Intel reveals second super-slim tablet, vendor ties at Computex
Chip giant is showing off an even thinner version of its tablet design and announcing collaborative efforts with Acer and other device makers. Also on tap: the desktop, 2-in-1s, and a 3D camera.
Intel will unveil an even thinner version of its tablet design at the Computex conference on Wednesday, as well as show off a host of other technologies and announce a collaborative effort with Acer.
In keynotes, Kirk Skaugen, general manager of the PC Client Group, and Hermann Eul, general manager of the Mobile and Communications Group, will both discuss efforts to build momentum for tablets, LTE, and reinvention of the 2-in-1 hybrid laptop-tablet.
Some of the highlights of the keynotes:
More Llama Mountain goodness -- this time, a 10-inch design: After showing off the 12.5-inch version yesterday, Intel has a 10-inch version too. This is only 6.8mm (0.26 inches) thick and just 550 grams (1.2 pounds). That makes it easily one the thinnest Windows tablets in the world and indicates that more of these impossibly thin tablets and laptops are on the way from device makers.
Both tablets tap Intel's most power-efficient Core silicon to date: The Core M processor.
2-in-1 hybrids below $700: There is "three times the volume of new designs in the pipeline compared with a year ago," Intel said. And 50 percent are expected "to hit mainstream price points below $700."
Device makers on board: More than a dozen Intel-based tablets are launching during the Computex timeframe, Intel said. Tablets will debut from Acer, Asus, Dell, KD Interactive, Lenovo, and Toshiba. "Approximately 35 percent of Intel Atom processor-based tablet designs currently include or will include Intel communications solutions," Intel said, alluding to integrated 3G/4G.
Acer collaboration: Jason Chen, CEO of Acer, announced a new agreement with Intel "on the development and distribution of Intel-based tablets," including the Acer Iconia Tab 8 that was launched at Computex.
SoFIA-based phones: Intel is offering a turnkey solution for phones based on SoFIA, a processor for low-cost phones and tablets. Intel's reference design program provides master reference designs, tools and brand support to help partners innovate on Intel architecture.
Desktop isn't dead: Intel introduced its first processor that runs at 4GHz on four cores simultaneously on the unlocked processor code named Devils Canyon. At an overclocking event at Computex, competitors set a world record by successful achieving 5.5 GHz on all four cores, using air/liquid cooling, Intel said.
Pentium at 20 years: To celebrate more than 20 years of Intel Pentium processors, Intel announced the Pentium Processor Anniversary Edition, an unlocked desktop processor that will enable a new generation of PC overclockers. Both will be available in volume this month.
Intel RealSense 3D camera: A small integrated 3D camera delivering real-time depth sensing, and enabling "natural and immersive interaction." Eight device makers have already committed to bringing it to market at major retailers across the United States and Europe in a variety of devices spanning 2-in-1s, laptops, and all-in-one PCs.
