Original Link: https://www.anandtech.com/show/1629



With almost 5000 attendees to this year's Spring IDF, IDF continues to be a very strong show for Intel.

Craig Barrett's has been on a globalization of technology and the internet kick, so his introduction was similar in nature to many of his more recent speeches.

There wasn't much new to talk about based on Barrett's introduction, most of it was a rehash of the obvious and a lot of talk about history and where technology has innovated from. The keynote itself was fairly lackluster, which happens every now and then with Barrett IDF keynotes. We're expecting much more from the next keynotes, but there were a few things to report on from the opener this morning.



More about Moore's Law

Barrett once again reaffirmed that Moore's Law is not slowing down and showcased their commitment to 65, 45, 32 and 22nm processes for the future.

Intel appears to be committed to a new process release every 2 years, with the next one being 65nm at the end of this year (publicly available in Jonah/Yonah in 2006). Intel's 45nm process will be introduced similarly at the end of 2007, with product introduction in the beginning of 2008.

Barrett also reaffirmed Intel's strategy to move away from clock speed increases to improve performance instead focusing on multicore technologies. Intel's stance on multicore is similar to what other microprocessor manufacturers have talked about for future products.

A big focus of this IDF is obviously dual and multicore technologies. In the morning's keynote Intel confirmed that next year, 85% of Intel's products/processors will be multicore next year. Intel views multicore as a solution to the demand for performance at continually strict power envelopes.

As a demo of what high performance multicore CPUs will enable, Intel showcased a more polished version of the interactive UI that was shown off at CES. Using a combination of motion sensors in a display as well as some powerful software, the demo showcased the ability to use hand gestures to navigate through video messages.

Barrett showed off two examples of "digital home" PCs, both based off of Intel dual core platforms.

First a 2005 model which looks a lot like a Shuttle SFF with more angles:

Then a 2006 model which looks more like a home theater component:

Barrett also showcased an office model, which looks quite a bit like many of the BTX design samples we've seen in the past:



Pimp My Ride at IDF

Barrett introduced the President of Innovation and Tech, Mike Martin and President of Marketing Mike Megdal of West Coast Customs. The folks from West Coast Customs were showing off a Chrysler 300 that was heavily modified to include things like side and rearview cameras (there were no mirrors in the car), as well as wireless connectivity allowing you to control the car stereo as well as monitor the interior of the car through a PDA.

The best quote of the keynote was from Mike Martin to Craig Barrett - "and underneath this seat, we've got a laptop powered by Centrino, it's off the chain."



Craig Barrett - The Political Advocate

Barrett has been an increasingly more politically active member of the tech industry, promoting changes and innovation in everything from education to broadband adoption.

Barrett candidly referred to WiMAX as a part of the solution to the "half-assed broadband in the US today" which drew quite a bit of applause from the audience. Barrett has been quite upset about how far behind other countries the US lags in terms of broadband and wireless connectivity, and it looks like WiMAX may finally calm some of his worries.


WiFi Coverage at the Moscone Convention Center where IDF is held in San Francisco


WiMAX coverage of San Francisco

Barrett also talked a bit about some of Intel's sponsored science and engineering competitions for students, which he feels are necessary to help drive innovation in the future by enabling students to be equipped with the education they need. Barrett's focus on education is an important one to highlight, despite the fact that it isn't directly related to any of Intel's products, it is a refreshing focus to hear someone commit to regularly.

Final Words

We're off to NVIDIA's keynote about their Intel SLI chipsets, we'll be reporting on that within the hour so check back soon.

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