Intel's decision to drop the "i" moniker for its upcoming 14th gen Meteor Lake processors and beyond is a significant move that will undoubtedly generate some buzz in the industry. The Core i3, i5, and i7 branding has been around for over a decade and is a recognizable symbol of Intel's client processors. The change could cause some confusion among non-technical users, but it could also signal a new direction for the company and a fresh start for the brand.
While Intel has not officially confirmed what the new branding for its client processors will be, the leaked AoTS benchmark suggests that the new nomenclature could be "Intel Core Ultra 5 1003H." This naming scheme is more in line with the branding used by smartphone manufacturers, which can lead to a more uniform and cohesive lineup for end-users.
However, it is worth noting that the leaked benchmark may not be representative of the final product, and Intel may have other naming schemes in mind. There is also the possibility that the Meteor Lake generation could be a mix of Meteor Lake and Raptor Lake parts, which could further complicate the branding strategy.
Intel's decision to drop the "i" moniker may have been motivated by a desire to streamline its branding and make it more cohesive. The company has faced increasing competition from AMD, which has managed to gain market share with its Ryzen processors. AMD's decision to rebrand its processors with the Ryzen 7000 series was well-received by customers, and it could have influenced Intel's decision to do the same.
However, dropping the "i" moniker could also be seen as a risky move by Intel, as it may alienate some of its core customers who are familiar with the current branding. The Core i3, i5, and i7 branding has become synonymous with Intel's client processors, and it could take some time for users to get used to the new naming scheme.
Intel's move to rebrand its client processors comes at a critical time for the company. The chipmaker has faced increasing competition from AMD, which has managed to outpace Intel in terms of performance and efficiency. Intel's client processor division has also faced supply chain issues, which have affected the availability of its processors.
The new branding could be a signal of a new direction for Intel's client processor division. The company has faced criticism in recent years for its lack of innovation and the slow pace of its processor roadmap. Dropping the "i" moniker could be a sign that Intel is ready to shake things up and make a bold move to stay relevant in the industry.
Overall, Intel's decision to drop the "i" moniker for its client processors is a significant move that will generate a lot of discussion in the industry. The new branding scheme, whether it is the "Intel Core Ultra 5 1003H" or something else, could help streamline Intel's lineup and make it more cohesive. However, the move could also be risky, as it may alienate some of Intel's core customers who are used to the current branding. Only time will tell if this move pays off for Intel and if it helps the company stay relevant in an increasingly competitive market.