Intel, excluded from a recent Microsoft AI event, showcased its upcoming Copilot+ family of PC microprocessors, the Core Ultra chips codenamed Lunar Lake. These chips are set to arrive in the third quarter of 2024, just in time for the holiday season. Intel’s Executive Vice President Michelle Johnston Holthaus highlighted the energy efficiency, compatibility of x86 architecture, and comprehensive software enablement portfolio across CPUs, GPUs, and NPUs that Lunar Lake and Copilot+ will offer.
At the Microsoft event, Intel and AMD were given minimal attention as Microsoft focused on Qualcomm and its Surface PCs. Qualcomm, known for delivering a viable Arm chipset for Windows PCs, received praise during the event, implicitly highlighting Intel’s need for equally efficient PC chips with powerful NPUs for hardware-accelerated on-device AI capabilities.
Intel announced that their upcoming client processors, Lunar Lake, will power over 80 new laptop designs at more than 20 OEMs starting in the third quarter of 2024. This move positions Intel to compete with Qualcomm and attract more industrial support. Intel’s first-generation Core Ultra chips, Meteor Lake, are not comparable to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Ultra due to their NPU deficiency. However, Intel’s second-generation Core processors will close this gap by offering TOP 40 performance, qualifying them as Copilot+ PCs with AI features.
AMD, although not publicly reacting to the Microsoft event, also has a next generation of PC chips in the works that will meet the NPU requirements for Copilot+ PCs. PC makers, who partner with multiple chip manufacturers, faced a slight at the Microsoft event where attention was primarily given to Qualcomm and Surface PCs, rather than showcasing their products.
In the changing landscape of the PC industry, Intel must align its course to remain competitive. Monday’s event served as a warning that traditional alliances could shift if Intel fails to adapt. By emphasizing their capabilities and potential competition with companies like Qualcomm, Intel has shown a commitment to evolving with the industry.
Overall, Intel’s announcement of the Lunar Lake processors and their push to deliver competitive PC microprocessors with enhanced AI capabilities signals a shift in the industry. With a focus on energy efficiency, compatibility, and software enablement, Intel aims to regain traction and compete with other major players in the PC market.
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