On Wednesday, Intel researchers demonstrated an experimental, 48-core processor that rethinks how laptops, PCs and servers are designed. Described as a single-chip cloud computer, the futuristic chip offers 10 to 20 times the processing power of today’s most advanced Intel processors.
The key word here is futuristic. Intel is still working to better understand how to schedule and coordinate the many cores of this experimental chip for its future mainstream chips. However, the company did offer a glimpse of what’s possible.
Future Intel-powered laptops with 48-core chips could have “vision” in the same way a human can see objects and motion as it happens and with high accuracy. Intel offers an illustration of interacting with a computer for a virtual dance lesson or online shopping that uses a future laptop’s 3-D camera and display to show consumers a “mirror” of themselves wearing the clothes they’re interested in. Consumers would be able to twirl and turn to see how the fabric drapes and how the color complements skin tone.
Cloud Data Centers
In fact, the kind of interaction made possible with the 48-core processor could eliminate the need for keyboards, remote controls, or gaming joysticks. Some researchers believe computers may even be able to read brain waves, so simply thinking about a command, such as dictating words, would happen without speaking.
“Over time, I expect these advanced concepts to find their way into mainstream devices, just as advanced automotive technology such as electronic engine control, air bags, and antilock braking eventually found their way into all cars,” said Justin Rattner, head of Intel Labs and Intel’s chief technology officer.
With a chip like this, Rattner imagines a cloud data center of the future that would be an order of magnitude more energy-efficient than what exists today, saving significant resources in space and power costs.
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