Intel's new XScale moves beyond 1GHz

X-bit Labs reports Intel has demonstrated a new-generation platform for handheld devices at the Intel Developer Forum. It will include a new XScale processors capable of working at clockspeeds beyond 1GHz. The chip will offer more performance, and use less power.

The new XScale application processor is code-named Monahans. This product family will offer a wide range of performance, power and integration levels to meet the needs of handsets, smartphones, handhelds and consumer electronic devices, Intel indicated. During the presentation the chip worked at 1.25GHz, but the first commercial chips may not reach that high speed, admitted the VP and general manager of of the Intel Mobility Group, Sean Maloney.

Intel claims Monahans will provide 5x the performance within a few years, while using less power than previous generations. The company also introduced its next-generation graphics co-processors, codenamed Stanwood.

The new 90nm XScale processor should be available in the fourth quarter of this year.

When Apple moved from IBM to Intel processors there was some speculation Apple might start using XScale processors for future iPod players.