Intel CES 2011: New processors, graphics, and wireless chipsets

Intel held their CES press conference today, introducing a variety of new products and revamps to their processor, graphics, and wireless chipset lines. New i3, i5, and i7 processors feature a new microarchitecture that allows for full 3D graphics as well as improved HD and gaming performance without reducing battery life. This new architecture is directly incorporated on each 32nm die, and will focus on mainstream computing needs including HD video, photo management, and gaming. Intel has worked with CinemaNow and the WBShop to introduce a new feature, Intel Insider, which will allow consumers to view new movie releases on the same day as DVD and Blu-ray releases. HD content distribution using Insider is expected to begin during the 1st quarter of this year. Another new feature, Quick Sync Video, utilizes built-in hardware acceleration that improves video editing and sharing. Videos that would normally take hours to process now complete in only a few minutes. A four minute HD video that would usually take four minutes to convert and play on an iPod, was instead completed in only 16 seconds. These processors also get an upgrade to "Turbo Boost Technology 2.0", which improves previous processor resource allocation, giving users a better performance boost when running high-CPU demanding programs. Intel also showcased WiDi 2.0, which improves 1080p wireless streaming to televisions supporting this technology. Users can also stream protected content from the Internet or a locally played Blu-ray or DVD. Intel announced more than 20 new processors today stating over 500 laptop and PC models, from various manufactures, will use these new chips when released.

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