Intel announced the release of a chip made in America. Analysts say Core Ultra Series Three could help the California company regain dominance in the chip industry.
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Intel says it produces a high-tech computer chip made in America. The Californian company announced this at the Consumer Electronics Show, which takes place in Las Vegas. Many companies advertise their products at this exhibition, but analysts consider Intel's announcement a big surprise. Here's NPR technology correspondent John Ruwitch.
JOHN RUVICH, AUTHOR: The chip is called Core Ultra Series 3. It's being introduced by Intel senior vice president Jim Johnson.
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JIM JOHNSON: The first processor built using 18A technology, the most advanced process in the world.
RUVICH: 18A is what Intel calls the size of the transistors on the chip. This is 18 angstroms, or 1.8 billionths of a meter. Essentially, they are so small that they make the chip faster and more efficient. However, it will not be used in artificial intelligence data centers, which have been the industry's focus lately. The new chip will be in PCs, robots and other devices. And it will be done in Arizona. Jeff Yanukovych, vice president of research at technology consultancy IDC, says a lot depends on this for Intel.
JEFF YANUKOVYCH: A lot of their success in the future will depend, you know, on what's happening with the 18A process now.
RUVICH: Intel has had great success in the past. It was once a leader in the chip industry. But it missed out on opportunities such as the chip market for phones and tablets and lost market share. However, over the past few years, the company has invested in factories and technology to get back in the game. The Trump administration turned its attention to Intel last year when it announced the U.S. government would take a 10% stake in the company as part of its efforts to revive the American chip industry.
MARK VENA: The big picture: I would say Intel is back.
RUWICH: Mark Vena is the CEO of SmartTech Research based in Las Vegas.
VIENNA: This is a turning point for the company because they are working. They deliver what they promised.
RUWITCH: And he says if the chip does well in the market, it could be the first of many wins Intel needs to get back to the top.
John Ruwitch, NPR News, Las Vegas.
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