Intel, the world’s largest chip maker, has some exciting new hardware planned for release over the next couple of years, according to a leaked NUC consumer roadmap. For people who like tiny computers capable of packing a big punch, this is great news.
Intel’s NUC roadmap leaked
Intel is not known as well for its computers as it is for its processors. However, the ones it does produce are small, versatile and fast. The NUC systems are no exception as well. Many believe the launch of the NUC line is just a response to the Apple Mini, but time has shown that the chip maker has brought a lot to the table with its small computer lines. Intel is offering its four-by-four inch motherboard separately, giving a high power option for the Raspberry Pi and limitless possibilities for integration into the Internet of Things (IoT).
According to the leaked information, the chip maker is planning to continue its NUC line at least through 2018 and offer progressively faster hardware with better options to meet the need for custom apps. The chip giant has a strong hold in the niche market of quality small computing options with its NUC line even though it may never be known primarily for its PCs.
The NUC computers and Intel Compute Stick are tiny and slightly less-tiny desktop computers powered by Intel chips. According to the NUC roadmap published by Fanless Tech, the first Apollo Lake NUC will possibly launch by the end of 2016.
What does the Intel roadmap tell us?
According to the leaked roadmap, the Skylake processor line will be replaced by Intel’s new 7th-gen Core chips, which are launching this year. According to Liliputing, the lower and cheaper power versions of the Celeron and Pentium chips are also scheduled for release this year, replacing the Braswell chips. The 7th-gen Core chips, code-named “Kaby Lake” will come in desktops, high-performance tablets and notebooks, whereas the new Celeron and Pentium chips based on the “Apollo Lake” architecture will carry on the legacy of the soon-to-be-defunct Intel Atom line of chips.
Intel will make its new Celeron processor available in the fourth quarter of 2016 with its Arches Canyon model, according to the roadmap. The 7th-gen Core chip will be available at the beginning of 2017 within the Baby Canyon i7 model. Meanwhile, the chip maker is continuing to offer current models and the Skull Canyon model that was launched just recently. Skull Canyon offers a 6th-gen Core chip and is expected to be produced through 2017.
