Intel looks to next generation of computing

Paul Otellini’s keynote speech at the Intel Developer Forum today focused on the “new marketplace for pervasive computing”, as he detailed how the next generation of Intel chips are to drive the increasing number of internet connected devices across the globe, from PCs to cars.

The CEO outlined his firm’s position that as the proliferation of billions of smarter, internet-connected devices continues, there are significant gains to be made for the tech industry. This increase in internet access was also cited as a reason for its relevance in the security market upon its recent acquisition of McAfee.

Intel is placing itself very much of the centre of this "transformation in the computing marketplace," – apparently extending its chip design, manufacturing techniques and software expertise to offer more complete hardware and software platforms.

“Computing has become an indispensable part of our daily lives,” said Otellini. “Our vision is to create a continuum of personal computing experiences that provides consistency and interoperability across all Internet-connected devices in the home, car, office or in your pocket. At the heart of this continuum will sit Intel technology that will make devices smarter, more powerful and more useful.

"We’re changing how we develop and deliver solutions so we can deliver on this vision. There’s tremendous innovation happening for PCs today. I’m excited about Intel’s prospects for bringing its rich history of computing expertise to other markets.”

As well as predicting the sheer volume of internet capable devices to rise dramatically, Otellini also used his speech to outline the firm’s continued plan to get its chips into other markets – most notably TVs.

“We’re excited by how the TV industry is making a transition from having just a few Internet-based services to a truly integrated Internet experience. We call this new category smart TV, and products are beginning to take off around the world.”

Intel is using IDF to showcase its next generation of Core chips, which are expected to be in production this year and appearing on PCs in 2011. Codenamed Sandy Bridge, the family will have ‘rich visual experience built in’ – which essentially translates as on-board functionality usually associated with a GPU. We’ve given this a more in-depth run down here.

Dadi Perlmutter, executive vice president and general manager of the Intel Architecture Group said: “Our upcoming 2nd Generation Intel Core processor family represents the biggest advance in computing performance and capabilities over any previous generation. In addition to offering these features inside Intel-based laptops, we plan to scale these advances across our server data center and embedded computing product portfolio.”

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