Intel is patiently waiting for Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich to drop before releasing smartphones and tablets equipped with their processors. Adding to list of Android 4.0’s not highly publicized “features,” Ice Cream Sandwich is finally Intel x86 ready and the manufacturer hopes to have their first x86 powered smartphone launch sometime in the first half of next year.

Currently, Android is mostly “ARM friendly,” providing chipset makers like Nvidia, Samsung and Qualcomm with a cashcow that just keeps on giving. ARM is one of Intel’s biggest competitors and it’s going to take a lot of magic for Intel to catch up in a market ARM currently dominates.

Before Android, Intel had their efforts focused on the now defunct MeeGo OS. According to reports, Intel has been working closely with Google to make up for lost time and Android 4.0’s compatibility is a result of that.

I’m excited to see what OEM’s will be packing their devices with Intel’s mobile processors. If there’s one thing that’s good for consumers (and Android) it’s competition. Bring it, Intel!

[Via ComputerWorld]