Taipei, Taiwan – Intel has invented a new category of mobile computers it is calling the “Ultrabook” the firm revealed at Computex on Tuesday. The company said it was also accelerating its Atom processor roadmap to a one-process-generation per year cadence.
Speaking publicly at Computex for the first time after his stroke a year and a half ago, Intel Executive Vice President Sean Maloney said that by the end of 2012, 40% of the consumer laptop market segment would be made up by these so called Ultrabooks.
Despite its brand new name, the Ultrabook seems to be nothing more than a very thin notebook, with some tablet type functionality built in. This includes fast boot time and always on connectivity – even in sleep mode – much like a smartphone or slate.
Maloney also outlined Intel’s next-generation, fanless netbook platform, codenamed “Cedar Trail,” a range of new Atom processor-based tablets available today, and a “Medfield” tablet reference design for sub-9mm designs, weighing less than 1.5 pounds and supporting a choice of operating systems.
“Computing is taking many forms,” said Maloney. “Technology innovation is a catalyst, and we believe the changes Intel is making to its roadmaps, together with strong industry collaboration, will bring about an exciting change in personal computing over the next few years.”
He concluded by reiterating Intel’s push to innovate faster when it comes to Atom based SoCs not just for notebooks and tablets, but smartphones and other connected devices too.
