Intel reveals Android Reference Program for budget tablets

Intel has announced a Reference Design Program for Android, to help ODMs and OEMs get tablets to market faster and also help to cut engineering costs.

The programme will allow manufacturers wanting to use the Intel architecture to mix and match the features they wish in include in their hardware, such as a particular radio or digitiser, meaning they won't have to test they work in tandem.

Intel will then help get certification for these devices, saving them time getting accreditation from Google.

One of the major aspects will be ensuring Intel-based tablets will get Android updates within two weeks of Google releasing them and updates will be available up to two years after they are launched.

Doug Fisher VP of software and services at Intel said the program will help to bring the latest version of Android to tablets.

"As of September 4, just over 20 per cent of the devices accessing Google Play operated on Android KitKat an OS that has been available for nearly a year," he said on the Intel blog.

"Intel's program increases the speed with which users have access to the latest Android release, helping ensure the user has the latest image as well as patches within 2 weeks of release from Google."

Intel expects more than 100 tablet devices operating on its chip to launch this year and hopes the programme will make its partners' lives easier.