Ahead of IFA in Berlin, Intel has unveiled its latest family of processors, code-named Skylake, which come in configurations that will suit all kinds of devices, from high-end gaming PCs to tablets, smartphones and computers contained in USB sticks.

The 6th Generation Intel Core processor is an all-out attack by Intel to dominate not only the personal computing space, where it still holds sway, but also the smartphone and tablet space where it lost ground to players like ARM and Qualcomm.

It is certainly Intel’s broadest play yet, covering devices from the ultra-mobile computer stick, to two-in-ones and huge high-definition all-in-one desktops, to new mobile workstations.

In the coming months Intel is planning to deliver more than 48 processors in the 6th Gen Intel Core processor family, featuring Intel Iris and Iris Pro graphics and Xeon E3-1500M processors for mobile devices, and 6th Gen vPro processors for businesses and enterprises.

Intel is also planning more than 25 new edge-to-cloud products for the internet of things with up to seven-year-long lifecycles covering a variety of industries from retail to medical, industrial and digital surveillance.

Intel prepares for major tech refresh cycle that is long overdue

The chip giant is targeting a major refresh cycle that it believes is long overdue as consumers are missing out on the latest developments in computing, using machines with dead batteries and which are too slow to load up.

Intel points out that there are more than 500m computers in use in the world today that are four to five years old or older.

Built using 14 nanometer processes, the new 6th Gen Intel Core delivers up to two-and-a-half times better performance, triple the battery life and graphics 30 times better than the average five-year-old computer.

‘The combination of 6th Gen Intel Core processors, Windows 10 and beautiful new systems from PC manufacturers make this the best time ever to buy a new computer’

– KIRK SKAUGEN, INTEL

It also means manufacturers can create devices that can be half as thin and half the weight and last virtually all day.

The chips have also been optimised to handle 4K video and work best on Windows 10 devices. The chip family promises improvement in graphics performance for gamers and “compelling” 4K content creation and playback. New speed-shift technology improves the responsiveness on mobile devices so users can apply a photo filter up to 45pc faster.

It will also advance Intel’s “no wires” initiative for wireless display with Intel WiDi or Pro WiDi, which allows people to easily share from their computer to a TV, monitor or projector without a mess of wires or dongles.

“6th Gen Intel Core processors deliver some of the most significant advancements in computing that we’ve ever seen,” said Kirk Skaugen, Intel senior vice president and general manager of the client computing group.

“New 6th Gen Intel Core-based systems are more responsive than ever with enhanced performance, battery life and security. And they can enable amazing new PC experiences like logging into your computer with your face and having a personal assistant respond to your voice.

“The combination of 6th Gen Intel Core processors, Windows 10 and beautiful new systems from PC manufacturers make this the best time ever to buy a new computer,” Skaugen said.