During the Consumer Electronics Show, Intel introduced its 2nd Generation Intel Core processor family.
New features include Intel Insider, Intel Quick Sync Video, and a new version of Intel Wireless Display (WiDi), which now adds 1080p HD and content protection for those wishing to beam premium HD content from their laptop screen to their TV. The company also revealed working with CinemaNow, Dixons Retail plc, Hungama Digital Media Entertainment, Image Entertainment, Sonic Solutions, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution.
"The new 2nd Generation Intel Core processors represent the biggest advance in computing performance and capabilities over any other previous generation," said Mooly Eden, vice president and general manager, PC Client Group, Intel. "The built-in visual capabilities enabled by these new processors are stunning. This, combined with improved adaptive performance, will revolutionize the PC experience in a way that is obvious for every user to see and appreciate - visibly smarter performance."
Whereas Intel's older Nehalem architecture sported two separate chips - one for the CPUs and L3 cache and one for the GPU and memory controller -, the 2nd Gen Intel Core processors are the first to have a single chip hosting the CPU, GPU, memory controller and cache. This should translate to increased memory access speed and higher graphics performance as well as more optimized cache access.
Keep in mind that the 2nd Gen Intel Core graphics target "high-definition (HD) video, photos and mainstream gaming", rather than hardcore games. Still, the reduced power consumption when running those applications is a nice bonus for laptop owners.
Additionally, a surprise new feature of the next-generation PC and laptop processors, Intel Insider, will give consumers access to movies on their PCs in full high-definition on the same day as DVD and Blu-ray releases. Intel has partnered with Hollywood and Bollywood studios along with leading content distributors such as CinemaNow, Dixons Retail plc, Hungama Digital Media Entertainment, Image Entertainment, Sonic Solutions, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution and others to provide content for the new service.
