TMTPOST— Intel is stepping up its AI push in China, teaming up with Microsoft and JD.com to unveil a wave of AI-powered PCs and applications designed to usher in a new era of computing.

The companies launched a suite of Windows 11-based "AI+PC" products powered by Intel’s latest Core Ultra processors, aiming to accelerate the upgrade cycle as Microsoft prepares to end Windows 10 support later this year.

"2024 marks the first year that Intel is truly selling AI PCs in the China market," said Cheng Miao, General Manager of Intel China’s Client Consumer Business. "AI is providing the best boost for the entire thin and light PC market." Intel sold more than 2 million AI PCs in China last year, Cheng added.

Leading the charge are Intel’s Core Ultra 200 series chips. The Core Ultra 200V delivers up to 120 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) of AI computing power. The Core Ultra 200H, built on Intel’s Lion Cove and Skymont architectures, improves single-thread performance by 17%, multi-thread performance by 20%, and energy efficiency by 21% compared to Meteor Lake-H chips, offering up to 99 TOPS of AI capability.

For gamers and creators, the Core Ultra 200HX integrates Xe-architecture GPUs, bringing stronger gaming performance, longer battery life, and quieter operation to AI-enabled Windows 11 laptops. These devices promise low-power, high-FPS experiences with real-time AI assistance and enhanced security.

Beyond hardware, Intel is banking on ecosystem partnerships to drive adoption. The company has worked with more than 200 independent software vendors (ISVs) to release over 470 AI applications, supporting more than 900 AI models.

That includes over 40 domestic ISVs, covering areas such as knowledge management, office productivity, entertainment, content creation, and industry-specific tools.

Office-focused tools like Kutools AI for Microsoft Office, AiPPT Intel Edition, and Tencent Meeting are also getting AI upgrades for tasks such as meeting transcription, real-time translation, and background blur.

With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, the AI PC push comes at a critical time. "This presents a new opportunity to drive upgrades from old PCs to new ones," said Yang Ying, Director of Consumer Product Marketing for Windows & M365 at Microsoft Greater China.

Microsoft is working closely with Intel, OEMs, and JD Retail to bring more AI PC offerings to market and capture growing demand from Chinese consumers and businesses.