Intel is working on a new line of ultra-small and ultra-low-power microchips for wearable devices like smartwatches and bracelets, a bid by the company to make sure it will be at the crest of the next big technology wave after arriving late to the smartphone and tablet revolution.
The new line of chips, called Intel Quark, will ship next year and include an ingestible version aimed at biomedical uses, Intel's president, Renee James, told reporters late on Monday.
The Quark chips will be five times smaller and 10 times more power efficient than Intel's Atom chips for tablets and smartphones, she said.
"We're very committed to not missing the next big thing," James said.
Intel Chief Executive Brian Krzanich and James spoke on Tuesday at the company's annual developer conference in San Francisco, their first major public appearance since their promotion in May, when Paul Otellini stepped aside as chief executive.
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In his speech, Krzanich said that chips made on Intel's newest cutting-edge 14 nanometer process would start shipping by the end of 2013, helping the Santa Clara, California company maintain its manufacturing lead over rivals.
Krzanich said tablets made with Intel chips and priced at less than $100 would be on store shelves in time for this year's holiday season.