I’ve been a Blackberry user for a long time – a really long time.  I’ve become a master of the ‘intuitive’ text feature (with only one phrase being the bane of my existence, but that’s another story) and I’m a fan of the small form factor of the Pearl 8110 – it fits easily in your front pocket, does most everything I need it to do, and is a very reliable device.

However this year, as in years past with Intel, I’ve been asked to take the lead on a new media vehicle and explore all of our options for marketing and advertising programs in that space.  Hence, my Blackberry got a mate – in the form of an iPhone.  Now, I’ve been a long time ‘listener’ but have made the transition to first time ‘caller’…to use a radio talk show line.  I’m not convinced that I’m going to be excited about carrying two devices (although many of my counterparts already do it), it is a necessary evil to be proficient in the trends of the mobile web.  Next step – securing an Android device…

We’re pretty excited about the opportunities that are presenting themselves in the mobile space and are intent on creating some innovative and first mover programs that bring the Intel brand to a ‘third’ screen.  We’ve already done some good work in the Americas with our iPhone app and our Global team has partnered with a leading mobile agency and a leading web-based streaming music company to create a compelling mobile experience that gives iPhone users a unique ’station’ modeled after the 3 types of ‘Core’ processors – each providing a unique listening experience.  This is the first time a custom channel has been developed for a mobile device on Pandora – kudos to our Global team for making that happen.

Stay tuned – it’s going to be an exciting ride on the Mobile Web for us this year.

If you’re in media or digital marketing, you know that the hottest platform of 2010 is the mobile device.  From a direct advertising and marketing approach, what better way to interact with your customer – on a device that is always with them and almost always ‘on’.  We are just beginning to roll out a very robust mobile strategy here @ Intel and one of the first programs happens to be a fun way to send a message to your friends and family – from your mobile device – specifically, the iPhone.

Intel is giving iPhone users the opportunity to bring postcards back from the days of gift shops and stamps with a digital twist. “Postcards From The Future” allows iPhone users to send fun and interactive digital postcards to their friends near and far via social media sites like Facebook and Twitter or by email. We’ve had a very successful first few days on the iTunes App Store – ranking in the top 50 of free applications and in the top 15 of free entertainment specific apps.  If you’re an iPhone user – give it a try – we’d love your feedback!

Following FastCompany’s list of most innovative companies (Intel was ranked #14), Fortune Magazine released it’s list of the world’s most admired companies for 2010.  Intel comes in at #31 – up two spots from last year.  I think the first comment in our section says it best:

“Of course Intel should be admired .. one of the best companies based in Silicon Valley working with the greatest minds in the world .. life as we know it would never have been the same with out Intel’s innovations…”

Thank you Ismail – we agree…

Slipping a little from last year, but still making the top 20 – Intel ranks well in Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2010.  Fast Company focuses in on Single Chip Cloud Computing but that only scratches the surface of the innovation going on in this company.  Consider our design wins in Health Care, our new 2010 Core Processor Family and on an entertainment level – our Sponsors of Tomorrow advertising campaign.  All great stuff coming out of the halls of Intel.

“The companies that made the cut have one thing in common: They know that investing in their employees isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.“

It’s Monday, Consumer Electronics Show is over, we’re all back from Vegas and best of all – we unveiled our latest line of processors that are set to turn your computers into the ’smartest’ PC on the block.  On January 7th, our CEO announced our latest family of ‘Core’ processors at his CES Keynote – the all new 2010 Intel® Core™ processor family featuring the trio of i3, i5, and i7.

One of my favorite quotes from Paul’s keynote was about how we are no longer ‘confined’ to our computer…

“Computing is no longer confined to your computer – it’s everywhere,” Otellini said during his CES keynote speech. “Advances in connectivity, intuitive user interfaces, immersive content and computer chip performance have allowed computing to move into new areas. Computing moving into all manner of devices and experiences all around us improves our personal productivity and enjoyment.” (credit: Intel Pressroom)

The reviews are in from several of the major review sites and, from the word go – it’s a smashing success.  From my read of Anand Lal Shimpi’s review the biggest ‘feature’ of the new Core i5 processor (‘Arrandale’) is the vastly improved performance.  Anand has been reviewing our technology for a long time and, in my opinion, is one of the best at providing a comprehensive and detail rich review of each sku we release.  This round of reviews does not disappoint.

As always, Engadget has the most comprehensive blog post about Paul’s Keynote @ CES, and a quick search on Twitter reveals that the buzz about our new processor family was at it’s peak during the show and continues on even after the ubergeeks have left Sin City.  The only question left – When are YOU upgrading?