Intel announced first commercial availability of its 4G LTE modem. The multimode, multiband modem debuts in the LTE version of Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1.
Intel has finally announced the commercial availability of its much-awaited 4G LTE modem for mobile technology. With its new chip, Intel steps into the growing 4G LTE device market. This device will connect tablets, smartphones, and laptops to the internet with the high-speed LTE network, and not just Wi-Fi. The modem supports multimode, which means it can work with various 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE bands, voice, and different mobile data standards across the world.
Intel has made a comeback with its latest XMM 7160 LTE modem, following its not-so-famous LTE modem from last year. The earlier version of the LTE modem only supported 4G while the support for other bands including 3G and 2G was left out. The tiny modem chip is available in Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 LTE version in Europe and Asia.
"As LTE networks expand at a rapid pace, 4G connectivity will be an expected ingredient in devices from phones to tablets as well as laptops," Hermann Eul, vice president and general manager of Intel's Mobile and Communications Group, said in a press release. "Intel is providing customers an array of options for fast, reliable LTE connectivity while delivering a competitive choice and design flexibility for the mobile ecosystem."
In addition to Intel's new LTE modem, new modules will support speeds up to 100 mbps over LTE networks. These modules will start shipping next year. This will attract several mobile developers to adopt Intel's latest technology.
The modem will also support multi-mode GSM networks in areas where 4G is yet to be expanded.
However, 4G LTE networks ensure high-speed downloads, better streaming of HD videos, music, video calls, and online gaming. These networks also improve the voice quality compared to traditional circuit-switched networks.
Intel also adds that its latest 4G modem is the smallest in the market and consumes 20-30 percent less power compared to rival chips. This poses a huge competition risk to the widely-adapted Qualcomm. This might force Qualcomm to come up with competitive products in the near future.
