Intel's new dual-core Atom system-on-a-chip (formerly 'Clover Trail+') for smartphones and Android tablets comes in three versions: Z2580 (2.0GHz), Z2560 (1.6GHz), and Z2520 (1.2 GHz).

Features include support for 3D graphics, 1080p video at 30fps, displays up to 1920x1200 pixels, an image signal processor to assist with camera functions such as face recognition and panoramas, audio hardware acceleration, and Intel Identity Protection Technology to support to-factor authentication (MasterCard and Visa, among others, plan to use this technology).

The chips are optimised for Android with Dalvik VM runtime optimization, x86 trace-based JIT, Native Code Generation, JavaScript, and HTML5 code execution. Company officials said Intel has developed new firmware, drivers, and middleware to enhance Android power management and security when using the new SoC devices.

"Today's announcements build on Intel's growing device portfolio across a range of mobile market segments," said Hermann Eul, Intel vice president and co-general manager of the mobile and communications group.

"In less than a year's time we have worked closely with our customers to bring Intel-based smartphones to market in more than 20 countries around the world, and have also delivered an industry-leading low-power Atom SoC tablet solution running Windows* 8, and shipping with leading OEM customers today."

Lenovo has already announced its IdeaPhone K900 which is based on the Z2580 chip. Other companies announcing an intention to use the new parts include Asus and ZTE.

Intel also announced what it claimed to be "one of the world’s smallest and lowest-power multimode-multiband LTE solutions for global roaming in one SKU with envelope tracking and antenna tuning."

The Intel XMM 7160 supports LTE (15 bands simultaneously), DC-HSPA+ and EDGE, and is intended for use in smartphones, tablets and ultrabooks. The single-mode version is available immediately, with the multi-mode version coming in the second half of 2013.