Overview
- Intel announced a handheld-focused platform built on Core Series 3 “Panther Lake,” its first chips on the 18A process, combining hardware and software for portable PCs.
- Hands-on demos and outlet tests reported Arc Xe3/Arc B390 iGPU performance approaching RTX 4050-class laptops in some games, often aided by XeSS upscaling and multi‑frame generation under limited CES test conditions.
- AMD’s Rahul Tikoo argued Intel’s comparisons are “not even a fair fight,” pointing to purpose-built Strix Halo APUs and casting doubt on Panther Lake pricing, after Intel’s Nish Neelalojanan called AMD’s handheld silicon “ancient.”
- A new leak suggests a handheld-specific variant branded “Core G3 Extreme” with 12 Xe3 graphics cores and reduced CPU clocks for thermals, though specifications remain unconfirmed.
- Intel says it is working with OEMs and partners including Acer, MSI, GPD, major ODMs, and Microsoft, with fuller product details, device models, and availability expected later in 2026.