Intel@Computex 2018 – push the boundaries of modern PCs

Intel@Computex 2018

Intel@Computex 2018 used the event to reinforce its call for OEMs to build Intel ‘Creator’ PCs. It’s time to push the boundaries of current design.

Currently, design constraints include performance, connectivity, battery life, adaptability and intelligence.

Intel@Computex 2018 stated, “Most of us are already choosing the PC as the place to go to focus. Over 80% turn to their PC when they need to get things done. There is an opportunity to fundamentally improve the PC experience to meet today’s needs.”

On the performance front, Intel@Computex 2018 highlighted

  • Mobile: 8th Gen Intel Core processor family including the Whiskey Lake U-series and Amber Lake Y-series with up to double-digit performance gains
  • Integrated gigabit Wi-Fi.
  • Expect more than 140 new laptops and 2-in-1s from OEMs starting this spring.
  • Desktop: By the end of this year a new X-series release and the next Intel Core S-series processor.
  • Intel Optane SSD 905P available in an M.2 form factor (Optane is Intel’s high-performance memory and SSD system)
  • Limited edition 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8086K processor, the first Intel processor with a 5.0 GHz turbo frequency.

Connectivity

  • Intel processor based, 5G-connected PCs.
  • Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Microsoft will deliver the industry’s first 5G-connected laptops and 2-in-1s in 2019.

All-day battery life

  • A new Intel Low Power Display Technology, featuring a one-watt panel manufactured by Sharp and Innolux can cut LCD power consumption by half.
  • Intel expects to deliver an additional four-to-eight hours of local video playback. The result is up to 28 hours battery life on some devices.

Adaptability

  • New form factors like dual screen, along with designing platforms for specific usage scenarios.
  • It highlighted an innovative Lenovo Yoga Book.
  • It also showed off multiple ‘Creator’ notebooks, desktop towers, all-in-ones and peripherals from Acer, ASUS, Corsair, Dell, HP, MSI and Twist. This category will provide different aesthetics, peripherals, and upgradable form factors. They feature Intel Core i7 and Intel Core i9 processor performance, Thunderbolt 3 technology and Intel Optane SSDs.

Intelligence

Intelligence will be integral to the modern, adaptable PC experience. Intel will bring AI to PCs by delivering tools, silicon and resources to the developer community; It will collaborate with OEMs to package the AI capabilities into new devices.

ASUS showcased a new concept PC called Project Precog. It is a convertible dual-screen notebook equipped with intelligent features for versatility and productivity. It also showed off a new ZenBook Pro, which allows developers to take advantage of the low-power Intel Movidius VPU to create AI-centric features for both existing and new applications.

GadgetGuy’s take – Intel@Computex 2018 is a good start. Let’s banish boring PCs

I started making and selling beige boxes (PCs) in the early 80s. In reality, there has just been an evolution of Moore’s Law. Computers get faster, cheaper, smaller and better but they largely do the same thing.

Intel is right to call OEMs to task. It is time to develop new hardware and harness AI. Intel is very close to some wonderful new designs.

Gregory M. Bryant is senior vice president and general manager of the Client Computing Group at Intel Corporation. His Intel@Computex 2018 presentation is below.