CES: AMD talks up Temash as total tablet platform

Quad-core chip looks to bring performance to tablets

LAS VEGAS: AMD has unveiled a suite of graphics and CPU hardware due for release in 2013, including its first quad-core system-on-a-chip (SoC) unit.

The "Temash" and "Kabini" units, which are designed for use in tablet and notebook systems, will combine graphics and processing onto a single piece of silicon. AMD claimed that the chips will help to dramatically increase the performance of tablet and notebook systems which had previously faced power and cooling constraints.

The quad-core accelerated processing units (APUs) will provide full support for Windows 8 and 1080p HD graphics. The company showed off a prototype device which included the 1080p 10.1in touchscreen, and was just 10mm thick.

Lisa Su, AMD global business unit general manager, said that the company had previously viewed the tablet sector as divided into two camps: lower-end devices which were designed mainly for consumption; and high-end devices which brought bulky designs and short battery lives.

"What we are introducing with Temash is the ability to get the best of both worlds," Su explained.

"This is truly a performance tablet with no compromise."

AMD also showed reporters its plans for its Radeon mobile graphics hardware. The Radeon HD 8000M will add the company's Graphics Core Next (GPN) architecture to the mobile GPU line, which it claimed will increase performance.

The company is also looking to extend the reach of its APU line. The "Richland" A-series APUs will offer PC makers the ability to integrate new features such as facial recognition and gesture controls.