Intel: Intel pushing developers to make AI-enabled PC apps, here’s why

Multiple major chip makers have started developing AI-powered processors. However, there aren’t many apps that can take full advantage of these chipsets. US-based chip major Intel has announced a new initiative that will help developers create new AI-powered features in their apps. Intel’s AI PC Acceleration Program will also help app developers take advantage of the chipmaker’s upcoming Core Ultra mobile chips.
Intel’s AI PC Acceleration Program: What is it
The chipmaker claims that the program currently includes more than 100 software vendors and over 300 AI-powered features. The list includes major developers like Audacity, Adobe, BlackMagic, Webex and Zoom.
As part of the program, Intel will connect developers with AI toolkits like OpenVINO, design resources and marketing assistance. This is uncharted territory for most software makers and Intel’s assistance can help them to deliver useful AI features more quickly.
Developers will be able to sign up for the AI PC Acceleration Program online. After the registration, Intel will determine the developer’s eligibility and the resources they’ll require for the program.
Intel Core Ultra mobile platform: What we know so far
Intel is set to launch the upcoming Core Ultra mobile on December 14. These chipsets will be the first ones to include a neural processing unit (NPU). Just like GPUs that speed up gaming tasks, NPUs will accelerate AI workloads. This includes tools like the background blur feature available in Windows 11’s video chat Studio Effects. NPU-supporting chips won’t make users buy new laptops, so with new apps Intel wants developers to offer more reasons for users to do so.
Future of NPU-based chipsets
In a statement to Engadget, Robert Hallock, Intel’s senior director of client technology and performance marketing, said that the company has also tried to push developers to build new AI features earlier as well.

Hallock noted that Intel runs similar initiatives for servers and data centres. These campaigns have led to around 1,000 examples of AI-enabled software.
He also highlighted that Intel’s AI push won’t just be limited to the company’s NPUs. Hallock said that these NPUs should also run on AI hardware from AMD and Apple without much extra effort.
Hallock also expects NPUs to be a common component in all PC processors. This will help developers to rely on these chipsets even more. However, for latency-sensitive work, developers will still target CPUs, while games and 3D rendering will use GPU power. But, for long-running, power-intensive AI tasks, NPUs will be the go-to solution as its more efficient than GPUs and CPUs.