Intel Corp. demonstrated its new-generation platform for handheld devices at its semi-annual Intel Developer Forum conference. The new XScale processor is said to work at the speeds beyond 1GHz, deliver higher performance compared to today’s chips and consume less power, according to the company.

The new XScale application processor is code-named Monahans. This product family will offer a wide range of performance, power and integration levels to meet the needs of handsets, smartphones, handhelds and consumer electronic devices, Intel indicated. During the presentation the chip worked at 1.25GHz, but the first commercial chips may not reach that high speed, admitted the VP and general manager of of the Intel Mobility Group, Sean Maloney.

“Monahans is expected to provide five times more performance within the next few years, while consuming less energy than previous Intel-based platforms,” Mr. Maloney said.

Intel introduced the next generation of Intel graphics co-processors, code-named Stanwood.

It is expected that the new XScale mobile processor will be commercially released in the Q4 2004. The chip is to be made using 90nm process technology.