i-Mate to launch Intel-based Windows 8 smartphone: Report

Microsoft has been trying to build market for itself in the mobile space. Up till now it was only Nokia, Samsung, Huawei and HTC that are investing in developing smartphones based on this operating system. However, it looks like that the things are about to change now.

According to a news report by The Seattle Times, i-Mate is looking at launching a smartphone with a 4.7-inch touch-screen display. Dubbed as 'Intelegent' it runs on Windows 8 Pro rather than Windows Phone 8. The phone will reportedly be powered by Intel's 'Clover Trail' Atom processor. The other specifications of this smartphone are 2GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. For connectivity, the device supports HSPA+ and LTE 4G wireless networks. The company claims that it will give up to 10 hours of talk time.

i-Mate reportedly will be selling the device for $750. Old timers will recall i-Mate as the brand name of Windows Mobile-based devices from the last decade.

The Intelegent is part of a larger desktop dock system, which the company is calling "Hub". The hub will feature a 23-inch touchscreen display and will be coupled in with keyboard and mouse. This means that the device will be capable of doubling up as Windows 8 desktop. There are no prizes for guessing that all this will come at an additional cost. I-Mate will be retailing the Hub and Intelegent as a bundle for a whopping $1,600. The company plans to launch 10.1-inch tablet as well.

The Dubai-based Company is currently participating in the on-going Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2013 and scouting for carrier partners that will is help them launch their smartphone. The company has chalked out plans to launch Intelegent from summer 2013.

The company's CEO Jim Morrison has indicated that it has zeroed in on manufacturing facility in California, which can produce up to 10,000 units a week.

(Image Credit: The Seattle Times)