Earlier this week, Intel made a series of announcements at IDF2009 in Beijing, including new products in the Atom family of processors. Intel also announced that they are on track to delivering the next-generation low power computing platform, codenamed Moorestown, in 2010. While Intel is better known for computer chips used on servers, desktops and notebooks, Intel is desperately trying to move into the phone space. If you read our post about why we are excited about the mobile space, you will understand why Intel is doing this.

While talking about their CPU roadmap, Intel also showed off some partner devices. The most interesting device is the BYD "Mars", which is a clam shell phone when closed, but also runs full Windows XP when opened up.

byd_marsIntel showing off BYD “Mars”

For years, enthusiasts have been clamoring on about the full promise of PC in your pocket. Nothing has really hit the mark to date, as products like UMPC have been met with tepid fanfare. However, Intel is now renewing this promise with Moorestown and subsequent ultralow power CPUs. The key to a successful phone + PC in your pocket product would be an adaptive user experience that adapts its user interface depending on what “mode” you are using the device in. Imagine an iPhone-like device that you use as a smartphone while on-the-go, but a full desktop experience as you go home and dock it with your full keyboard, mouse and LCD screen. Couple this with storing all of your data and applications in the cloud, this would be nirvana.

Intel’s decision to move into the phone market makes Microsoft uniquely well-positioned to realize this vision. Let’s see if the folks in Redmond will rise to the challenge.

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