Intel Revamping Its Control Panel for Integrated Graphics Speaks to a Larger Strategy

Intel is working on a brand-new, flashier control panel for "Intel graphics" that will make life easier for the low-power crowd, but while integrated graphics may be nothing to write home about for hardcore gamers, PC Gamer is telling everyone to look at the bigger picture. With developments like these, Intel optimists are convinced the company has increased their focus on GPUs, which may indicate that dGPU "Arctic Sound" may be something truly special. I've pointed out before that Intel is creating good habits by now releasing timely graphics driver updates, including launch drivers for certain games. It released a driver update just yesterday, in fact. There's also a dedicated portal on Intel's website to look up recommended settings for specific games, tailored to different processors, as shown above. I bring this up because Intel's decision to revamp its control panel isn't all that interesting in a vacuum, but it does further underscore that Intel is taking graphics seriously, just as it needs to if it hopes to compete with established players.