Intel Revamping Its Control Panel for Integrated Graphics Speaks to a Larger Strategy

Megalith

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Intel is working on a brand-new, flashier control panel for "Intel graphics” that will make life easier for the low-power crowd, but while integrated graphics may be nothing to write home about for hardcore gamers, PC Gamer is telling everyone to look at the bigger picture. With developments like these, Intel optimists are convinced the company has increased their focus on GPUs, which may indicate that dGPU “Arctic Sound” may be something truly special.

I've pointed out before that Intel is creating good habits by now releasing timely graphics driver updates, including launch drivers for certain games. It released a driver update just yesterday, in fact. There's also a dedicated portal on Intel's website to look up recommended settings for specific games, tailored to different processors, as shown above. I bring this up because Intel's decision to revamp its control panel isn't all that interesting in a vacuum, but it does further underscore that Intel is taking graphics seriously, just as it needs to if it hopes to compete with established players.
 
Love that screen shot of recommended settings ... 720p everything on low. Maybe when they bring some actual power to the table things will get interesting. If Apple can bring "XBox One S" GPU power to a slim tablet maybe Intel can manage to get out of the PS2 era with their high-power desktops.
 
Intel came to me several months ago and asked me what they should be working on to ramp up to its impending dGPU release. I specifically suggested that they be working on their software now. One of my specific suggestions was to look to the team that did Intel's XTU software, and look to it for inspiration of how to adapt its graphic control panel for the enthusiast. I think it is great they are focusing on software now instead of later.
 
Meanwhile, over at nVidia...

Our customers love our Windows 2000 control panel, who could need more from a nearly 600MB driver!
 
I know lots of people in the past have hated on Intel for their software/driver side for GPU's, glad to see them actually listening and trying something....Time will tell if they get it right, but it's something.
 
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