Intel Corporation remains hopeful that a growing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) among PC users will allow it to boost shipments of its processors equipped with hardware acceleration units for AI systems. This year, Intel plans to supply processors for 40 million such PCs, and next year, an additional 60 million units.
Predictions and Competitor Impact
If Intel’s predictions hold true, by the end of next year, more than 20% of the central processors for PCs shipped to the market will feature local acceleration capabilities for AI systems. This forecast doesn’t consider competitor contributions, which include companies like AMD, Apple, and Qualcomm. These projections were shared by Intel Vice President David Feng, who oversees the company’s client computing division, according to the Nikkei Asian Review.
Focus on Full-Service Solutions
An Intel representative highlighted the importance of not just supplying high-performance processors in this era of AI-infused computers, but also developing an attendant software ecosystem through constant interaction with developers. According to Feng, “Now selling experiences to users is part of our business”. The tech giant is currently working closely with Microsoft to ensure efficient support for Intel Core Ultra processors with integrated neural coprocessors (NPU). This collaboration aims to improve system-level support for Windows and Microsoft’s AI assistant, Copilot, which users can activate with a separate button on their keyboard. Feng hopes that the introduction of such an assistant will stimulate corporate PC upgrades as companies seek to enhance operational efficiency.
Collaborations and Real-Time Applications
Beyond Microsoft, Intel is also engaging other partners to align software optimization with current trends. Video conferencing service providers are increasingly integrating AI functionalities for user gaze tracking or replacing the background with a different image. In collaboration with Microsoft, functions like real-time translation from sign language to text and automatic creation of presentation slides based on text descriptions are being implemented. Intel is also leveraging NPU resources for antivirus software operation. Analysts at Counterpoint Research believe that the PC market may return to pre-pandemic levels this year, largely due to the Windows upgrade cycle, the spread of Arm architecture processors, and advancements in AI acceleration functions.
