A Windows 8.1 notebook from HP that used a Broadwell processor was shown at IDF in September.

Intel has announced that a major new processor design that was planned for new Windows 8.1 PCs won't be coming out by the end of 2013 as previously announced. As part of its quarterly financial conference call with analysts, Intel admitted that the 14nm "Broadwell" chip won't enter production until the first quarter of 2014.

Intel CEO Brian Krzanich told the analysts who participated in the conference call (which can be listened to at Intel's investor site) that a "defect density issue" had caused issues with processor yields. However, he added that the issue has now been fixed and that production will begin in early 2014. He stated, "This is a small blip in the schedule, and we'll continue on from here."

Just one month ago, Krzanich showed off a Windows 8.1 notebook prototype from HP that was running on a Broadwelll chip during the company's IDF conference. At the time, Intel was promoting the chip as the key to giving notebook, tablets and hybrid PCs better performance combined with longer battery life. A recent rumor claims that Intel will not bring the Broadwell chip design to desktop PCs.

Source: Intel | Image via HP