Potentially significant hardware and software partnership confirmed by both parties.
In the words of the partners they are aiming to design a "new class of Intel Architecture-based mobile computing device and chipset architectures which will combine the performance of powerful computers with high-bandwidth mobile broadband communications and ubiquitous Internet connectivity".
Phew. Long sentences aside, it's a potentially significant deal, as it paves the way from Nokia to get more seriously into connected hardware other than mobile handsets (and beyond its current tablet range), and to start fitting its phones with some pretty powerful processing power in the longer-term (i.e. Intel's Atom series).
From Intel's point of view, the deal could significantly increase its standing in a mobile market dominated by ARM's chip IP.
The companies haven't detailed specific projects as yet. A statement issued today goes on to say the Nokia and Intel will build on their longstanding relationship to define "a new mobile platform beyond today's smartphones, notebooks and netbooks, enabling the development of a variety of innovative hardware, software and mobile internet services".
The two companies are also working with the Linux foundation to develop a new version of its Moblin OS – which currently powers Nokia's high end handsets such as the N810 internet tablet – for the new devices.
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Nokia was keen to stress that this deal wasn't simply a talking shop and would lead to new products.
"Today's announcement represents a significant commitment to work together on the future of mobile computing, and we plan to turn our joint research into action," said executive vice president for devices at Nokia, Kai Öistämö.
"We will explore new ideas in designs, materials and displays that will go far beyond devices and services on the market today. This collaboration will be compelling not only for our companies, but also for our industries, our partners and of course, for consumers."
