Intel is set to ramp up its smartphone focus with the launch of a new processor in its Atom range that will include built-in graphics support. According to a BBC report, Intel will unveil its new chipset at its Developer Forum conference in San Francisco next week. The new chip – codenamed ‘Moorestown’ – aims to remove the need for a separate central processing unit (CPU) and graphic processing unit (GPU), making it more suitable for smartphones as it uses less power and is therefore less of a drain on the device battery. “[It is important] in the context of the continuing move to mobility as it allows for tighter integration between the CPU and graphics components, delivering better performance and power management,” said an Intel spokesperson. Intel first launched its mobile-focused Atom chips back in 2008; but the report notes that although they are far smaller than Intel’s usual chipsets (used in desktop PCs), they have to date continued to comprise a separate GPU and CPU.

Intel’s latest move is expected to ramp up competition with rival chipmaker ARM, which supplies technology for the majority of chips for the world’s smartphones – including the silicon for Apple’s A4 processor used in the iPhone and iPad. Reuters reports that ARM this week has launched a new processor architecture – codenamed ‘Eagle’ and part of its ‘Cortex’ family – which it claims is five times faster than today’s advanced smartphone processors. The technology, which is targeted at servers and wireless networking as well as smartphones, will support functions such as 3D navigation and augmented reality. Sample chips are expected next year; Texas Instruments, Samsung and ST-Ericsson have been named as the first licensees. ARM-based chips are in more than 95 percent of the world’s mobile phones and the firm is increasingly competing with Intel in netbooks and tablet computers.