Second generation chips from Intel are to become more widespread, heading to mobile devices pretty soon. As Paul Otellini mentioned at Barclays capital technology Conference, “you will see smartphones from premier-branded vendors in the marketplace in the second half of 2011 with Intel silicon inside them.”

The plan is going to turn into reality sometime in the second half of next year, while the presence in the tablet market is waiting for an encouraging signal driven by demand, which can be translated into lucrative profits.

In terms of Intel Corp’s economic status, Otellini confirmed that the company was seeking stability through the recession, by refraining from repurchasing its own shares. I am happy to report that Intel has been back in the market this quarter,” Otellini exclaims. “The buyback has been resumed.”

From Intel’s perspective the critical economic downturn was characterized by a lack of demand for chip sets, knocking down its ability to leverage production, while some internal management changes have been put into practice in order to build up cash resources.

Intel had a $25 billion stock-buyback plan and refrained from re-buying shares since the end of 2008, in order to conserve the cash level. The process was resumed after a break, which started during the middle of last year.

The chip maker is keeping the high profile in the market and for example the release of a new programmable chip, made in colaboration with Altera Corp, is expected to meet a great demand, with an increase of over 25% in the next 4-5 years.

In early November at the iExpo NEC exhibit, a trio-coalition was announced between Intel, Microsoft and NEC. The strategic cooperation is intended to offer a viable solution for an integrates digital signage for the global market.  Supporting the same idea of continuous development, the Intel AppUp Developer Program opened MeeGo portal, which leads to a effective merging solution for Moblin and Maemo platforms.

[image credit: Getty]