At the Intelligent Generations showcase at PG12, Intel Penang today, Intel Malaysia officially launched the Intel Compute Stick and also exhibited the latest 5th Generation Intel Core powered and Intel Atom x3 reference designs and development boards.
Proudly Malaysian, proudly Asian
The myriad products and platforms on show today are a culmination of work built on the foundation laid down by 50 years of Moore’s Law. Many of Intel’s key innovations are proudly designed, developed and produced in Malaysia. The next generation of computing platform — the Intel Compute Stick, for instance, was a brainchild of local engineers.
The new Atom x3 processor series, on the other hand, was developed in Intel Mobile Communications in Singapore.
“Technology is driving a new wave of innovation throughout the entire Asia Pacific region including Japan,” said Prakash Mallya, managing director of sales and marketing Intel South East Asia. Mallya was proud to reveal that some of the world’s best talents in technology that are driving the rise of new personal computing experiences are located right here in Asia.
5th Gen Core
The new 5th Generation Intel Core processor family is Intel’s latest wave of processors based on the cutting-edge 14nm fabrication process. These processors deliver improved system and graphics performance, more immersive user experiences and deliver better battery life compared to previous generations.
Launched at CES 2015, the new 5th Generation Intel Core family includes 14 new processors for consumers and businesses — including 10 new 15W processors with Intel HD Graphics and four new 28W products with Intel Iris Graphics.
The power-efficient processor purpose-built for the next generation of devices enables thinner, lighter and more diverse form factors including traditional notebooks, 2-in-1 devices, Ultrabooks, Chromebooks, all-in-one desktop PCs and mini PCs.
Intel Atom x5 and x7 codenamed “Cherry Trail,” the next generation 14nm processors made for tablets, have already started showing up in products such as the Microsoft Surface 3, and more will come. Cherry Trail brings 64-bit computing, improved graphics, Intel RealSense technology, now wires, no passwords, great performance and battery life. It also has modem capabilities with LTE-Advanced on Intel XMM 726x platform.
SoFIA goes commercial
The Intel Atom x3 processor series codenamed “SoFIA” is Intel’s first integrated communications platform for entry and value tablets and mobile devices with 4G LTE or 3G support.
The SoC features fast 64-bit 28nm multi-core Intel Atom CPUs (dual-core and quad-core) with integrated modems, image sensor processor (ISP), graphics, audio, connectivity and power management components. The platform supports Android and Windows 10 Mobile and is expected to power low cost, entry-level smartphones and tablets later this year.
Computer on a stick
The Intel Compute Stick has got to be one of the most exciting innovations to officially debut this year. The new computing platform is based on the Intel Atom, a 4-inch long plug-and-play device that transforms any HDMI display into a full-fledged computer. The possibilities for applications are limitless, as we anticipate its commercial roll-out in Malaysia in a couple of weeks. There are two variants — one that runs Windows 8.1 and the other Ubuntu. It will sell for RM599 and RM499 respectively. Watch this space closely.
