At the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in San Francisco, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) has revealed a completely new set of low-power chips, which are named after a Star Trek character called Quark. Intel reported at the event that the new subatomic Quark X1000, with 32-bit x86 chips, will be one fifth of the size and will be ten times more efficient than the Atom processors, which are currently the most efficient chips.
Intel to power smartwatches, glasses
Atom processors are used for tablets and smartphones, and Quark, at one fifth of the size of Atoms, will be used for devices with even lower-power requirements like smartwatches, glasses and medical devices. Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said during the IDF that the wearable computers segment is a good opportunity.
In important news, Chipzilla has roped in Steve Holmes, designer of the Nike FuelBand, and has also hired Hans Moritz, developer of Oakley’s Airwave heads-up display and other eyewear. Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC), as it has been doing with laptops and other products, will not create the devices but will reference designs for partners to work with.
However, Intel looks more determined this time. In his keynote speech, Krzanich emphasized the fact that Intel has the precise technology and products to power any devices, from tiny wearable devices to massive supercomputers.
“Our strategy is very simple,” Krzanich said. “Our plan is to lead in every segment of computing–servers, PCs, tablets, phones and beyond. Segments that are still being developed such as the Internet of Things.”
Other announcements made at IDF
Apart from Quark chips, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) also announced the much expected low-power Haswell chips and Bay Trail Atom for tablets. Intel also unveiled its first working laptop powered by a 14nm “Broadwell” Core processor and a smartphone running on a 22nm “Silvermont” Atom chip.
Efforts made by Intel reflect that the company is optimistic in the wearable gear segment. Smartwatches and glasses are no doubt the future, but whether or not will they be as successful as smartphones is questionable. However, for Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) the most essential part will be not to miss the boat this time (as it did with smartphones) as rival Qualcomm is also working on similar lines.
