Intel@Computex: New Platforms Driving the Next Wave of Computing
Today at Computex 2019 in Taipei, Taiwan, Intel showcased new prototype laptops, artificial intelligence (AI), ambient computing, modular computing and more.
Honeycomb Glacier
Intel demonstrated a new form factor concept (code-named “Honeycomb Glacier”) to enable new experiences for gamers and creators. The Honeycomb Glacier concept features an integrated companion display for more screen real estate to game and create, all in a laptop. The design is making key information persistent on the companion screen to access things like level maps, inventories, status and more with no applications overlapping your game play or switching between applications. The companion display also enables simultaneous gaming and streaming, giving streamers the chance to interact with their audience real time without sacrificing their game play.
Intel is collaborating with OEMs to bring to market companion display systems based on this visionary concept and powered by the latest 9th Gen Intel Core mobile processors, with the first being the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo with ScreenPad Plus.
Additionally, with new laptops coming with Wi-Fi 6. Intel showcased new Wi-Fi 6 home routers and gateways powered by Intel technology from AVM, Edimax, Elecom NETGEAR and TP-Link that are launching this year.
Ambient Compute Concept PC
Providing an early look at how computing will evolve, the company demonstrated the Intel ambient PC prototype (code-named “Mohawk River”) to show how the laptop can:
- Be always ready and proactively adapting to users.
- Anticipate user needs and commands by leveraging human presence sensors, 180-degree cameras, exterior secondary displays and Intel local voice ID.
- Connect with people using closed-lid intelligence, allowing for seamless transition from open lid to closed lid and back again.
- Continue working efficiently, getting relevant information and staying connected even with the lid closed when in transition.
- Amplify planned or adhoc meetings with 360 video conferencing.
Intel also demonstrated how it is implementing a human presence approach using hands-free login with Windows Hello and Intel Context Sensing Technology to deliver advanced laptop experiences that help people focus, be always ready and adapt to different roles throughout the day.
First AI on PC Dev Kit
Intel announced a collaboration with Microsoft and Asus to launch the world’s first AI on PC Development Kit, delivering a new laptop form factor featuring the latest AI software and hardware technologies to put developers at the cutting edge of AI application development.
Available starting July 2019, the dev kit contains a combination of an Intel Core CPU and Intel Integrated Graphics, and, for the first time, an Intel Movidius Myriad X VPU for high-performance, low-power AI workloads. The three hardware engines will run a diverse range of AI workloads.
The AI on PC Development Kit will also include a suite of pre-installed software that will enable developers to go from idea to creation right out of the box, including the newest Windows ML libraries, the cross-platform Intel OpenVINO toolkit, and all of the necessary supporting tools for end-to-end AI application development on PC.
Modular Computing
Intel announced the Intel NUC Compute Element, which enables an industry standard for modular compute utilizing Intel Architecture and standard compute technologies and interfaces. The device incorporates an Intel CPU, memory, connectivity and other components and is capable of powering solutions like laptops, kiosks, smart TVs, appliances and more. The Intel NUC Compute Element delivers performance and connectivity at a low cost while making it easy to integrate, upgrade and service computing in next-generation devices.
The initial NUC Compute Element will be available with a range of processors, including versions with Intel vPro technology for increased security and manageability. Products based on the Intel NUC Compute Element are expected to be in market in the first half of 2020.
Intel Optane
Intel announced Intel Optane memory M15, a new generation of Intel Optane memory. Available in 2019’s third quarter, Intel Optane memory M15 features higher performance and lower power than the previous generation. Combined with the 9th Gen Intel Core mobile and desktop platforms, people will experience short boot times, fast application launches, and fast gaming and browsing.
This builds on the launch of Intel Optane memory H10 with solid state storage – a device that combines the responsiveness of Intel Optane technology with the storage capacity of Intel Quad Level Cell (QLC) 3D NAND technology in a single space-saver M.2 form factor.