Intel is going big with the next gen of Core CPU’s, we caught up with Anand Ramamoorthy from Intel to know more
We recently caught up with Anand Ramamoorthy, Director, Consumption Sales, Intel South Asia to know more about the next generation of Intel CPU’s. He had some great insights and about the new processor and India as a market for PC products.
How is the desktop CPU business going in India and the world? As the demand has seen a bit of drop in the recent past?
PCs have always been at the heart of computing. With the launch of Windows 10 as well as our 6th Generation Intel Core processor, the market has witnessed an encouraging momentum. The new desktops with 6th Generation Intel Core processors will revolutionize the computing landscape giving faster and smoother experience to customers. A digitally empowered India and growth in data are also ensuring PC growth as it continues to remain the most relevant computing device. The form factor may vary, but personal computing will always include the PC.
According to IDC report, worldwide shipments of tablets and 2-in-1 devices are forecasted to reach 221.8 million units in 2015. Our commitment to PC innovation continues with these new form factors like 2-in-Is, convertibles, detachable and ultra-thin notebooks in the mobile space, along with gaming systems, mini desktops, all-in-ones and portable all-in-ones in desktops domain. The overall strategy is to move PCs into new, adjacent markets such as the Internet of Things (IoT) while continuing our leadership through the power of Moore’s Law. Even as the benefits of the digital revolution expand beyond the PC, the PC retains its role as the key instrument for innovation.
Also, we are noticing that All-In-Ones (AIOs) as a category is getting more and more prevalent within the entry desktop section. Intel has a rich AIO portfolio with all the top original equipment manufacturer brands. The commercial desktop business is estimated to grow given the Intel’s constant support to government’s Digital India initiative and with the expansion of banks and other infrastructure linked enterprises. Theenthusiast business is still budding in India nevertheless we do expect this to grow slowly but certainly. However, India is among the few markets that showed growth in desktop business in the last 12 months.
Can you tell our readers the true power of the new 6th Generation Intel Core CPU and in which ways is it better than the previous versions?
At Intel, we have always worked to create CPUs in a wide range of power envelopes, and it shows with the wide array of power efficient chips we have in our portfolio. 6th Generation Intel Core processor is one of those powerful creations that Intel has worked on. For years Intel has worked on a “tick, tock” cadence for CPUs – and 6th Generation Intel Core processor is based on the tock model of development which aims at gamers and enthusiast.
6th Generation Intel Core processor is Intel’s best processor range ever and comes with a plethora of new features, from 4K support to better power efficiency. Upgrading to a 6th Generation Intel Core processor can make a real difference in the everyday computing experience. 6th Generation Intel Core processor has set a new record for Intel Core i7-6700K microprocessor frequency. It hits nearly 7GHz, which is among the highest frequencies ever achieved by any Intel Core i-series microprocessors.
We have also come up with a new feature called Speed Shift which is a power-saving technique that lets the CPU intelligently change its power state.Speed Shift in 6th Generation Intel Core processor laptops will improve responsiveness when coming out of a low power mode and also offer up to 1.4 hours longer battery life.
A new extension in 6th Generation Intel Core processor has been introduced to allow locking down of the the PC. Intel’s SGX or Software Guard eXtensions will reduce privileged attacks by malware in a system. SGX works hand in hand with Intel’s Memory Protection eXtension which is also designed to build isolated sections of memory.
The 6th Generation Intel Core platform will also advance Intel’s “no wires” initiative to deliver the best experience for wireless display available today with Intel WiDi or Pro WiDi. This technology allows people to easily share from their computer to a TV, monitor or projector without the mess of wires and dongles.
In what way are the new CPU’s going to help Windows 10?
Fully optimized for Windows 10, the new 6th Generation Intel Core platform enables newer and customized experiences on the platform thereby addressing computing pain points.
Cortana, the digital personal assistant, runs best on Intel’s 6th Generation Intel Core by optimizing the speech algorithms and voice activation capabilities, thereby enhancing the overall responsiveness. Microsoft’s Windows 10 has come up with a new feature that lets users switch on the computer by saying “Cortana, wake up,” rather than physically reaching for a button. 6th Generation Intel Core processor’s always-on, low-power digital signal processor (DSP) within the chip constantly listens for a user’s voice. Intel-powered devices featuring Intel Real Sense F200 cameras can runs best Windows 10, which lets users unlock their device by scanning their face instead of a password in less than 2 seconds. On its own, this technology is useless but when paired with Cortana in Windows 10 will enable the users to wake their computer from sleep with their voice. However, this feature will only be available for users who have computers that that have a 6th Generation Intel Core processor from Intel.
Last words and the road map ahead as far as India is concerned. What can we expect in the coming months?
The PC market in India is witnessing great optimism and adoption with the advent of new form factors like the 2in1s, PC on stick, etc. Introduction of new features like RealSense, dual OS, touch, 3D interaction and facial login are also pushing PC sales in India. Intel has been continually associating with Indian and global original equipment manufacturers and channels to release a slew of 2 in 1’s in 2015 and 2016. Intel aims to offer the consumers the best of computing power at affordable price points making the computing experiences more relevant and convenient.
Intex Aqua Ace with 3GB RAM launched at Rs 12,999
The domestic mobile phone maker Intex has expanded its Aqua series with the launch of ‘Aqua Ace’. The Intex Aqua Ace will be available in black and white colours. It measures 145×71.5×6.7mm and weighs 121.5 grams.The device is listed on the company website with a price tag of Rs 12,999.
Talking about the device, Sanjay Kumar Kalirona, Mobile Business Head, Intex Technologies said, “Intex has been consistently raising the bar for the industry and with Aqua Ace, we have once again taken a leap to the next level with 3GB RAM, double gorilla glass and a massive memory capacity of up to 128GB. The Aqua Ace combines the best of everything-sleek looks, sturdy nature, and a breath-taking performance which clearly makes it the best smartphone in sub Rs 15,000 segment.”
The mobile phone features a 5-inch Super AMOLED display with an HD screen resolution of 720×1280 pixels. The device runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop operating system and is powered by a 1.3GHz Quad-Core MediaTek MT6735 processor. The dual SIM smartphone offers 3GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage which can be expanded up to 128GB using a microSD card.
The 4G-enabled Aqua Ace smartphone sports a 13-megapixel rear camera with Samsung sensor and LED flash. There is a 5-megapixel front-facing camera also on board. The smartphone packs in a 2,300mAh battery and offers 4G LTE, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS as connectivity options.
The company is also offering bundled a 1-year screen breakage warranty alongside a complementary bag pack and a sensor-based flip cover free with the smartphone.
Google launches LG Nexus 5X with Android Marshmallow, hexa core SoC and 5.2-inch display
The search engine giant Google has launched its most talked about device the Nexus 5X made by LG. The smartphone features a 5.2-inch Full HD display with 1920×1080 pixels resolution. Powering the handset is a 64-bit hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor and it runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system.
The device offers single nano SIM support and comes with 2GB of RAM and 16GB/32GB of internal storage which cannot be expanded any further. It comes equipped with a fingerprint sensor located on the back panel which can be used in unlocking the phone and making payments using the Android pay. The company has also claimed that the fingerprint sensor will recognize the print in less than 600 milliseconds.
The smartphone comes with a 12.3-megapixel rear camera with dual tone LED flash, laser autofocus and it also comes equipped with a 5.0-megapixel front facing camera for clicking selfies. The connectivity options of the smartphone include 4G, LTE, 3G, WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth, GPS, USB Type C and it houses a 2,700 mAh battery.
The company has said that the handset will come in Carbon Black, Quartz White and Ice Blue colour options and will cost $379 (Approx. Rs 24,980) for the 16GB version and $429 (Approx. Rs 28,275) for the 32GB version.
Google introduces Huawei Nexus 6P with octa-core SoC, 3GB RAM and 12.3MP camera
The tech giant Google has finally unveiled its much awaited smartphone the Huawei Nexus 6P. The device runs on the lasted version of Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system. The handset sports a 5.6-inch Quad HD AMOLED display with 2560×1440 pixels resolution. The display is made scratch resistant with the coating of Corning Gorilla glass 4 on top.
The smartphone is powered by a 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor paired with 3GB of RAM. The internal storage of the smartphone stands at 32GB/64GB/128GB which cannot be expanded any further. The device comes equipped with a 12.3-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and laser autofocus and it also has an 8.0-megapixel front camera for capturing selfies.
The smartphone also consists of a fingerprint sensor which helps in unlocking the phone and making payments using the Android Pay service. The connectivity attributes of the handset include 4G, LTE, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, USB Type C and it packs in a houses a 3,450 mAh battery.
The company has priced the device for $499 (Approx. Rs 32,925) for the 32GB version, $549 (Approx. Rs 36,220) for the 64GB version and $649 (Approx. Rs 42,820) for the 128GB version. However, the company has not yet revealed any details about the India roll out of the device.
BlackBerry launches its first Android smartphone Priv
The Canadian firm, BlackBerry is considered one of the major smartphone vendors in the world, specializing in secure communications and mobile productivity. And they will soon be launching its BlackBerry’s Priv slider smartphone that will be flaunting its Android software, in the latest reboot effort.
John Chen, CEO, BlackBerry said, “I am confirming our plans to launch Priv, an Android device named after BlackBerry’s heritage and core mission of protecting our customers’ privacy. Priv combines the best of BlackBerry security and productivity with the expansive mobile application ecosystem available on the Android platform.”
On the specification front, the Blackberry Priv slider smartphone has a 5.4-inch touchscreen display that can slide down. The display itself is tipped to be QHD resolution. Powering the smartphone is a 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 chipset. The device will have 3GB of RAM.
The BlackBerry Priv sports an 18-megapixel rear camera, which comes with dual-tone LED flash and optical image stabilization. There is also a 5-megapixel front camera.
BlackBerry Priv smartphone is expected to be available later this year. Stay tune as we bring you more exciting news from the gadget’s world.
Truecaller launches its new Truedialer App
Truecaller has launched a new caller availability feature in its Truedialer app that might just save you from ever having to remember to turn on your out of office again. It is the most tedious features of managing your phone, work and personal communications.
The newly enhanced Truedialer includes a powerful feature that will automatically syncs to your diary and works reactively to your schedule, blocking out time as, and when, meetings and appointments come in, showing contacts when you’re free (with the status highlighted in green) or if you’re busy (with the status highlighted in red).
Truedialer users can check the availability of the person they are trying to call before dialing. The users see your status immediately indicating whether you are available or unavailable and choose to send an SMS or select to be automatically notified when you are free again.
Alan Mamedi, CEO & co-founder of Truecaller said, “It seems unusual that in a world where we can talk to each other over our phones, map our locations wherever we are with pinpoint accuracy and stream our current activity, that we still haven’t figured out when to let people know when we’re free to talk in real time. This is where Truedialer changes things. Technology is designed to adapt to our modern working styles and make our lives easier and Truedialer exemplifies this – its ability to let you know when the best time to call a contact, is an invaluable function. We’re turning the phone app into every user’s ‘go-to app’ because we want to put phone users back in control of communication.”
Truedialer with Truecaller can identify over 2 billion numbers. Callers are given instant access to relevant information about the people they are about to call, and can even complete missing contact information, keeping callers’ phonebooks as up to date as possible.
People need to have the Truedialer app installed as their default dialing app for the service to work. The app is available for free on Android and Windows smartphone. The Truedialer app has already been downloaded over 10 million times in just over a year since it was first launched.
Micromax unveils Canvas Play 4G at Rs 12,499 in India
The Indian smartphone manufacturer Micromax has expanded its product portfolio of 4G smartphone with the launch of Canvas Play 4G. The smartphone is available at a price of Rs 12,499.
Shubhajit Sen, CMO, Micromax Informatics, said, “With the roll out of the 4G networks across 296 cities and more cities by December this year, we expect this to surge a shift from 3G to 4G as well 2G to 4G in under-penetrated markets. Our 4G smartphone launches are well timed with the 4G technology evolution and rollout to ensure our consumers use mobile internet for not just entertainment but also for work while at home or on the go. Over the due course of time our entire Canvas range of smartphones will be upgraded to 4G.”
Talking about the specifications, Micromax Canvas Play 4G features a 5.5-inch vivid HD IPS display. The device runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop operating system and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 1.2GHz Quad-Core processor. The handset offers 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage which can be further expanded via microSD card.
The Mixcomax Canvas Play 4G sports a 13-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and a 5-megapixel front facing camera, which comes with face beauty features promising clearer and sharper images. The connectivity options of the smartphone include 4G LTE, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and it packs in a 2,820 mAh battery.
Micromax launches Canvas Fire 4G at Rs 6,999
The Indian smartphone manufacturer Micromax has expanded its product portfolio of 4G smartphone with the launch of Canvas Fire 4G. The smartphone is available at a price of Rs 6,999 on Indiatimes Shopping.
Mr. Vineet Taneja, chief executive officer, Micromax Informatics said, “We have always endeavoured to offer products based on certain needs of the consumer. Moving forward, we will lead the 4G adoption in the country by converting all our popular value Canvas series to 4G. Canvas Fire 4G is the first in a series of such launches.”
Talking about the specifications, Micromax Canvas Fire 4G features a 4.5-inch FWVGA display. The device runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop operating system and is powered by a 1GHz Quad-Core MediaTek MTK6735 chipset. The handset offers 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage which can be further expanded up to 32GB via microSD card.
The Mixcomax Canvas Fire 4G sports a 5.0-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and a 2.0-megapixel front facing camera for clicking selfies. The connectivity options of the smartphone include 4G LTE, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and it packs in a 1,850 mAh battery.
iBall launches Slide 6351-Q400i tablet for Rs 5,499, available for sale at Rs 3,661
The Indian smartphone manufacturer iBall has added another product to its kitty with the launch of Slide 6351-Q400i tablet. The company has priced the tablet for Rs 5,499, but it can be purchased from eBay India at a discounted price of Rs 3,661.
The iBall Slide 6351-Q400i flaunts a 7-inch HD display and runs on Android 4.4 KitKat operating system. Powering the tablet is a 1.3GHz Quad-Core ARM Cortex A7 processor paired with 1GB of RAM. The internal storage of the smartphone stands at 8GB, which can be expanded up to 32GB using a microSD card.
The iBall Slide 6351-Q400i sports a 2-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and a front-facing camera for video chats. The connectivity attributes of the device include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Micro-USB, GPS, USB OTG and packs in a 2,500 mAh battery. However, the tablet misses out on voice calling as well as 3G connectivity.
Lava launches Fuel F1 Mini Android smartphone for Rs 4,399
The domestic smartphone manufacturer Lava has added another product to its kitty with the launch of Fuel F1 Mini. The company has priced the device for Rs 4,399 and presently it is listed on the official website of the company without any availability details.
The Lava Fuel F1 Mini features a 4-inch WVGA display with 480×800 pixel resolution. The device comes with dual SIM functionality and runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat operating system. Powering the handset is a 1GHz single-core processor paired with 512MB of RAM. The onboard storage of the device stands at 8GB which can be expanded further up to 32GB using a microSD card.
The mobile phone flaunts a 5.0-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and a VGA front facing camera for clicking selfies. The device packs in a 2,000 mAh battery and offers 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS as connectivity options.

