firms including Inventec and Compal to push Intel/Android solutions, Digitimes reported citing sources from notebook makers.

Intel is said to have already invited 6-8 notebook makers to work on devices that will feature the new Intel/Android platform and is expected to showcase models at Intel Developer Forum (IDF), which will be held at Beijing on April 12-13.

If not, Intel will announce the related models at Computex Taipei 2011 at the latest, the sources added.

The latest move from Intel, which has added support for Android to its processors, will allow its partners to have more choice while significantly saving costs from licensing fees.

In addition, Intel's strategy will allow the PC ecosystem to become healthier as the PC market is coming out from the domination of the Wintel platform.

In addition to tablet PCs, Intel has also been working aggressively with Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) over the development of notebooks and netbooks and is set to release Intel/Chrome OS solutions in the second half of 2011 with Samsung Electronics, Acer and Asustek Computer all set to launch related models.