From InfoWorld: Intel is taking a new direction in chip development as it looks to the future of artificial intelligence, with the company betting the technology will pervade applications and web services.
The company on Thursday said it is developing new chips that will handle AI workloads, which will increasingly be a part of its chip future. For now, the AI chips will be released as specialized primary chips or co-processors in computers and separate from the major product lines.
But over time, Intel could adapt and integrate the AI features into its mainstream server, IoT, and perhaps even PC chips. The AI features could be useful in servers, drones, robots, and autonomous cars. Intel is aggressively chasing these sectors as it tries to diversify outside the weakening PC market.
AI computing is currently dominated by GPUs from Nvidia and custom chips from companies like Google. Intel’s plan is to offer a wide range of alternate non-GPU chips for deep learning in a bid to accelerate its entry to AI. Intel lost an opportunity in the mobile market because it was a late entrant, and it doesn’t want to repeat that mistake in AI.
Intel lacks a potent GPU to chase AI but hopes the alternative chips will fill the gap. The company believes it does not need a GPU and doesn’t want to put all its eggs in one basket, like Nvidia has.
View: Article @ Source Site
