PC sales may be falling due to rise in demand for smartphones, but Intel has decided to tweak its PC strategy by releasing the 8th generation of its processors, designed specifically for U-Series PCs.
This means that the 8th generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors have been tailor-made to work on slim laptops, popularly known as ultrabooks. The series, code named Kaby Lake Refresh, also caters to mobile PC devices like convertible 2-in-1s that are widely available in the market.
Laptops and 2-in-1s from brands like HP, Dell, and Lenovo, among others, will start rolling out later in 2017, and, hopefully, the Indian market will be part of the first batch.
In terms of performance, Intel claims the 8th generation processors deliver 40 percent more speed than its predecessor while multitasking.
Intel said that to make the best use of its latest processors, it’s best to upgrade the PCs, or else, you miss out on some of the features made available with the Kaby Lake Refresh.
The processors are based on both architectures: 14nm model and the latest in their stable, the 10nm units.
They’ve also added a couple of more cores, which are utilised when heavy-duty software like editing videos, or watching videos in 4K, is in use.
The brute computing strength of the Kaby Lake Refresh comes into play when you try virtual reality (VR) and 360 degree content, the latest that the industry has to offer. This indicates that Intel is confident that over the next year or so, manufacturers are going to prioritise 4K Ultra HD panels, touch-support devices, and multi-dimensional 2-in-1s.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t get an upgraded graphics unit. Intel confirmed that the graphics capability of the Intel UHD graphics is no different than its predecessor.
However, there’s good news for power users and those who’re working on-the-go all the time. Intel said that even with its extended power capability, users can expect battery life to remain around those that the 7th generation systems churn out.
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