Looking for a new Series 3 laptop? You’ve come to the right place.

Earlier this week at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Intel launched the Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 3 processors.  

The launch event featured about 24 different AI PC laptops from 15 leading PC OEMs located in Intel’s Tech Showcase center. Each run on Series 3 CPUs built on Intel 18A –it’s the most advanced semiconductor process Intel has ever developed. 

The top Series 3 SKUs (stock-keeping units) will deliver up to 60% better multithread performance, over 77% faster gaming performance and up to 27 hours of battery life. 

Pre-orders for the first consumer laptops powered by Series 3 CPUs begin this week, with over 200 designs from leading PC OEMs coming later this year.  

One Series 3 customer – Brazil-based Positivo Tecnologia – can’t wait to bring these devices to market. 

“We are so excited to partner with Intel on the launch of Series 3 and can’t wait for our customers to get their hands on our laptops featuring all-new Series 3 processors,” said Hélio Bruck Rotenberg, President of Positivo Tecnologia. 

“This is Positivo and Intel truly writing the new chapter in technology together.” 

The post Postcard from CES 2026: Intel Launches Series 3 CPUs With 200+ Laptop Designs Coming appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Created by Oversonic Robotics – the first Italian-based robotics company that makes AI-optimized humanoid robots – RoBee was among the star attractions at Intel’s Tech Showcase area in CES Las Vegas.

Meet RoBee. Standing about 6 feet tall, this humanoid robot from Oversonic Robotics is powered by AI and created for situations that require split-second decision-making, like performing complex manufacturing tasks or assisting patients with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

RoBee needs to think fast – quite literally on its feet – which is where local on-device processing comes into play. Powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra series 3 edge processors, all of RoBee’s speech understanding, speech generation, reasoning and select vision tasks are processed on the robot.

Nothing is sent to the cloud, which reduces reliance on large, power-hungry GPUs and reduces the risk of latency. Series 3 for edge systems will be available starting Q1 of 2026.

Press Kit: Intel at CES 2026 – Newsroom

The post Postcard from CES 2026: RoBee Steals the Spotlight with Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 3 edge processors appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Intel surprised guests with a new artwork installation built with not 100, not 1,000 but 42,000 LEGO bricks.

The mockup of an actual Intel® Core^™ Ultra Series 3 (code-named Panther Lake) chip even lights up, thanks to 600+ LEDs and complicated circuitry hidden within its LEGO tiles – mimicking the way a real-life Series 3 processor functions.

Since its big reveal on Jan. 5 at Intel’s Tech Showcase, it’s been drawing huge crowds that gape at its size and color.

Press Kit: Intel at CES 2026

“This CPU brick building model has LED lights that light up its CPU, NPU and GPU tiles based on Windows Task Manager,” explained Khoi Nguyen, mastermind of the unique installation.

Nguyen recruited Zach Hill, a former Intel intern and member of Intel’s Graphics Technical Marketing team who is a longtime LEGO enthusiast.

This is not Hill’s first Intel-centric build.

In 2023, Hill designed a 600-piece Intel® Arc™ A750 GPU. PCGamer called it “a seriously impressive piece of engineering; it even includes moving parts,” with “spinning fans made from steering wheels, with fifteen LEGO meat cleaver pieces clipped onto each of them.”

Nguyen and Hill brainstormed the model, and Hill used LEGO Group’s Bricklink Studio software to create the 3D model. Now, while dreaming up the concept is one feat, putting the literal pieces together – all 42,000 of them – was quite another.

It took Hill weeks to build the set. At first it sprawled across the floor in his house, then had to be moved to his garage because it was hitting the ceiling. (The entire model measures about 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide.)

“For the last 10 days, I have been up until 3 a.m. every night, integrating the model with the electronics for the LEDs. We had to modify and make changes to the building bricks to make space for everything. It’s exhausting but also very rewarding to see it coming together,” shares Nguyen, who also designed the power harness and data line level shifter circuitry so all 600+ LEDs would work correctly.

And teammate Michael Larsen wrote the software that triggers the LEDs to light up in the correct sequence.

“Larsen figured out a way to easily get the NPU utilization represented by using Intel OpenVINO to run the AI model to analyze Windows Task Manager, and pull out the corresponding percentage of utilization, then send the signals to the LEDs on the model,” Nguyen explained.

Hill explains how his life-long love of LEGO began with an early fascination with the building blocks of the universe, and how LEGO bricks – like transistors in modern computers – reflect the expandable, modular nature of atomic and molecular structures.

“Just as LEGO pieces or silicon are meaningless on their own, they come alive when thoughtfully arranged by humans who turn simple components into something powerful, expressive, and unique,” said Hill.

“I’m particularly excited to support the launch of Intel® Core™ Ultra CPUs with this giant LEGO build as it represents the versatility shared by Intel CPUs and LEGO pieces –technological advancements which enable work, play, and interpersonal connection.”

Learn more about Series 3: CES 2026: Intel Core Ultra Series 3 Debut as First Built on Intel 18A – Intel Newsroom

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At Intel’s Series 3 launch, Intel showed off 9 engaging demos highlighting, gaming, AI, content creation, retail, edge and more – all running on PCs powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 3. Intel ushers in the next generation of AI PCs with exceptional performance, graphics and battery life; available this month.

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS:

• First platform built on Intel 18A: At CES 2026, Intel launched the Intel® Core^™ Ultra Series 3 processors, the first compute platform built on Intel 18A – the most advanced semiconductor process ever developed and manufactured in the United States.
• Powering over 200 PC designs: Series 3 delivers a robust family of processors powering hundreds of designs up and down the stack, all delivering exceptional performance, graphics and battery life.
• From PC to Edge: For the first time, Series 3 processors are tested and certified for embedded and industrial use cases at the edge like robotics, smart cities, automation, healthcare, and more.

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2026 – Today at CES, Intel unveiled Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, the first AI PC platform built on Intel 18A process technology that was designed and manufactured in the United States. Powering over 200 designs from leading, global partners, Series 3 will be the most broadly adopted and globally available AI PC platform Intel has ever delivered.

“With Series 3, we are laser focused on improving power efficiency, adding more CPU performance, a bigger GPU in a class of its own, more AI compute and app compatibility you can count on with x86.”

– Jim Johnson, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Client Computing Group, Intel

Series 3 Adds a New Class of Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 Processors

Within the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 mobile lineup, a new class of Intel Core Ultra X9 and X7 processors come packed with the highest performing, integrated Intel® Arc^™ graphics. They are purpose-built for multitaskers that handle advanced workloads like gaming, creation and productivity on the go. The top SKUs feature up to 16 CPU cores, 12 X^e -cores and 50 NPU TOPS, delivering up to 60% better multithread performance¹ over 77% faster gaming performance² and up to 27 hours of battery life³.

The Series 3 family also includes Intel Core processors, intentionally designed to power mainstream mobile systems. Leveraging the same foundational architecture of Intel Core Ultra Series 3, the Intel Core lineup enables more performant and efficient laptop designs at lower price points.

Event Press Kit: Intel at CES 2026

Series 3 Accelerates AI Adoption in Robotics, Smart Cities, Automation and Healthcare

For the first time, alongside their PC counterparts, Series 3 edge processors are certified for embedded and industrial use cases, including extended temperature ranges, deterministic performance, and 24×7 reliability.

Intel Core Ultra Series 3 delivers competitive advantages in critical edge AI workloads with up to 1.9x higher large language model (LLM) performance⁴, up to 2.3x better performance per watt per dollar on end-to-end video analytics⁵, and up to 4.5x higher throughput on vision language action (VLA) models⁶. The integrated AI acceleration enables superior total cost of ownership (TCO) through a single system on chip (SoC) solution versus traditional multi-chip CPU and GPU architectures.

Availability

Pre-orders for the first consumer laptops powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors will begin Jan. 6, 2026. Systems will be available globally starting Jan. 27, 2026, with additional designs coming throughout the first half of the year.

Edge systems powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 will be available starting Q1 2026.

More: Supporting Quotes from Partners | Product Brief: Intel Core Ultra Series 3 Processors | Press Deck: Supplemental Data Deep Dive

¹Up to 60% better multithread performance vs. Lunar Lake at similar power with an Intel® Core™ Ultra X9 388H vs. Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 288V. As measured by Cinebench 2024 Multi Core (at 25W). See www.intel.com/PerformanceIndex for workloads and configurations. Results may vary​.

²Up to 77% better gaming performance vs. Lunar Lake with an Intel® Core™ Ultra X9 388H vs. Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 288V. As measured by Geomean of average game performance across 45 game titles at 1080p High with 2x upscaling when supported on Panther Lake Reference Platform vs. Lunar Lake Reference Platform. See www.intel.com/PerformanceIndex for workloads and configurations. Results may vary​.

³Get as much as 27.1 hours while Netflix streaming with an Intel® Core™ Ultra X9 388H tested in Lenovo IdeaPad reference design. As measured by Netflix streaming at 1080p in Edge browser. Individual system results will vary significantly with different use, battery capacity and other factors. Learn more at intel.com/performanceindex for details

⁴As estimated by DeepSeek Ilama-8B first token latency on Intel Core Ultra X9 processor 388H vs. NVIDIA Jetson Orin™ AGX 64GB for BS1 and INT4. Individual system results may vary as power and performance are affected by use, configuration and other factors. Details at intel.com/performanceindex.

⁵As estimated by medium end-to-end video analytics with BS8 on Intel Core Ultra X9 processor 388H vs. NVIDIA Jetson Orin™ AGX 64GB. Individual system results may vary as power and performance are affected by use, configuration and other factors. Details at intel.com/performanceindex.

⁶As estimated by Action Chunking Transformer (ACT) Bimanual insertion model (using four cameras – 640×480 with FP32) on Intel Core Ultra X9 processor 388H iGPU vs. NVIDIA Jetson Orin™ AGX 64GB. Individual system results may vary as power and performance are affected by use, configuration and other factors. Details at intel.com/performanceindex.

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Tomorrow marks International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to honouring the achievements and contributions of women in our lives. In addition to these, TECNO and itel want to celebrate the critical role that smartphones play in empowering women across the world.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” which emphasises the need to uplift women in all spheres of life. Regarding this, TECNO and itel acknowledge how smartphones are not just communication devices but powerful tools for change, providing women with unprecedented access to information, resources, and opportunities.

Smartphones have transformed the landscape of connectivity and information sharing, enabling women to break through barriers that have historically limited their participation in various sectors of society. From education to entrepreneurship, smartphones have become vital instruments for empowerment.

Women have become leaders in previously male-dominated industries, while others use technology to balance workplace equality while still providing a nurturing home environment.

How Smartphones Aid in Empowering Women

• Access to Information: Smartphones have democratised access to knowledge. Women can now easily access educational resources, health information, and legal rights, empowering them to make informed decisions about their lives and futures.
• Networking Opportunities: Social media platforms and professional networking apps allow women to connect with mentors, peers, and industry leaders. This connectivity fosters collaboration, support, and the sharing of experiences, which are crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Entrepreneurship and Economic Independence: Smartphones enable women to start and manage businesses with ease. From mobile banking to e-commerce, women can reach customers and manage finances in ways that were not possible before, promoting economic independence and innovation.
• Safety and Wellbeing: Women can utilise smartphone applications for personal safety, health tracking, and mental wellness. Features like location sharing, emergency contacts, and wellness apps provide a sense of security and promote overall wellbeing.
• Advocacy and Activism: Smartphones are powerful tools for advocacy. Women can raise their voices on social issues, participate in campaigns, and mobilise support for causes that matter to them, thus driving social change.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s important to recognise that technology, particularly smartphones, can be a game-changer in the fight for gender equality. By harnessing the power of technology, women can be empowered to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities in every aspect of their lives.

In honor of International Women’s Day, TECNO and itel encourage everyone to reflect on the role of technology in promoting gender equality and to support initiatives that provide women with the skills and resources they need to thrive in the digital age. Let’s work towards realising a future where technology serves as a bridge to equality for all.

Availability

TECNO and itel devices are available from select retail partners, including Ackermans, Dunns, Edgars, Game, HiFi Corp, Jet, Makro, Mr Price, PEP, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, TFG, Vodacom and Woolworths (availability varies per retailer, per product, per store, and while stocks last. E&OE.).

Follow TECNO’s Facebook page and itel’s Facebook page for more information about special deals, all the latest goings-on, news, and competitions.

The post Empowering Women Through Technology: Celebrating International Women’s Day with the Benefits of Smartphones appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Love is in the air, as February marks the month of love with Valentine’s Day being celebrated (or not celebrated, depending on your relationship status). Though, a relationship situation to celebrate is the one you have with your smartphone, which is a constant companion in your life, bringing so much connectivity, functionality, convenience, and entertainment with it. There’s much to love about a TECNO smartphone, with the following being just some of the standouts.

A Trendy Look and Comfortable Feel

The look of a phone is the first thing that people notice, and TECNO phones bring very pleasing and trendy aesthetics with their designs. They allow you to stand out, making a statement to others that you are serious about looking your best with a premium handset (even though its price is far from emptying your bank account). They are also comfortable to hold, and fit into your hand, pocket, or bag with ease.

Top Tech at Affordable Prices

Speaking of emptying your bank account, the prices of some phones these days are eyewatering! One of TECNO’s core missions is to bring the best tech packed into a smartphone at an affordable price, democratising the accessibility of a reliable, useful device. What’s not to love about that? Instead of sacrificing quality to bring the pricing down, with lower tech included or inferior parts, TECNO’s devices are testament to the fact that devices with quality tech don’t need to cost you an arm and a leg.

More Than Just a Smartphone

When you purchase a TECNO smartphone, you are not just getting a phone. Even more value comes out of the box with a charging brick, USB charging cable, wired earphones, screen protector and phone cover also included with the device. This is not a guarantee with every phone you buy these days, where in some instances you must pay extra for these essential accessories.

Every TECNO device is also dual Sim and network open, meaning no matter what cellular network you are on, you can use the device.

Useful Features and Google Mobile Services

TECNO phones come with HiOS, an operating system that brings some helpful and useful features. These include App Twin, which allows you to login to two social media accounts at the same time; Social Turbo, which provides much more functionality to WhatsApp; Bubbles, which floats notifications at the top of other apps ensuring you never miss important info; and Smart Panel, which allows you to quickly access your favourite and frequently used apps.

There are many more useful features to explore and love, thanks to HiOS. Every TECNO device also comes preloaded with all your favourite Google Mobile Service apps, so you don’t have to worry about struggling to access them.

Lag-free Multitasking Thanks to Memory Fusion

If you haven’t yet heard of this very useful technology incorporated into TECNO phones, then you are in for a treat! One of the most frustrating things is your phone lagging when you are multitasking while trying to meet a deadline, or another similar example. With Memory Fusion, these situations are non-existent.

Memory Fusion draws unused read-only memory (ROM) and channels it to random access memory (RAM) operations. This enhances the device’s multi-tasking capacity, translating into seamless switching between applications that are running concurrently in the background, quickly retrieving frequently accessed files and apps, and stabilising the phone’s systems for more sustainable performance and longer battery life.

TECNO Devices at Great Deals

TECNO will be having special deals on select devices at some of its retail partners to celebrate the month of love. Keep an eye out for more information on these, and follow the TECNO South Africa Facebook page to be the first to find out more. You can also stay up to date with all the latest goings-on, news, and competitions here.

Availability

TECNO devices are available from select retail partners, including Ackermans, Dunns, Edgars, Game, HiFi Corp, Jet, Makro, Mr Price, PEP, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, TFG, Vodacom and Woolworths (availability varies per retailer, per product, per store, and while stocks last. E&OE.).

The post Reasons to Fall in Love with a TECNO Smartphone appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

The itel A60 has been making waves since it arrived in South Africa, delivering exceptional performance and innovative features that cater to the needs of today’s tech-savvy users.

With its sleek design that fits comfortably in your hand and advanced capabilities, the itel A60 continues to be a smart choice for consumers seeking quality and affordability.  

Equipped with a robust octa-core processor coupled with up to 4GB RAM (including 2GB extended) and an extensive battery life, thanks to its 5,000mAh battery, the itel A60 ensures smooth multitasking and long-lasting usage, perfect for both work and play. Enjoy up to 29 hours of talk time or 18 hours of video playback without worrying about running out of power.

Its vibrant 6.6-inch HD+ display, providing users with an immersive viewing experience, and impressive camera features allow users to capture stunning photos and enjoy their favourite content with clarity and detail.

The itel A60 is designed with user experience in mind, offering a seamless interface and customisable options that make it easy for users to tailor their devices to their preferences. Available in an array of stylish colours, its lightweight body and modern aesthetics make it a perfect companion for any occasion.

Furthermore, itel is committed to providing regular software updates, ensuring that customers benefit from the latest features and security enhancements.

Since its availability, the itel A60 has garnered positive feedback from users who appreciate its reliability and value. It stands as a testament to itel’s dedication to delivering quality smartphones that meet the diverse needs of consumers.

The itel A60 is not just a smartphone; it’s a complete package that caters to the needs of today’s tech-savvy consumers. At a great value-for-money price, it delivers features and specs that make life more connected and convenient, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a premium smartphone experience without breaking the bank. Experience the perfect blend of style, efficiency, and affordability with the itel A60.

Availability

The itel A60 is available exclusively from Mr Price (availability and prices may vary per store, while stocks last. O&OE). Other TECNO and itel devices are available at select retail partners including Ackermans, Dunns, Edgars, Game, HiFi Corp, Jet, Mr Price, OK Furniture, PEP, TFG, and Vodacom (availability and prices may vary per device, per retailer and per store, while stocks last. O&OE).

For more information, updates, news, and competitions, follow itel’s Facebook page and TECNO’s Facebook page.

The post itel A60: The Budget-Friendly Smartphone for Everyone appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

As artificial intelligence (AI) keeps getting smarter; and in some cases, such as with DeepSeek, allegedly cheaper to create; the future of intelligence in smartphones could look very different.

DeepSeek has been making headlines for its intelligent responses, fast learning, and the fact that it’s free to use, with the app shooting to the top of app store download lists.

TECNO and itel explore some of the possibilities that enhanced AI could bring to smartphone users, and the benefits and cautions that come with them.

Enhanced Search Capabilities and Personalised User Experiences

Advanced AI tools can provide more intuitive and context-aware search functionalities. This means users can find information faster and more accurately, reducing the time spent searching to find what they are looking for.

AI can also analyse user behaviour and preferences to offer personalised content and recommendations. This could lead to more tailored app experiences, increasing user satisfaction and engagement.

Voice and Conversational Interfaces

As AI tools improve, voice recognition and natural language processing will become more sophisticated. Users may rely more on voice commands to interact with their smartphones, leading to a shift in how people use their devices.

AI could also automate routine tasks, such as scheduling, reminders, and even managing smart home devices. This could streamline how users interact with their smartphones, making them more efficient tools for daily life.

Privacy and Security

Concerns have been raised around privacy and security when it comes to using AI tools. These include, but are not limited to, data breaches due to the large amounts of personal data being collected and processed, the potential for unauthorised access to sensitive information, bias and discrimination stemming from biased training data, lack of transparency in how AI algorithms make decisions, and vulnerabilities to adversarial attacks where malicious actors can manipulate input data to trick the AI system into making incorrect outputs. 

On the other hand, analysts and commentators say that AI can help identify and mitigate security threats more effectively. As users become more aware of privacy concerns, AI-driven tools can offer better protection for personal data, potentially increasing user trust in smartphones.

Content Creation and Social Interactions

AI tools can assist in content creation, such as photo editing, video processing, and even writing. This could democratise content creation, allowing more users to produce high-quality media directly from their smartphones.

In addition, AI-driven tools could change how people communicate and interact socially, influencing messaging apps and social media platforms. Features like real-time translation and sentiment analysis could enhance communication.

The integration of AI tools like DeepSeek into smartphones is likely to lead to a more efficient, personalised, and engaging user experience, potentially changing the way users interact with technology in their daily lives. As these tools evolve, they may redefine the smartphone landscape and the role these devices play in our lives.

Availability

TECNO and itel devices are available at select retail partners including Ackermans, Dunns, Edgars, Game, HiFi Corp, Jet, Mr Price, OK Furniture, PEP, TFG, and Vodacom (availability and prices may vary per device, per retailer and per store, while stocks last).

Fans of TECNO and itel can also take advantage of the Smart Start Sale, that is currently happening exclusively at Mr Price and TFG stores (availability and prices may vary per device, per retailer and per store, while stocks last. Promotion period and price for all offers starts and ends at each retailer’s discretion. E&OE). Here is the full list of available deals:

For more information about the Smart Start Sale, as well as other updates, news, and competitions, follow TECNO’s Facebook page and itel’s Facebook page.

The post The Rise of AI Models and Their Impact on Smartphone Usage appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Today, at CES 2025, Intel unveiled the new Intel® Core™ Ultra (Series 2) processors, designed to revolutionize mobile computing for businesses, creators and enthusiast gamers. The latest additions to the Intel Core Ultra family feature cutting-edge AI enhancements, increased efficiency and performance improvements.

“Intel Core Ultra processors are setting new benchmarks for mobile AI and graphics, once again demonstrating the superior performance and efficiency of the x86 architecture as we shape the future of personal computing,” said Michelle Johnston Holthaus, interim co-CEO of Intel and CEO of Intel Products. “The strength of our AI PC product innovation, combined with the breadth and scale of our hardware and software ecosystem across all segments of the market, is empowering users with a better experience in the traditional ways we use PCs for productivity, creation and communication, while opening up completely new capabilities with over 400 AI features. And Intel is only going to continue bolstering its AI PC product portfolio in 2025 and beyond as we sample our lead Intel 18A product to customers now ahead of volume production in the second half of 2025.”

Intel Core Ultra 200V Series: Transforming Business Productivity

For businesses striving to stay ahead in the AI era, Intel introduces Intel Core Ultra 200V series processors with Intel vPro®. These new processors offer dramatic performance gains, enhanced efficiency, and robust security and manageability features to help modernize IT environments¹.

Intel has partnered with Microsoft to continue to advance AI-driven innovation, enhanced security and superior performance into 2025. Copilot+ PCs powered by Intel Core Ultra 200V series processors unlock next-gen AI productivity, all while delivering long-lasting battery life.

The updated Intel vPro platform further raises the bar for IT excellence, offering comprehensive security, modern device management, and broad app compatibility for seamless IT transitions and device refreshes.

“Copilot+ PCs offer exceptional performance, battery life, enhanced AI experiences, and are all Secured-core PCs with the Microsoft Pluton security processor. Copilot+ PCs powered by Intel Core Ultra 200V series deliver on all these fronts, and we are excited to partner with Intel to bring a broad set of Copilot+ PCs to commercial audiences,” said Pavan Davuluri, corporate vice president, Windows + Devices at Microsoft. “Intel Core Ultra 200V series Copilot+ PCs are an excellent choice for commercial customers looking to upgrade their existing Windows 10 PCs to Windows 11.”

Intel vPro: Elevating IT Operations with AI and Security

Intel vPro continues to set the standard for business computing, offering advanced fleet provisioning, unmatched defense and manageability with AI enhanced security, premium connectivity and exceptional device stability.

“With decades of experience delivering proven business solutions, Intel is committed to empowering IT professionals with the most advanced tools for managing distributed fleets securely and efficiently,” said David Feng, vice president of the Client Computing Group and general manager of Client Segments at Intel. “We’re accelerating innovation with Intel vPro to provide IT teams the capabilities they need to maximize productivity and reduce complexity.”

Key Intel vPro features include:

• Enhanced Productivity: Intel Core Ultra 200V processors help deliver exceptional battery life in thin-and-light designs, empowering AI experiences on the go.
• Advanced Security: Intel vPro Security is the only hardware-assisted security validated by the MITRE ATT&CK framework, with more than 150 silicon-enabled mitigations. A new Intel® Partner Security Engine provides an isolated platform for third-party firmware, such as Microsoft Pluton, enhancing sensitive data protection⁴.
• Seamless Manageability: New out-of-band diagnosis and remediation tools, including Intel® Endpoint Cloud Services, simplify remote support and ensure rapid recovery from PC outages. Intel vPro® Fleet Services, which will preview in the first half of this year, allows IT professionals to manage PC fleets remotely via an Intel-hosted cloud service. It is ideal for organizations seeking flexible, cloud-based device management.
• Unrivaled Stability: With Intel vPro’s support for 99.7% app compatibility, IT managers can confidently migrate to the latest technologies without disrupting business operations⁵.

Intel Core Ultra 200HX and H Series: Powering Creators and Gamers

For creators and gaming enthusiasts, Intel introduces the Core Ultra 200HX and H series mobile processors, delivering industry-leading performance, efficiency and platform capabilities, alongside a landmark reduction in power usage. These processors elevate mobile creativity and provide gamers with an immersive experience backed by powerful AI acceleration.

“Our Intel Core Ultra 200HX and H series processors are built for the next generation of creators and gamers,” said Josh Newman, vice president of the Client Computing Group and general manager of Product Marketing and Management at Intel. “With breakthrough compute and graphics performance, efficiency and AI capabilities, these processors will push the entire laptop experience to new heights.”

Key features of the Intel Core Ultra 200HX and H series mobile processors include:

• Up to 24 cores – eight Performance-cores (P-cores) and 16 Efficient-cores (E-cores) – for HX-series and up to 16 cores – six P-cores, eight E-cores and two low-power E-cores – for H-series, based on Intel’s latest core architecture. These new processors give gamers, creators and professionals the computing power they need for gaming and creating on the go – including up to 41% better multi-thread (MT) performance for Intel Core Ultra 200HX series compared to prior-gen HX-series processors⁶.
• The Intel Core Ultra 200H series features Intel® Arc™ graphics with up to eight Intel X^e cores featuring Intel® X^e Matrix Extensions (XMX) for AI acceleration – providing up to 22% better gaming performance compared with prior gen H-series processors⁷. Across the entire platform these processors deliver up to 99 TOPS (trillion operations per second) when using the graphics processing unit (GPU), central processing unit (CPU) and neural processing unit (NPU).
• The Intel Core Ultra 200HX series processor is Intel’s first mobile enthusiast AI PC with a built-in NPU, providing 13 TOPS.
• The Intel Core Ultra 200HX series processor provides the latest in bandwidth and connectivity, with as many as 48 total PCIe lanes (including PCIe 4.0 and 5.0) to connect the latest discrete GPUs and storage.
• Packaging improvements result in a 33% smaller processor package overall, enabling new premium thin-and-light designs without compromising on performance.

Select Intel Core Ultra 200HX SKUs will offer overclocking options to further tune performance, with key features including⁸:

• Compute overclocking for P-cores and E-cores.
• Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) support for DDR5 SODIMM overclocking.
• New overclocking interfaces including die-to-die and fabric and controls like 16.6 megahertz ratios.
• Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility with one-click overclocking using the Intel® Speed Optimizer feature.

Additionally, Intel is launching its Intel Core Ultra 200U series mobile processors featuring up to two P-cores and eight E-cores, Intel X^e LPG graphics, and up to 24 platform TOPS. Intel Core Ultra 200U series systems give users a great balance of performance, power efficiency and price.

Intel is also expanding its Intel Core Ultra 200S series desktop processors with 12 new 65-watt and 35-watt offerings. Featuring up to eight P-cores and 16 E-cores, these new processors will give customers an incredible blend of performance and power efficiency in a desktop CPU – whether for gaming, creating or using productivity applications.

Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) platforms also include premium connectivity, with features including⁹:

• Greater networking speeds, responsiveness and reliability with Intel® Wi-Fi 7 (5 Gig) support, along with the fastest, simplest and most reliable USB-C connection with Thunderbolt™ 5 or Thunderbolt™ 4 technology.
• Continuous AI-based network connection optimization with Intel® Connectivity Performance Suite software.
• High-fidelity, low-power Intel® Bluetooth® LE Audio.
• Ability to share screens, keyboard, mouse, storage and files with two PCs using Thunderbolt™

AI Optimization for the Edge

Intel also unveiled a new suite of processors for edge computing designed to provide scalability and superior performance across diverse use cases. Intel Core Ultra processors deliver remarkable power efficiency, making them ideal for AI workloads at the edge, with performance gains that surpass competing products in critical metrics like media processing and AI analytics.

New Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 processors show tremendous performance improvements in AI workloads compared with the previous generation, setting a new benchmark for edge AI capabilities. When comparing the Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 285H with the 185H, performance is up to 2.2x higher in Procyon AI computer vision, up to 3.3x higher in Llama 3 8B and up to 2.3x higher in stable diffusion 1.5¹⁰.

TOPS alone don’t define the real-world performance needs at the edge. The Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor – with about one-third fewer TOPS than Nvidia’s Jetson AGX Orin – beats its competitor with media performance that is up to 5.6 x faster, video analytics performance that is up to 3.4x faster and performance per watt per dollar up to 8.2x better¹¹.

Key edge products launching today at CES include:

• Intel® Core™ Ultra 200S/H/U series processors (code-named Arrow Lake).
• Intel® Core™ 200S/H series processors (code-named Bartlett Lake S and Raptor Lake H Refresh).
• Intel® Core™ 100U series processors (code-named Raptor Lake U Refresh).
• Intel® Core™ 3 processor and Intel® Processor (code-named Twin Lake).

Availability Starts Now

Intel Core Ultra 200V series-powered systems with the Intel vPro platform are available at online and in-store retailers, as well as via OEM partner storefronts, beginning Jan. 6, 2025. Intel Core Ultra 200H and U series-powered systems will follow with availability starting in February 2025. Intel Core Ultra 200HX series-powered systems will become available in the first half of 2025, with more details to come closer to system availability.

Intel Core Ultra 200S series 65-watt and 35-watt desktop processors and OEM systems will be available through online and in-store retailers, as well as via OEM partner storefronts, beginning Jan. 13, 2025.

More: Intel Core Processors (Series 2) for the Edge (Product Brief) | Intel Core Ultra 200S Series Processors for the Edge (Product Brief) | Intel Core Ultra 200U and 200H Series Processors for the Edge (Product Brief) | Intel to Power Large PC Refresh Cycle with All-New Silicon-Based Security (News) | CES 2025: Intel Keynote Highlights the AI PC’s Future (Event Video) | Intel Core Ultra 200V Series-Intel vPro Commercial (Media Deck) | Intel Edge CES 2025 (Media Deck)

The post Intel Extends Leadership in AI PCs and Edge Computing at CES 2025 appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Here’s one prediction for 2025: Millions of business PC users will be getting new laptops or desktops. This calendar year is expected to be one of the largest computer refresh cycles in recent history, even larger than 2020’s COVID-19 surge driven by remote work and learning requirements.

A trifecta of market forces has arrived:

• In October, Microsoft will end security updates and technical support for Windows 10. An estimated 450 million users have computers too old to upgrade to Windows 11, and will need new PCs to stay current with updates.
• The advent of the AI PC is driving new software and productivity tools that will lean on artificial intelligence built into work machines. PCs powered by new Intel® Core™ Ultra processors will fill many of those requirements.
• And with 2024’s massive CrowdStrike outage still fresh in mind, many organizations will upgrade to incorporate a stronger defense to debilitating attacks on their systems.

The huge refresh on the way means information technology (IT) professionals at businesses of all sizes will be looking for a platform that allows them to remotely manage a few PCs to tens of thousands of units while implementing the highest possible security and privacy.

Prepared for this perfect storm, Intel announced at CES that the most powerful AI PC processors on the market, Intel® Core™ Ultra 200V series processors, code-named Lunar Lake, are ready for the workplace with a brand-new Intel vPro® platform. Equipped with enhanced security and seamless manageability, Intel vPro paired with Intel Core Ultra is essential to business. It’s also Intel’s first processor with Microsoft Copilot+ PC. And more key Copilot+ features like Recall, Click to Do and Cocreator will be enabled on Intel-powered devices soon.

More: Intel at CES 2025 

“One of the reasons our customers are so interested to move to Windows 11 is because it’s the most secure Windows ever, and that starts with Intel silicon,” said Jennifer Larson, general manager of Commercial Client Segments in Intel’s Client Computing Group. “IT leaders are doing everything they can to protect their business from being the next headline. Security software alone is no longer enough; silicon matters more than ever before.”

Intel first introduced the vPro platform in 2006 as part of the Core 2 Duo processor family on commercial-grade desktop computers. That initial version focused primarily on remote computer management.

“With nearly two decades of continued innovation, vPro has come an extremely long way from that 2006 moment because we’re listening to our customers and innovating to stay ahead of threats to ensure our platforms are built for business,” Larson said.

Today, Intel vPro seamlessly integrates into any enterprise system and can be scaled to hundreds or thousands of devices. The platform helps IT departments reduce on-site PC repairs by fixing and diagnosing computer problems remotely, even if a device is powered off, has a stop error blue screen or the user isn’t present².

A 2024 Intel-commissioned study with Forrester surveyed 500 customers to measure the total economic impact of having an Intel vPro platform on an enterprise system. It found up to 213% return on investment (ROI) over three years, up to a 90% reduction in hardware-related on-site visits and up to 65% less time spent on device management.

Lessons from 2024’s CrowdStrike Outage

In July 2024, a faulty software update released by cybersecurity company CrowdStrike caused a massive domino effect, crashing an estimated 8.5 million Windows devices worldwide. Critical systems across industries including healthcare, finance, government, education and transportation went down. Many IT teams had to manually remove the corrupt file. That means they had to physically touch every computer – whether in airports or hospital surgical suites around the world – to get them back up and running. In many cases, it took days.

Intel’s vPro team knew customers were panicking. That first day, Intel engineers worked with CrowdStrike to quickly write up and send out a refresher “how-to” guide on vPro and hopped on the phone with customers to walk them through the steps to remotely log into devices and fix the outage.

Companies in the airline, insurance, medical, money management, retail and legal industries credit Intel vPro for getting them up and running in a matter of hours after the CrowdStrike outage, while their competitors were down for days.

BLG, the largest law firm in Canada, had this to say about vPro: “During the CrowdStrike event in July 2024, EMA (endpoint management assistance, or vPro) was an essential incident management tool. Once we identified the affected workstations, the support team connected remotely, resolved the issue, and eliminated or minimized user downtime. Intel EMA is a valuable tool in our support toolbox.”

Banorte, Mexico’s largest bank, was also taken down in the outage. “Thanks to the ability of Intel EMA and the Intel vPro platform to manage devices remotely, we had an immediate solution to efficiently resolve the CrowdStrike antivirus incident without the need to send technicians on-site,” said Miguel Angel Rodriguez Sanchez, Infrastructure and Client Support manager at Grupo Financiero Banorte.

The outage emphasized the need for diversified security strategies and a robust disaster recovery plan, and it highlighted the risk of relying on a single vendor for critical security solutions.

“Hearing from our customers on the success they were able to find to remediate quickly and without physically touching the device is exactly what Intel vPro was built for,” said Larson. “Those are the things we’re trying to accomplish for our customers when we deliver a built-for-business platform.”

AI PCs Built for Business

The new Intel vPro platform brings massive updates to the two most important features IT managers are looking for across their fleets of computers: security and privacy.

The updated Intel vPro platform has the most comprehensive security yet, integrated directly into the silicon hardware. Here’s why that’s a game changer:

Built-in Security: Instead of relying solely on software to protect against threats, hardware-assisted security makes it more difficult for cyber attackers to bypass or disable protective measures.

Efficiency: Security operations are faster compared to software-based solutions. This can help in quickly detecting and mitigating threats without significantly impacting system performance.

Advanced Protection: Intel vPro Security can isolate sensitive operations and data to the processor, making it harder for malicious software to access them. It’s the first time a hardware-assisted security system has been validated by the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which means it’s been tested and proven to protect against over 150 real-world cyberattack techniques.

Flexibility: A new Intel® Partner Security Engine, a dedicated and isolated security engine, can run third-party firmware such as Microsoft Pluton to help protect sensitive data.

In earlier versions of vPro, customers needed to go through 24 steps to achieve full activation of the suite of tools. That’s now reduced to six steps, and businesses no longer need their own cloud server infrastructure.

“As we listened to customers and walked alongside them helping with their activation, we realized we had some work to do,” Larson said. “Our goal was to make activation as simple as possible so if and when another outage, such as the one in July happened, our customers are protected with our out-of-band capabilities and able to remediate without physically touching a device.”

Intel vPro launches this month with more than 10 global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, LG, MSI and Samsung on over 30 commercial computer designs.

The post Intel to Power Large PC Refresh Cycle with All-New Silicon-Based Security appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.