Intel has unveiled its line of 7th Generation Core Processors, designed to handle the demands of the ‘Immersive Internet’ such as high-quality video and virtual reality.
The initial announcement covers Intel Core m3 processors and Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors.
The processor family, built on Skylake microarchitecture, is designed to be able to process video formats such as 4K and 360-degree video, to enable applications such as powerful photo and video editing, multiple video streams, 360- degree videos, and high-resolution video chat.
The media engine with power-efficient VP9 and HEVC 10-bit hardware acceleration will enhance 4K viewing and content creation.
Other features include enhanced power efficiency. Web browsing is controlled through Intel Speed Shift Technolgy, while the Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology controls performance and power dynamically, boosting it when needed and saving energy when it can.
The Thunderbolt 3 USB technology will allow quick data transfers
The processors use what Intel calls 14nm+ technology, which allows much thinner PCs.
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For mobile devices, the HEVC 10-bit decode capability will deliver premium content playback up to 4K UHD. It includes a VP9 decode capability which allows power-efficient smooth 4K UHD, 4K 360-degree playback.
The U and Y processors support higher data transfer rates of 8 GT/s compared to 5 GT/s with PCle Gen 2. The Rapid Storage Technology supports NVMe PCle solid state drives and can use Gen 3 PCIe Speeds. The Context Sensing software development kit allows software vendors to develop sensor-enhanced applications.
They also support two cores and four threads with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology, which allow 2 in 1 designs.
Intel says that the processor shows up to a 12 percent improvement in productivity and 19 percent faster web performance over the previous generation released a year ago. Compared to a 5-year-old PC it should allow users to create, edit and share 4K UHD and 360-degree clips up to 15 times faster.
Intel expects over 100 devices powered by the new processor family to be available starting from September.
