Intel gives Banias an official name

Intel has announced Centrino as the official name for what until now has been known by the codename Banias - the company's future mobile processor.

However, Centrino will also cover the chipsets and silicon for wireless connectivity that come with the central chip.

The name was under wraps until lunchtime today, with only a handful of individuals at the microprocessor giant privy to the moniker before now. The colourful new logo for Centrino - which some might say looks like a house fly wings viewed from above - can be seen at the http://www.intel.com website.

David Mitchell, head of brand marketing, Intel UK and Ireland Sales and Marketing, told silicon.com: "It is meant to stand for convergence and forward movement."

No details were available on how much the brand cost to develop. Intel used an external agency for its development, and by the end of this year it will be seen on thousands of laptops and other mobile and wireless devices.

Intel still plans to release the microprocessor component of Centrino some time in the first half of this year. It is intended to allow longer laptop battery life, better performance, simple wireless LAN connectivity and new device form factors.