EXCLUSIVE: Inside Intel’s super-secret testing lab in Taipei and how they validate the best of Evo laptops

In a recent trip to Taipei, Intel invited a few journalists from across the world on a tour of their secret facility where they develop and test the latest tech that would become a part of their Evo class of laptops.

Evo, at its core, is a certification by Intel that sets some parameters for laptop manufacturers, especially those that are making thin-and-light devices, which ensures a premium user experience through specific criteria, including fast wake times, extended battery life, and of course, solid, bankable performance. The current Evo standard has also mandated a few advanced connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6e. Laptops with the Evo badge have to meet rigorous standards for real-world usage, focusing on mobility, multitasking, and superior performance.

During the tour, not only did we see how Intel validates and helps laptop manufacturers and EOMs with their latest generation of Evo laptops, but also, some of the new tech that Intel is working on, along with their partners. Here are the four tests or rather technology developments that Intel has been working on, that caught our eye.

Using WiFi for a completely new application
WiFi has become an essential part of our daily lives. Since the launch of the first WiFi-enabled PCs in 2003, thanks to Intel’s Centrino platform, wireless internet connectivity has been integral to our technological advancements. Today, it’s hard to imagine functioning without WiFi, which is almost synonymous with the internet itself.

Currently, Intel mandates that all Evo laptops must support WiFi 6E. They are also working to make WiFi 7 the new standard, which is already available but typically reserved for high-end, special-use laptops.

However, Intel sees WiFi as more than just a means of connectivity. Intel is reimagining WiFi to enable laptops to detect the presence of an authorized user and respond accordingly.

Imagine this scenario: you’re working on a highly confidential document. Suddenly, you need to step away from your workstation. In a few iterations, Intel’s Evo laptops are likely to come equipped with advanced motion and presence-sensing features, using which, the laptop will automatically go to sleep as soon as a user leaves their workstation, and will only wake up when they return. A feature like this is a great way to ensure that data remains protected from prying eyes. This innovative use of WiFi technology aims to enhance security and convenience in our daily computing activities.

Making laptop cameras better
Historically, the integrated cameras on laptops have, in most cases, been a letdown. However, tech reviewers have noticed a significant improvement in laptops that come with Intel’s Evo certifications.

The secret lies in Intel’s rigorous testing and fine-tuning of integrated cameras to handle various conditions while maintaining consistent image and video quality.

For the upcoming Evo laptops, Intel has been testing integrated cameras on multiple factors and in various lighting conditions. For example, they assess an RGB camera’s ability to reproduce colours accurately, adjust white balance and automatically without issues, and avoid image artefacts. Based on these findings, which are shared with laptop manufacturers and OEM partners, necessary adjustments are made to ensure a superior user experience.

Intel also works extensively on IR cameras, which complement the main RGB camera in many situations. Not many people know this, but Intel worked closely with Microsoft to develop Windows Hello, a key security feature in PCs today. This collaboration is a major reason why laptop manufacturers must support Windows Hello and prioritise security in order to qualify for an Evo certification.

Additionally, Intel is testing new AI features to enhance camera performance, such as removing artefacts caused by inadequate lighting and improving various Windows Studio Effects.

Using AI to push PCs to their limits, failure test and debug them
Laptops and notebooks are becoming thinner and more powerful every day, resulting in lengthy and tightly managed development cycles. Integrating various components with different specifications and tolerances, along with operating systems that receive constant updates and patches, is a monumental task. For laptop manufacturers seeking Intel’s Evo certification, maintaining high performance in this fast-paced environment is essential.

To assist their manufacturing partners, Intel prioritises performance by testing and validating products to their limits, in a process they call failure testing.

Intel has devised an ingenious method to test multiple PC configurations using AI. This approach pushes systems to their limits, identifies bugs, and debugs them while meticulously logging every detail.

Each laptop undergoes rigorous testing, with cameras recording its performance and a separate system logging everything happening inside. These datasets are then analyzed, allowing Intel’s engineers to fine-tune the laptops and share their findings with manufacturing partners. This process ensures that the laptops perform flawlessly every time they are used.

This method significantly reduces the resources and time needed for testing, thereby lowering costs. More importantly, it frees up skilled engineers to focus on more critical tasks.

The sound of magic
Intel is also making significant strides in audio technology for wired and wireless audio, as well as the native speaker system in a laptop.

From reducing latency to improving codecs for wireless headsets, Intel is working on multiple fronts, both hardware and software.

For example, they have developed their own set of testing and diagnostic tools, including the Speech Platform Evaluation Toolset (SPET), designed to improve laptop microphone quality. SPET ensures that a user’s voice is captured consistently during applications like video calls, regardless of how they move.

Intel also has a specially designed hemi-anechoic chamber for testing laptop speakers. This room is so quiet that one can hear their own heartbeat when inside. The chamber allows Intel to meticulously assess and refine the audio performance of laptops, and work on a number of features. While loudness is one factor, what sets Evo-certified laptops apart is the depth and character of their sound.

Intel is also focusing on spatial awareness in the sound stage or simply put, spatial audio, to create a rich and immersive audio experience. This attention to detail in sound quality makes Evo laptops stand out, providing users with exceptional audio whether they’re on a call or watching a movie.

Intel is taking a rather innovative approach to stand out from its competition: by pushing the boundaries of laptops and what makes them click, while also pushing the boundary with their thin and light form factor.

More importantly, though, they are working on new applications for an already existing technology, and making the experience of using a laptop better, rather than just chasing specification bumps every year.

By focusing on security, performance, and user experience, Intel continues to set new standards for Evo-certified laptops, ensuring that they meet the highest expectations of modern users.

One thing is for sure — the future of the PC, is exciting indeed.

Note: Intel flew the author to Taipei, Taiwan to cover Computex 2024, and the Intel Tech Tour 2024.