Intel's 'Cherry Trail' Atom Chips Do More Than Run Microsoft Surface 3

Intel's "Cherry Trail" line of Atom X5 and X7 processing chips is featured in Microsoft's newest tablet, the Surface 3. Cherry Trail chips are the next generation of processors for mobile devices and tablets. These chips surpass their predecessor "Bay Trail" chips when it comes to graphics. In fact, users can expect twice the graphics performance from the Atom X5 and X5. This will be great for gamers who are looking for a chip to keep up with their high frame rates during gameplay.

We can look forward to smoother graphics, but CPU performance will remain on par with the previous generation of Intel chips. So, tasks which require copious calculations, like video editing, should trudge along at the same speed as before.

These latest Intel chips can run multiple operating systems. Their main market is likely to be Windows 8 and Windows 10 devices, but the chips are fully capable or running Android, as well. When it comes to battery life, everyone wants a device that can run longer without adding weight to the device. One result of doubled graphics performance would usually be a halved battery life, but Cherry Trail chips maintain the same battery life as models with weaker graphics. That doesn't sound like much, but keeping a Microsoft Surface 3 running video for 10 hours is quite a feat when you consider the improved graphics performance.

As the Surface 3 is the first device to feature Cherry Trail, not of all of the chip's capabilities are utilized yet. For example, Cherry Trail supports Intel wireless charging using specialized charging surfaces instead of a bulky power cord. Cherry Trail also supports Intel's RealSense 3D camera which can compute distances and has object recognition capabilities. 3D cameras are far from ubiquitous now. However, as Intel develops faster processing chips supporting the technology, we may find 3D recording in more devices, including tablets.

Source: PC World