Intel Demos Ambient PC That Observes You And Adapts To Your Needs

For a long while, you’d rarely find a computer without an Intel CPU.

- Adam Dachis

But with the recent rise of GPU-centric processing in blockchain and AI as well as ARM’s dominance in mobile computing, Intel has struggled to keep up. To compete and remain innnovative, the company has announced myriad strange ideas over the past few years. The latest addition—an ambient PC prototype—lands somewhere between cool and creepy.

At this year’s Computex event in Taipei, Intel showed off a handful of prototypes to demonstrate its efforts in artificial intelligence, modular hardware, and ambient computing. But what is ambient computing, exactly? The term refers to a responsive breed of electronics that observe and react to the presence of people. These devices remain on at all times, always watching, to adapt to and serve our needs. Futurist and communications marketing executive Gary Grossman explains how this technology will ideally fit into our lives:

“Ambient computing covers applications incorporating machine learning and other forms of artificial intelligence and is characterized by human-like cognitive and behavioral capabilities and contextual awareness,” Grossman said. “It creates a digital environment in which companies integrate technology seamlessly and invisibly into everything around us, maximizing usefulness while minimizing demands on our attention.”