By Doug Fisher, Vice President, General Manager, Software and Services Group
I just finished a whirlwind few days – participating in press interviews, customer meetings, and partner briefings – at the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and it truly lived up to its reputation as the global stage for innovation. Bringing together some of the world’s most impressive companies, thinkers, and innovators, I am proud to say that Intel helped set a high bar with both our astounding, “insanely futuristic booth” and the magnitude of news we unveiled.
Innovative Technology and Bold Engagement
Intel CEO Brian Krzanich’s keynote address on Tuesday set the right tone with the introduction of technologies like the Intel® Curie™ module (a button-sized hardware product for wearable solutions), new applications for Intel® RealSense™ cameras spanning robots, flying multi-copter drones, 3-D immersive experiences, and numerous corporate partnerships that will change the worlds of 3D printing, wearables, security, and robotics.
Perhaps the most game-changing of BK’s announcements was Intel’s Diversity in Technology initiative, a $300 million investment over the next five years to ensure diversity at Intel and the technology industry at large, with the aim to achieve full representation of women and under-represented minorities at Intel by 2020. I appreciated his explanation of the initiative’s boldness: “I’m an engineer and I believe that you only solve problems by setting aggressive goals.” MarketWatch, Engadget and PC Magazine called it the most important news at the show. The Washington Post said Intel’s efforts to set actual goals for itself are commendable and that it has the potential to lead the industry forward. Bloomberg Businessweek described Intel’s ambitions as admirable while a Bloomberg View piece called Intel’s move “a challenge to …many other companies in the business world beyond Silicon Valley. If they don’t take up the gauntlet, that will be noticeable too.”
A roaring applause
Industry thought leader and veteran public speaker Rob Enderle raved that it was “undeniably…the best vendor keynote at CES I’ve ever seen,” noting that “while other events got polite applause at the end, Krzanich got roaring applause,” and that he “overheard many who were stunned by how good the entire execution was.”
The energy of the room was upbeat and enthusiastic, demonstrated by the response online. Kumar Sreekanti tweeted to me that Krzanich’s was “by far the best keynote at CES”. The announcement of the diversity initiative was met with particular esteem, reinforcing both Intel’s boldness and in launching the initiative and commitment to driving change.
I am encouraged and excited about the response from the industry. Some of my favorite pieces below:
- “Curie basically turns just about anything into a gadget that’s at least as smart as your average fitness tracker. Rings, buttons, glasses, watches, what have you” – Gizmodo
- “The RealSense camera takes great pics, but also captures a textural depth map for each snapped shot that is meant to provide better editing later on, where filters and re-focusing take place. The RealSense camera also allows users to take measurements with a photo. That’ll come in handy next time you’re at IKEA, wondering if the couch will fit in your living room or not.” – Slashgear
- “If Intel can make our devices not only able to do things when they’re told, but to actually adapt to their surroundings and their owners, it will open up a completely different use case for almost every device we own.” – The Verge
- “Intel is throwing down the gauntlet when it comes to championing workplace diversity.” – CNET
- “The presence of the gender and diversity gap has long been an issue in the world of tech, and recently, activists have pushed big-name companies to at least be more transparent about the composition of their workforces. Many companies have complied, making their internal diversity reports available for scrutiny. But the next step is finding ways of actually changing the makeup of these companies. Intel, it appears, is taking its first step in that direction.” – Wired
Software is the Connective Tissue
Contemplating all of the experiences of the past week and the game-changing initiatives and projects that Intel unveiled at CES, I am struck yet again by the connective tissue that is software and exactly how much it binds technological innovation together. As the hardware industry evolves, software continues to support the user experience when technologies like RealSense and Curie emerge. Even the Diversity in Technology Initiative, while broad in focus, will help empower more people from diverse backgrounds in software development and innovation. All in all, there is no better or more exciting time to be involved in Intel’s software division, and I am excited to be part of this next stage of technology leadership.
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