Intel

Semiconductor manufacturing companies Intel and Nvidia are set to go head-to-head in a battle to dominate the fast-growing market for high-end Internet-enabled mobile devices.

Six high-profile companies are teaming up to jointly license patents that cover WiMAX in an effort to prevent costly royalty rates that might deter adoption of the technology, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Intel - one of WiMAX's most prominent backers - is reported to regard the technology as just one of many quality high-speed mobile broadband options.

WiMAX operator Clearwire is in talks with potential European partners in an effort to expand operations outside of its US home market.

Intel's push into the smartphone microprocessor market will happen next year and will be driven by the company's progress in 32 nanometer technology, says Intel CFO Stacey Smith.

Intel has acquired OpenedHand, a London-based company which specialises in mobile Linux development and services, for an undisclosed sum.

Intel has partnered with Indian operator BSNL on the deployment of WiMAX in the country, a move analysts believe will accelerate rollout and could make India the most promising market for the technology.