Intel has increased its efforts to recruit engineers for the “AI PCs” sector by introducing a development kit based on Asus’ NUC 14 Pro Laptop to cater to smaller software companies.
In response to the demand, Intel revealed the Core Ultra processor family in December, featuring a blend of CPU, GPU, and a neural processing unit (NPU) for AI acceleration. This innovation was widely embraced by computer manufacturers for its ability to enhance real-time video quality.
While prominent software companies have reaped the benefits of the Core Ultra series, it is evident that everyday applications can significantly benefit from the inclusion of NPUs.
To encourage developers to code for Core Ultra, Intel launched the AI Computer Acceleration Program, extending its reach beyond major software providers to include small and medium-sized companies, individual programmers, and aspiring designers in educational institutions. This initiative, led by Carla Rodríguez, VP & GM of the SW Ecosystem in Intel’s Client Computing Group, offers access to AI frameworks, libraries like OpenVINO, ONNX runtime, DirectML, WebNN, and various AI deployment tools.
Intel’s updated creator resource pages serve as a comprehensive hub for developers to access specialized toolkits, tailored AI models, documentation, and training for Artificial PCs and client-focused applications.
For users without AI chips, running programs optimized for AI Computers may result in certain functions being non-operational. Intel emphasizes that applications optimized for an NPU deliver peak performance on that hardware. In the absence of an NPU, most applications can utilize the CPU or GPU either automatically or through code modifications. Some features may be exclusively enabled for NPUs by developers, rendering them inaccessible on systems lacking an NPU.
Intel offers Dev Systems equipped with Core Ultra processors and up to 96GB of storage, running on the Asus NUC 14 Pro platform. These kits include essential software stacks, tools, and editors to facilitate swift development.
The NUC, originally an Intel miniature PC model, transitioned to Asus in 2023 for further development and support.
Developers can now procure Dev Kits, with Intel also distributing them at an upcoming AI Summit developer event in Taipei.
A program tailored for independent hardware vendors (IHVs) introduces new features like continuous access to Intel testing, system integration processes, and lab services in Taiwan, China, and the USA.
Intel’s Senior Director for Client Hardware Ecosystem, Matt King, highlights significant opportunities in areas such as power-efficient displays, computer vision sensors, and memory optimization.
Todd Llewellyn, VP & GM for Client Ecosystem Development, projects the delivery of 100 million AI-enabled PCs by 2025, driving investment interest from ISPs and IHVs. With over 100 OEM designs already in the market, Intel is making strides in AI PC systems.
The definition of an AI PC sparks debate, with Llewellyn emphasizing the Core Ultra processor and integrated NPU as key components. Despite the collaboration with Microsoft on Copilot, the presence of a physical Copilot key is not a strict requirement for an AI PC according to Intel’s perspective.
