News & Reviews:   Intel Atom X3

SNS Network and Intel Malaysia recently sent out the invites for the launch of the first smartphone in the JOI series, the JOI Phone 5 and the JOI 7 Lite tablet. Both devices will be powered by the Intel Atom x3 processor and marks the first devices in Malaysia to carry the new processors formerly known as SoFIA. According to the invite, the launch will happen on 26 June 2015 but there are little to no tech specs or features provided. Based on the JOI naming convention, we expect the JOI Phone 5 to have a 5-inch display while the JOI 7 Lite will have a 7-inch display. Depending on which Intel Atom x3 processor that gets used, the display could offer 1280 x 800 pixel resolutions to 1920 x 1080 pixel resolutions with either 3G or 4G LTE connectivity (the JOI 7 Lite could have just WiFi connectivity). All of them are 64-bit and we expect the JOI 7 Lite tablet to be another Windows 8.1 device while the Phone 5 will be an Android powered smartphone. No news yet on a specific Malaysia release date or pricing details but we'll be on hand shortly to offer up all the details, so stay tuned for that.

TechNave.com recently had the opportunity to interview Intel Rockstars at the recent Intel Intelligent Generations showcase in Penang. These Rockstars included the design team from Intel Malaysia responsible for the Intel Compute Stick and 5th Generation Intel Core processors along with the Intel Singapore team in charge of the Intel Atom X3. According to these Intel Rockstars, the Intel Compute Stick was initially created on the theme of miniturization, trying to see how small they could make an effective x86 based machine. Powered by an Intel Atom processor, the Compute Stick plugs into any HDMI-ready display or HDTV and turns it into a desktop PC. While there are still no plans for an Intel Core M powered Compute Stick or one with a discrete graphic card (we asked, they said not yet) they are open to suggestions, with coming Compute Stick devices perhaps offering other options instead.

Regarding the Intel Atom X3 processor formerly known as SoFIA, the Intel Singapore team revealed that they have already been provided to manufacturers. This jives with rumours about the upcoming Intel Atom X3 powered ASUS ZenPad. However, they did admit that these processors have been provided earlier to China-brand manufacturers partly because of China's larger tech ecosystem and market and also as a testing ground for other markets. As such, we should see other Intel Atom X3 powered devices within 2015. What does this mean for normal consumers? Well, considering that the Intel Atom X3 packs in built-in 3G/4G LTE connectivity at lower price points it could mean more affordable tablets and smartphones in the near future. So if you're looking to buy an Intel powered tablet we'd recommend waiting for a while first. We shouldn't have to wait too long though as this next wave of Intel Atom X3 powered devices are expected in the next couple of months.

Intel recently held their Intelligent Generations showcase in Penang displaying the recent achievements and products from Intel including the newly launched Intel Compute Stick, Intel Atom X3 processors and 5th Generation Intel Core processors and their relevant devices. TechNave were thankfully on hand to cover all of this with the main event being the launch for the Intel Compute Stick. Designed to be a portable x86 Windows 8.1 desktop you can bring in your pocket, the lightweight Compute Stick plugs into any HDMI port for display or HDTV and turns it into a fully fledged desktop PC. A demo of the device showed that it could load large Microsoft PowerPoint files with as fast a performance as standard desktops and play games like Minecraft.

Granted, you may have to use Bluetooth enabled keyboards and mice to control it, but the Compute Stick brings a new device form factor to the current computing environment. Priced at RM599 for the Windows 8.1 version it will be made available sometime in June 2015 or afterwards. An Ubuntu (a Linux based operating system) powered version is also expected for RM499. At this price point we can see this being used as the family or living room PC especially for those who already have a HDTV or HDMI ready display. Intel envisions even more use-case scenarios including digital signage, education and more. Check out the full tech specs and features in this article.