Computex: Intel Core m, SoFIA-based smartphone, 3D cameras and more from Intel's keynote

The Intel keynote is a major event at Computex, the year’s biggest PC event, which is living under the shadow of Apple’s WWDC .   This year’s theme concentrated on integrated systems and smart connected devices. Renee James, Intel President, took to the stage and laid stress on the importance of Intel working with Taiwan’s technology eco-system. [caption id=“attachment_225046” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”] Intel Core m will be based on the 14nm manufacturing process and is expected to be seen in tablets, 2-in-1s and laptops with fanless designs[/caption]   James unveiled Intel Core m, Intel’s new line of Core series processors built on the 14nm process.  She showcased a 12.5-inch 2-in-1 code-named Llama Mountain, having just 7.2mm thickness on the sides with the keyboard detached. This device powered by the Intel Core m processor, has a fanless design which will be a mainstay of many tablets / 2-in-1 / laptop designs employing this processor. [caption id=“attachment_225047” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”] Intel President, Renee James demoed a call on a smartphone reference design based on dual-core SoFIA platform[/caption]   Intel’s SoFIA system-on-chip comprises a 3G as well as an LTE solution. James made the first public phone call using a smartphone reference design based on the dual-core SoFIA 3G solution. Intel had announced a strategic partnership with Chinese fabless semiconductor company Rockchip last week, to come out with quad-core SoFIA 3G SoCs for entry level tablets. Intel has also promised to come up with quad-core SoFIA LTE parts by the end of 2015. [caption id=“attachment_225045” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”] Foxconn executive Young Liu showcasing the tablet running on Intel Atom processor[/caption]   Intel has currently partnered with global OEMs and ODMs to come up with around 130 tablet designs. More than a dozen of those will be showcased at Computex.  Around 35 percent of Intel Atom-based tablets will also come with Intel’s communication solutions. Foxconn executive Young Liu showcased a thin Intel Bay Trail tablet sporting a full HD display and housing Intel’s LTE communication platform as well.   ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih also came on stage to talk about ASUS Transformer Book T300 Chi , which is a 12-mm thin laptop running Intel Core m processor. [caption id=“attachment_225048” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”] Intel released the RealSense technology SDK for developers[/caption]   Camera technology is the next big frontier, especially when it comes to improving image processing. Intel is working with partners to make 3D cameras more mainstream. Intel’s RealSense technology coupled with 3D cameras are aiming to make communication more immersive. To that end, James said that the Intel RealSense software development kit 2014 will be made available to developers in the third quarter of 2014, providing opportunity for developers of all skill levels to create natural, intuitive user interfaces. Emphasizing Intel’s support and commitment to the software ecosystem, the company will hold the $1 Million Intel RealSense App Challenge 2014, and the ideation phase will begin in third quarter of 2014. [caption id=“attachment_225050” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”] A live demo showcasing Intel’s RealSense technology where the camera monitors facial expressions and replicates them on an avatar in real time[/caption]   “The lines between technology categories are blurring as the era of integrated computing takes hold where form factor matters less than the experience delivered when all devices are connected to each other and to the cloud,” said James. “Whether it’s a smartphone, smart shirt, ultra-thin 2 in 1 or a new cloud service delivered to smart buildings outfitted with connected systems, together Intel and the Taiwan ecosystem have the opportunity to accelerate and deliver the value of a smart, seamlessly connected and integrated world of computing.”