UK: Orange confirms Intel-powered San Diego smartphone launch

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

UK: Orange confirms Intel-powered San Diego smartphone launch.

Orange will launch its expected San Diego smartphone – powered by a processor from Intel – early next month, supported by a “multimillion pound” advertising campaign.

The high-profile introduction is significant for the processor giant, which has struggled to gain momentum in the mobile phone market, against competition from companies such as Nvidia, TI and Qualcomm.

The San Diego is the first Intel-powered smartphone to launch in Europe, Orange said.

Last month, Intel and manufacturer Lava International announced a device targeting the Indian market. And earlier this week, Chinese IT giant Lenovo debuted its first Intel-powered device, LePhone K800, for the Chinese market.

The company also has deals in place with Motorola Mobility and ZTE.

The San Diego was first unveiled at the GSMA Mobile World Congress earlier this year, under the codename Orange Santa Clara.

The Android-powered device will retail at £199.99 for prepaid customers in the UK, and will subsequently be free-of-charge for contract subscribers. Availability details for other markets were not confirmed.

According to reports from the original unveiling, it is manufactured by Taiwanese contract manufacturer Gigabyte.