Intel reports fairly solid results for Q1 2012, with earnings reaching $2.7 billion-- down from $3.9bn in Q4 2011 due to disruptions from HDD shortages and the resulting inventory reductions across the supply chain.
Q1 2012 revenues reach a total of $12.9bn, with all Intel groups (including PC client and data centre groups) seeing Y-o-Y losses.
However Intel is optimistic for H2 2012-- and not only because HDD shortages are improving. The company hopes the Ivy Bridge launch will fuel sales further, especially in combination with the Windows 8 launch.
The company also remains hopeful Ultrabook demand will be on the up.
At the earnings call CEO Paul Otellini had a surprise announcement-- Intel will launch the first Medfield smartphone "later this week." Otellini does not specify the smartphone model, although rumour suggests it might be the Lava Xolo X900, which is set to launch in India soon.
Intel is also working on tablets, as seen earlier at IDF 2012, Beijing.
Will Intel be as successful in mobile as it is elsewhere? Its strategy (especially in tablets) hinges on the reception Windows 8 will receive, after all. According to some analysts, a bit of luck might make Intel even more unstoppable than it already is...
