Intel Announce the 5th Generation of Core Processors

Intel's 5th Generation Core Processors now shipping

Intel have announced they are now shipping the 5th generation of their Core Processors and new processors for Tablets and mobile devices codenamed "Cherry Trail" 

 Intels i3, i5 and i7 Core Processors are found in most of the Laptop and Desktop computers we use today and they are now shipping the 5th generation with improved performance, longer battery life and some interesting new technologies for human-computer interaction.

There are 14 models of the new processors, all manufactured using Intel's new 14nm technology, with 35% more transistors on a 37% smaller chip. This allows greater performance but with reduced power consumption. Compared to the previous generation of Core processors they will have up to 24% faster graphics performance, up to 50% faster video conversion and typically up to 1.5 hours longer battery life. If you compare this new generation to the first Intel Core processors you see graphics performance up to 12 times faster and up to twice the battery life.

The new Core processors have faster Graphics built-in, with models featuring the HD Graphics 5500, HD Graphics 6000 and Iris Graphics 6100. There is built in decode support for UHD Codecs such as VP9 and HEVC and support for Direct X 11.2 and Direct X 12 to support the latest games. They also feature support for OpenCL 2.0 and OpenGL 4.3 so software that uses GPU acceleration should be able to take advantage of this.

The new family of processors will also support a new technology called "Realsense", using cameras and microphones to allow the computer to respond to voice and gestures. Computers can be fitted with a combination of Video Cameras, Infra Red Video Cameras and Infra Red Projectors that will allow the computer to "see" in 3D space. This will enable simple 3D scanning of faces and objects and the ability to control games and other software with hand gestures. You can see more about this on Intel's site here.

Intel have launched a marketing campaign using Jim Parsons, who plays Sheldon in the Big Bang Theory, to promote the new capabilities of Realsense equipped computers and tablets.

Intel also announced a new family of processors aimed at mobile devices, codenamed "Cherry Trail", these will also have support for Realsense and increased performance with reduced power consumption.

You can read Intel's full press release after the break

Today, Intel unveiled the 5th Generation Intel® Core™ processor family. Built on Intel’s cutting edge 14nm manufacturing process, the 5th Gen Intel Core processors deliver premium performance, stunning visuals and enables improved battery life to take computing to the next level. The performance also provides the foundation for more natural and interactive experiences with Intel® RealSense™ technology,Intel® Wireless Display (Intel® WiDi) and voice assistants. With the “Broadwell” microarchitecture expected to be the fastest mobile transition in company history, offering consumers a broad selection and availability of devices, the 5th Gen Intel Core processors are purpose-built for the next generation of compute devices offering a thin, light and more efficient experience across traditional notebooks, 2 in 1s, Ultrabook™ devices, Chromebooks, All-In-One desktop PCs and mini PCs.

Intel also started shipping its next generation 14nm processor for tablets, codenamed “Cherry Trail”. The new system on a chip will offer new user experiences such as Intel® RealSense™ technology, no wires, no password and Intel® Context Aware™ technology capabilities. New products based on “Cherry Trail” will be introduced starting in the first half of 2015.

For more information on both products, view the 5th Gen Intel Core and Cherry Trail fact sheet.