(c)iStock/Nathan Leach-Proffer

Intel has launched a new processor dedicated to building and enhancing features for connected cars and IoT.

Intel’s Atom processor E3900 series was built “to support the rapid development and the growing complexity of IoT business” and aims to make it easier and cheaper for car manufacturers to include connected features within cars.

As drivers expect more in the way of in-car connectivity, it’s important for carmakers and suppliers to differentiate their offerings by creating immersive digital experiences, Intel said.

The new processors offer a complete software-defined cockpit solution, including in-car infotainment, digital instrument clusters and advanced driver assistance systems in one apparently cost-effective system-on-a-chip (SoC).

The SoC achieves new levels of image and video processing power in a compact form factor, supporting real-time video analytics in connected cars.

It includes an energy efficient quad-core CPU, powerful GPU and audio, video and image processors, as well as the ability to handle more processors and tasks.

Intel is currently sampling this processor with customers, which will be available more widely early in 2017.

According to Intel, the demand for IVI, navigation, backseat entertainment and other connected car features is “surging” and as they become a mandatory investment for a wider range of cars, cheaper ways of including these features will become necessary.

In addition, Intel has provided a set of developer tools and third-party operating system support to go along with the processors, including the Intel C++ Compiler, Intel VTune amplifier for systems and Intel graphics performance analyser.