IDF 2013: Intel Goes Mobile With New Chips, Software

by Jeffrey Burt

For several days every September, IDF takes over all three floors of the Moscone West Convention Center, and Intel makes sure everyone in San Francisco knows it’s there.

Company executives talked about the amazing things that devices like tablets, laptops and new form factors such as two-in-one convertible systems can do, reminding attendees that while the features are cool, it’s what’s inside the systems that make them happen.

Part of looking inside is not only realizing what the processor is enabling, but also the software that Intel creates that helps tie everything together. Here, a robot powered by Intel software patrols the sidewalks outside the convention center.

As one Intel executive said, for a long time it was Intel and Microsoft. However, the goal now is to ensure that Intel’s architecture supports all platforms, from Windows and Linux to iOS, Chrome and—as illustrated here—Android.

Intel’s show covers all three of the huge floors at the Moscone Center, with the elevators playing the key role of getting people from one place to another.

Mobility was the key theme at IDF, with the company showing off a wide range of devices powered by Intel processors, from smartphones to tablets to—here—two-in-one convertibles.

Intel officials made a big move into the Internet of Things with the announcement of an upcoming new line of small, power-sipping chips code named “Quark.” This display was designed to illustrate the various connected items, appliances and machines that will help make up the Internet of Things.

IDF attendees could use tablets to move robotic balls through a maze on the floor in a race against other players to reach an end destination.

IDF is designed to keep attendees busy, with everything from keynotes to tech sessions. However, the three-story windows give developers at least a view of San Francisco.

Attendees get onto the elevator that will bring them to the third floor, where top Intel executives give the keynote speeches in the massive auditorium.

The keynote speeches are a combination of product announcements, road map glimpses and salesmanship.

IDF attendees make their way around the showroom floor, checking out the hardware and software on display, listening to vendor pitches and taking in the food and drink found at stations around the room.

An IBM representative talks to attendees about Big Blue’s new NeXtScale x86 server, which was announced during IDF.