Intel has unveiled details surrounding its new Project Athena Open Labs, designed to support and optimise components for the upcoming Project Athena class of advanced laptops.
First announced at CES 2019, Project Athena aims to create a more power-efficient and responsive class of laptop that capitalises on next-generation technologies such as 5G and artificial intelligence.
Machines built to the Athena standards will look to boast up to 20 hours battery life, adjustable form-factors, as well as other perks geared at increasing productivity.
Reminiscent of the firm’s 'Ultrabook' design push, the project will see Intel create annual specifications and guidance for manufacturers looking to create this new, certified breed of devices.
This week, Intel lifted the lid on the next stage of the initiative at the Project Athena Ecosystem Symposium in Taiwan, revealing details of its new Project Athena Open Labs in the “key ecosystem hubs” of Taipei, Shanghai and Folsom, California.
Operated by teams of Intel engineers with system-on-chip (SOC) and platform power optimisation expertise, the three sites will begin operating in June 2019 to “enable and optimise” device components, the tech giant said.
Manufacturers will submit their parts to these labs – such as audio and visual components, embedded controllers, haptics, SSD and wireless products - where they’ll undergo testing and receive any necessary guidance for improvement. Ultimately, Intel says the process will deliver reliable components of all types for OEMs to deliver devices that meet consistent Project Athena standards.
The labs mark the first step in preparing the next wave of Project Athena laptops “for 2020 and beyond”, the firm added, with OEMs, ODMs and IHVs beginning component submission over the coming weeks.
“Across the industry, we each play an important role in delivering the advanced laptops of today and the future,” commented Josh Newman, VP and general manager of PC Innovation Segments, Client Computing Group, Intel.
“Project Athena Open Labs are a critical step in enabling more extensive, day-to-day collaboration with the components ecosystem to continuously raise the bar for innovation across the platform.”
