In a declining desktop PC market, the DIY niche aside, AMD and Intel are seeking out new usage scenarios for their x86 processors. Over the last year Intel's foray into the tablet market has been notable with an extensive selection of Bay Trail-T-based Android and Windows tablets made available. AMD, on the other hand, has yet to plunge itself into this cut-throat world.
Next year that should all change, Digitimes reports. AMD is planning to launch its x86-based Nolan and ARM-based Amur tablet processors. Nolan will be interface-compatible with ARM- and x86-based products making it suitable for Android and Windows tablets in a similar way to Intel's current Bay Trail. Amur will be based on the Cortex-A57 architecture with support for Android and other Linux-derivative operating systems.
Intel's 2015 tablet strategy entails a transition from existing 22nm Bay Trail-T products towards the 14nm Cherry Trail successor. Cherry Trail SoCs should offer lower power consumption, higher performance and will feature Intel's 8th generation graphics processing units. Like Bay Trail-T, there will be dual-OS support for Android and Windows operating systems.
Both AMD and Intel will have to contend with a slowing tablet market next year. Tablet shipments in 2014 are expected to grow by around 10 per cent over 2013 levels. In 2015 shipments are expected to stagnate as smartphones continue to put pressure on tablet sales.
