Intel keeping eye on touchscreen supply chain, report says

With the growing number of touch-enabled mobile and laptop devices to emerge in recent years, Intel® is betting it's only a matter of time before demand for touchscreens outweighs supply. But according to Bloomberg, the chipmaker has agreed to pay touchscreen manufacturers to ensure supplies don't run out.

Bloomberg reports that Intel reached out to TPK Holding, HannsTouch Solution, Wintek Corp and Cando Corp on June 5 and came to an agreement regarding the technology. The manufacturers will create a specified number of touchscreens to send to PC makers. Intel will not pay for the screens, but will pay for whatever goes unused.

Intel's focus here is less on mobile devices like smartphones and tablet computers, and more on touch-enabled laptop and desktop PCs. With the touch-friendly Windows® 8 expected to arrive later this year, touchscreens will become a major component for many traditional PCs.

The Ultrabook™ is also expected to be a major driver of Intel's touchscreen plan. Currently, the majority of Ultrabook computers resemble incredibly thin laptops, more creative form factors are expected to be unveiled in the coming months, including ones that share many tablet capabilities. As these devices become available, it will be important that Intel and its partners have the hardware to support their growth.