It can’t get any smaller than this, Intel seemed to say, as it introduced five new Intel Atom processors, together with the new Intel Centrino Atom processor technology for Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) at the Intel Developer Forum in Shanghai, which takes place this week. The company is taking the next step in terms of portable gadgets by bringing “the best internet experience in your pocket.”

The Santa Clara-based company said that starting this summer, manufacturers will start shipping Intel-based MIDs to bring the best internet experience to 'pocketable' devices as part of the next generation of consumer products. The shipments will include the Intel Atom processor (formerly known as ‘Silverthorne’) and the Intel System Controller Hub for PC capabilities.

Intel’s Centrino Atom processor technology is based on the smallest, fastest processor in the world – Intel Atom – that has a thermal design power range of 0.65 to 2.4 watts, an average power range of 160-220 milliwatts (mW) and idle power range of 80-100 mW. Intel Atom is the faster under-3 watt processor with up to 1.86 GHz speeds that supports Enhanced Intel SpeedStep technology and enables fast Web page downloads.

“Today is a historic day for Intel and the high-tech industry as we deliver our first-ever Intel Atom processor and surround it with a great package of technology,” said Anand Chandrasekher, Intel Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Ultra Mobility Group. “Mix in the incredible innovation coming from our fellow device makers and software vendors, and we will change the way consumers will come to know and access the World Wide Web.”

The tendency right now on the market is: the bigger the experience, the smaller the device that provides it, and that it exactly the trend Intel is following. “These forthcoming MIDs,” added Chandrasekher, “and some incredible longer-term plans our customers are sharing with us, will show how small devices can deliver a big Internet experience.”