Intel wants to match PC battery life with that of tablets through its new dual-core fourth-generation Core processors code-named Haswell.
The chip maker announced Tuesday the new dual-core Core processors for tablets, laptops or “2-in-1” ultrabooks with dual laptop-tablet functionality. Intel intends to reduce the chip power draw to as little as 6 watts, paving the way for Haswell devices that could be fanless and offer the longer battery life found in many tablets today in certain use cases.
Intel’s fourth-generation Core dual-core code-named Haswell,IntelDual-core Haswell in all its glory.
The new dual-core chips, announced at the Computex trade show in Taiwan, follow Intel’s launch of Haswell quad-core laptop and desktops chips earlier this month. Haswell was designed with laptops and tablets in mind, and the reduced power consumption does not hurt performance, said Dan Bingham, marketing manager of Intel’s PC Client Group.
Previously, Intel aimed for power draw of 7 watts, and is now looking to lower the number beyond 6 watts, Bingham said.
“We’re not stopping there,” Bingham said. “Watch this space.”
Depending on usage, laptops and hybrids with Haswell dual-core chips will offer up to 50 percent more battery life compared to previous Core chips code-named Ivy Bridge, Intel has claimed. Laptops will offer battery life of six hours or more when watching high-definition video, according to Intel’s estimates. In idle or standby mode, the chips will extend battery life by up to 20 times.
The improvements are vital for Intel as PCs are falling out of favor as users move to smartphones and tablets. Intel wants to bridge the laptop-tablet divide with Haswell with longer battery life and optional detachable touchscreens and keyboards. At Computex, PC makers are expected to show laptops and hybrid devices with screens that detach or fold back to make a tablet.
“This is the first time our architects went out and redesigned things from the ground up,” Bingham said. “Reinvention of the PC is how we see it.”
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