Intel chief says 3D sensors will unleash computing’s next wave

LAS VEGAS — Intel chief executive Brian Krzanich said that sensors like the computing giant’s RealSense depth camera will unleash a new wave of computing where we can use sophisticated imaging technologies to accomplish cool new tasks.

The PC market isn’t growing like it once was, largely due to smartphone and tablet growth. But Intel hopes to pump some excitement into computers as the 2D world goes 3D with these new kind of sensors.

Krzanich showed off the idea with a new Dell tablet, the $400 eight-inch Dell Venue, which was unveiled today. With the RealSense camera — which is built into the back of the tablet — the Venue can do some cool imaging tasks, like changing the focus of a digital still image, or changing a picture from color to black-and-white.

Krzanich gave the demo onstage today at the 2015 International CES, the big tech trade show in Las Vegas this week.

“The 3D world is truly here,” he said.

HP also showed off Sprout, a recently announced computer with 3D vision and input systems that lets creative professionals work in three dimensions. You can view 3D imagery on the computer, scan 3D objects into it, design 3D objects, and print them out with a 3D printer.

Krzanich noted that 20 years ago today, Intel introduced the Pentium Pro processor, and it helped kick off the computers that handled the first wave of consumer computing and e-commerce, bringing on the dotcom boom.

Now, seven partners are announcing computers with RealSense cameras.

Gary Shapiro, chief executive of the Consumer Electronics Association, wasn’t exaggerating when he said that no one has done more to define modern computing than Intel.

But what has Intel done for us lately? We’ll see.