IDF 2011: User experience rules above devices

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The future of computing will be increasingly about the user experience, rather than the devices themselves.

So claims Intel's chief executive Paul Otellini, who took to the stage during the opening keynote at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in San Francisco, to give his take on where the world of computing is headed.

"My theme today is about fundamental changes From how we communicate with our kids and colleagues to how we experience life's most memorable moments," he said.

"I would argue we are still at the very early stages in the evolution of computing. We have just begun to see its impact on the course of history."

In this environment, computing means a lot more than just computers. The device is important but the experience is more so.

The modern IT landscape is "a world where no single device sits at the centre," he said. "The user sits at the sweet spot. In this environment, computing means a lot more than just computers. The device is important but the experience is more so."

With this user experience-centric focus in mind, Intel has promised to offer users technology based on three tenets in the future. These creations will ensure the experience is engaging, consistent and secure, Otellini said.

"As computing evolves it must also adapt," Otellini added before detailing a power management boost for up and coming devices based on Intel's architecture.

Otellini also provided details of Haswell, Intel's next-gen microprocessor architecture. He claimed the tech will boost power savings by a factor of 20 and will reduce processor power consumption by 30 per cent, compared to Sandy Bridge. Haswell is tipped to arrive in 2013.

The company is already readying its factories for production of its 14nm process, Otellini also confirmed.

Maggie Holland

Maggie has been a journalist since 1999, starting her career as an editorial assistant on then-weekly magazine Computing, before working her way up to senior reporter level. In 2006, just weeks before ITPro was launched, Maggie joined Dennis Publishing as a reporter. Having worked her way up to editor of ITPro, she was appointed group editor of CloudPro and ITPro in April 2012. She became the editorial director and took responsibility for ChannelPro, in 2016.

Her areas of particular interest, aside from cloud, include management and C-level issues, the business value of technology, green and environmental issues and careers to name but a few.