Intel considering to ditch Atom name?

DigiTimes heard rumors that Intel plans to discontinue the Atom name with the launch of its Cedar Trail platform in 2012 as demand for netbooks and nettops with Atom-branded chips has dropped significantly due to the poor brand image of Atom. Intel denied the rumor.

Intel reportedly plans to rename the brand names of CPUs under its Cedar Trail platform in 2012 as demand for netbooks and nettops built with its Atom-branded processors has dropped significantly due to the poor brand image of Atom CPUs, according to industry sources.

However, an Intel spokesperson has responded saying, "There are no plans to change the Atom brand. We are on track to launch new Atom processors during the fourth quarter, with more new Atom processors during the first half of 2012."

VR Zone had a chat with Brian Fravel, Intel's Director of Marketing for Brand Strategy and Management, and also got to hear that Atom is here to stay:

VR-Zone had an opportunity to talk to Brian Fravel, Intel’s Director of Marketing for Brand Strategy and Management who oversees the Atom brand. He confirmed that Intel remains extremely committed to the Atom brand and will continue to do so for 2012 and beyond.

According to Fravel, Atom is doing well in segments such as Smart TVs where Intel Atom CE 4100 (Sodaville) chips are powering Google TV and Sony Internet TV. In the mobility space, Atom will continue to make in-roads into the netbook/entry level desktop space with 32nm Cedar Trail which is expected to launch in Q4 this year. Tablet/smartphones with 32nm Medfield SoC are slated for a H1 2012 release, and a tablet/hybrid 32nm Clover Trail succeeding Oak Trail sometime next year.

Guess we'll know the truth next year.