Samsung's forthcoming Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 tablet will be powered by Intel's Clover Trail+ chip in at least one of its versions, a source told Reuters.
Previous use of Intel chips in Samsung tablets had been restricted to its Microsoft Windows ATIV range, a much smaller product line than its Android devices. The current Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 features a 1GHz dual-core processor by TI.
Deployment in Samsung's Android-based devices would be a real win for Intel, which has struggled to adapt to the mobile market.
This market is currently dominated by chips designed by UK's ARM, Qualcomm, TI and by Samsung's own chips, which are manufactured by its subsidiaries. However, Microsoft's new Surface Pro is powered by Intel Core i5 processor and Intel's new CEO, Brian Krzanich, has stated that expansion into mobile devices is one of his main goals.
Samsung commands 18 per cent of the tablet market for tablets, according to IDC. The new Galaxy Tab competes directly with Apple's iPad, which actually uses the A5 CPU manufactured by Samsung.
There is no official launch date yet for the Galaxy Tab 3. Neither Samsung nor Intel have yet commented on the story.
Samsung and Apple are increasingly becoming reliant on the same suppliers for components.
