Intel held a small event this week to talk about its sixth generation Core processors. The chips are called “Skylake”. Intel says the new chips do more than just run faster. They also help new software features and new hardware designs.
Working with Microsoft for Windows 10
Intel corporate vice‑president Gregory Bryant said Intel worked closely with Microsoft. They wanted Windows 10 to run smoothly on Skylake chips. Microsoft also helped Intel make the chips work well with Windows 10.
“The best Windows 10 experience – period – is on an Intel sixth generation Core platform,” Bryant said.
Better voice help with Cortana
Skylake chips have on‑chip signal processing for Cortana. This means the chip can understand your voice better. You can say, “Cortana, wake up,” and the PC will start from sleep.
The chip can wake a PC in under 600 milliseconds. That is less than one second. It feels almost instant.
Facial login with RealSense and Windows Hello
Skylake also supports RealSense cameras in small devices. RealSense cameras let Windows Hello work. Windows Hello lets you sign in with your face.
Facial login is fast and safe. You do not need a password every time.
Where the chips will be used
Intel says Skylake will be in many kinds of computers. These include:
- Mini desktops
- Small‑form‑factor PCs
- Regular desktops
- Tablets
- Notebooks
- Convertibles
- Two‑in‑one devices
All of these can benefit from the new features.
Performance and battery improvements
Skylake gives about a 10% performance boost over the previous Broadwell chips. It also adds roughly one extra hour of battery life.
Bryant called two flagship features:
- Better power efficiency and longer battery life
- A big jump in integrated graphics performance
Integrated graphics are the graphics part built into the chip. You do not need a separate graphics card for everyday tasks.
New badge and Core M variants
Devices with sixth generation Core processors have a new badge. The badge looks similar for Core i and Core M families. The letter on the badge tells the difference.
Core M chips now come in three versions: M3, M5, and M7. These are low‑power chips for thin and light devices.
Upcoming devices that will use Skylake
Several manufacturers have announced new devices that will use Skylake:
- Dell XPS 13 refreshed model with a 13‑inch screen and USB‑Type‑C port
- Toshiba Satellite Radius 12 with a 4K display
- Surface‑style laptops from HP and Lenovo
- HP Specter x360 refreshed model in a dark finish
These devices will show the new badge and the new features.
How to decide if Skylake is right for you
Here are simple tips to help you choose:
- Need speed? Skylake is about 10% faster than the older Broadwell chips.
- Want longer battery? Expect roughly one more hour of use on a laptop.
- Use Cortana or Windows Hello? Skylake makes voice commands and facial login work better.
- Do you play games? Integrated graphics are stronger, but for high‑end gaming a separate graphics card is still best.
- Buying a new laptop? Look for the new badge and the letters M3, M5, or M7 if you need a thin, light device.
FAQ
What is Skylake?
Skylake is the code name for Intel’s sixth generation Core processors. It is a newer design that improves speed, power use, and graphics.
How much faster is a Skylake chip?
Intel says the chip is about 10% faster than the previous generation, Broadwell. Real‑world tests show smoother everyday use.
Does Skylake really improve battery life?
Yes. Laptop makers report about one extra hour of battery compared with older chips. This helps you work longer without charging.
Can I upgrade an older PC to Skylake?
Only if the motherboard supports the new socket (LGA 1151). Most older PCs need a new motherboard, so a full upgrade is usually needed.
Conclusion
Intel sixth generation Core processors do more than just run faster. They help Cortana hear you better, let Windows Hello unlock your PC with a face, and give a modest boost in speed and battery life. The new badge makes it easy to spot these chips in laptops, tablets and desktops. If you want a PC that feels quick, lasts longer, and works well with Windows 10 features, look for a device with the Intel sixth generation Core processor badge.