Intel: 20 tablets, 140 Ultrabooks in the works

Intel® has been hard at work this year, after spending the last few struggling to adjust to new trends in the computing industry. Now, it seems the chipmaker is ready to get back in the game and get its foot in the door of the burgeoning mobile market.

During the company's second quarter earnings call, Intel executives state that there are currently more than 20 Atom-based Windows® 8 tablet computers in the works, as well as 140 Ultrabook™ models.

The company reports a net income of $2.8 billion for the quarter and a revenue of $13.5 billion. However, Paul Otellini, president and CEO of Intel, asserts that brighter days are on the horizon, noting that the Ultrabook and tablet developments are going to lead to a strong second half of the year.

"With a rich mix of Ultrabook and Intel-based tablet and phone introductions in the second half, combined with the long-term investments we're making in our product and manufacturing areas, we are well positioned for this year and beyond," Otellini says.

This echoes the tune that Intel has been singing for the past couple years, but finally seems poised to make good on. MaximumPC reports that last year at this time, Intel only had 110 Ultrabook designs in the pipeline, indicating the number is rising sharply as the lightweight, ultra-portable computers become more popular.

MaximumPC reports that about 40 of the upcoming Ultrabooks will be touch-enabled and about 12 will be convertible devices that function as both a tablet and a laptop. This highlights the notion that Intel wants the Ultrabook to be more than just a skinny laptop. In the coming months, more Ultrabook models are expected to feature touchscreens and 3D displays, as well as high-definition user interfaces and near-field communications (NFC) technology, among other additions.