Intel and Google have announced that they will enable and optimise future versions of Android for Intel’s family of low power Atom processors. This announcement means that future versions of the Android mobile operating system (OS) will support Intel technology in addition to other architectures.

This joint effort is designed to speed time-to-market of Intel technology-based smartphones operating on the Android platform. Intel stated that it will take advantage of the open-source accessibility of the Android platform, in order to provide its customers with technology products that “inspire continued innovation”.

According to the chip maker the joint venture will also enable mobile device OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and wireless operators to draw upon the performance and low power capabilities of Intel architecture, and tap into the scale of the x86 developer ecosystem to further drive the adoption of the Android platform.

"By optimising the Android platform for Intel architecture, we bring a powerful new capability to market that will accelerate more industry adoption and choice, and bring exciting new products to market that harness the combined potential of Intel technology and the Android platform," said Intel president and CEO Paul Otellini. "Together we are accelerating Intel architecture and bringing new levels of innovation to a maturing Android platform."

"Combining Android with Intel's low power smartphone roadmap opens up more opportunity for innovation and choice," stated Andy Rubin, senior vice president of Mobile at Google. "This collaboration will drive the Android ecosystem forward."

 

The announcement follows shortly in the wake of Intel’s statements concerning its MeeGo OS. The company reaffirmed its commitment to the Linux-based OS, following a report that its temporarily halting development of MeeGo in order to focus its efforts on hardware products, which will be running either Google’s Android or Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 during 2012.