Intel Corp.’s dry software patch got a break Wednesday.
The chip maker, which has been criticized for not developing enough software, introduced AI PC SMB App Pack, a suite of software designed to enhance productivity, security and management for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) via AI-fueled apps.
Included in the pack are tools such as Generate by Iterate.AI for private, on-device AI processing; Laplink PC Mover Business to simplify PC migrations; and CrowdStrike Falcon Go for AI-assisted cybersecurity.
The product announcement was part of the company’s AI PC Acceleration Program, in which Intel is teaming with more than 100 independent software vendors to bring real-world AI solutions to SMBs. The AI PC SMB App will be bundled with Intel-flavored PCs worldwide, according to the company.
“I believe AI + Software for SMB can add significant value and provide a stickiness for its small business customers,” Daniel Newman, chief executive of The Futurum Group, said in a Slack message. “Packaging solutions in a digestible and accessible way to help customers benefit from AI while also selecting best of breed solutions for productivity, security, and support.”
However, the news was overshadowed by — you guessed it — hardware news.
Intel also released the latest version of AI Playground, an app intended to take advantage of AI capabilities in Intel’s latest chips. Intel built its easy-to-install digital playground to familiarize the average user with the wonders of AI without need of a subscription or internet connection. For Intel and other chip makers, the goal is to bring the utility of AI to everyday tasks when a majority of AI PC sales are the result of upgrading or replacing a current system, according to an IDC report last month.
