Intel announced the release of the latest version of their Atom technology yesterday, the next-generation Atom processor. The chip is the first from Intel to integrate graphics and a memory controller.

The new chips have integrated graphics built directly into the central processing unit (CPU), enabling improved performance and smaller, more energy-efficient designs. They are consequently ideal for use in the latest generation of netbooks and nettops.

Major manufacturers including Acer, Toshiba, Lenovo and Samsung, are introducing new systems sporting the chips in the coming weeks, with the first system due for launch as early as 4 January 2010.

Intel’s smallest chip also enables more efficient use of power and overall performance improvements. Because of the higher level of integration and the 45nm manufacturing, significant reductions in power consumption have been achieved. Average power consumption is down 20 percent over the previous generation, which means a better and longer battery life in notebooks and netbooks.

Netbooks using the new Atom processor will make use of the N450 and a new low-power Intel NM10 Express Chipset. Desktops will operate on the Intel Atom processor D410 or the dual core D510, also with the Intel NM10 Express Chipset.