Ultrabook: a new era of computing?

Intel introduced the Ultrabook for the first time on Computex on May 2011, 31, and the first devices were released in October.

As Ultrabooks evolve, so does communication with them thanks to touch screens. The appearance of touch screens will also influence the design of Ultrabooks, creating a number of special, hybrid shapes. One of Intel’s concepts also includes a transparent panel that functions as a touchpad when the clamshell-shaped Ultrabook is open and, when folded, becomes a touch screen, ensuring ease of use while traveling.

• This year, more than 75 Ultrabooks come in a variety of sizes (including 14 and 15 inches), shapes and styles. The second wave of Ultrabooks is based on Intel’s third-generation Intel Core processor family, with the first pieces expected as early as spring, and the offering continues to expand throughout the year. 
• Security is playing an increasingly important role in personal use, and shoppers are also placing increasing emphasis on protecting their personal information. The strategic partnership with MasterCard aims to make safer and easier online purchases on Ultrabooks. 
• Every detail of the Ultrabooks has been redesigned, including the display, motherboard and fan to fit into the slim body. To that end, Intel last year set up a $ 300 million Ultrabook fund to support manufacturers ’development efforts.

The collaboration between Intel and Nuance Communications, a provider of voice and speech-based solutions, aims to create a voice recognition and voice control application designed for Ultrabooks. With voice recognition, users will be able to control machines with their voices. Dragon’s software development suite and Nuance technology will also be available in the Intel AppUP Center, allowing developers to create new Ultrabook applications based on this. It is also working on the development of Intel's intuitive, short-range gesture recognition.

Source: Press release