You would think a major move like this would have been leaked earlier. But it looks like Intel managed to keep everything quiet as they made moves to rebrand themselves for 2006 and on. To be officially announced on the third of January, Intel in one major move has dumped it's old logo (the 'e' has been moved up, and the swirl and font made to look a bit more edgy and techy), the old Intel case stickers are gone, replaced by stickers that will look very much like these. As for their slogan, gone is Intel inside, replaced by Leap ahead.

My quick take on the logo? More of an evolutionary leap than a total make over. The new logo incorporates their famous Intel inside case stickers with their old wordmark. It has lost its softness and looks a bit more cold, and edgy. Intel basically fully adopted their 'technology' stereotype and has thrown their logo in with the other tech company logos. I'm all for consolidation and am happy that they merged their two well known logos, but I think I will miss the softness of the old logo. Lent a more human factor to the technology company.

According to the Interbrand consultancy, Intel is the world's fifth most valuable brand, worth an estimated $36 billion. Now say goodbye to the oldest logo in the industry.

Update: To answer Amanda's question, word on the street is that FutureBrand is the agency behind the branding overhaul.