Intel on Tuesday unveiled its new lineup of ultrabook devices powered by the third generation Intel Core processors as it aims to add a touch of innovation to the existing personal computer industry.

Labeled second generation ultrabooks, a total of eight manufacturers, including Samsung, LG Electronics as well as Sony, rolled out their upgraded PCs to consumers at an event in southern Seoul.

Popular girl group 2NE1 showed up at the launch event to release its song “Be Mine” for the first time as part of the ultrabook music collaboration project with Intel called “Make Thumb Noise.”

“We wanted to create a new ‘ultrabook’ category that not only focuses on industrial innovation but a device that puts an emphasis on the user’s experience,” said Lee Hee-sung, country manager of Intel Korea.

The ultrabook, a concept created by Intel, is designed to boost the laptop category and to help the PC industry better compete with tablet PCs.

The latest ultrabooks deliver up to two times the media and graphics performance compared to the previous generation, long battery life, and offer more stylish, thin designs along with increased responsiveness and enhanced security features, said Intel officials.

As a result, the devices cut a user’s video processing time in half, targeting a smoother visual experience, company officials said.

The operating systems of the new ultrabooks also boot up in less than seven seconds, quickly loading applications. The devices are equipped with smart connect technology that automatically updates e-mail and social networks, and anti-theft technology, which disables the system when the device is lost or stolen, its officials added.

Samsung Electronics showcased its “Series 5 Boost” in 15-inch and 17-inch models complete with an audio speaker system provided by U.S.-based JBL.

Enabling its consumers to enjoy 3-D surround sound, the laptop’s graphics function is 112 percent higher than its previous model, with battery-saving capability, said Samsung officials.

The 15-inch laptop’s one-terabyte capacity can also store up to 125 movies, 75,000 pictures and 20,000 music files, without the use of external hard disk drives, its officials said.

Samsung’s rival LG Electronics also unveiled its new ultrabook, the X-Note Z350, which is 14.7 millimeters thick and weighs 1.2 kilograms.

Running on Intel’s third generation i5 and i7 Core processors, the 12-inch display device boosts in nine seconds and has twice the graphic competitiveness compared to its previous model released last December.

“We could say that the level of ultrabooks has come up to that of what could be called a ‘super’ computer with it being able to play high spec online games,” said an LG official.

The firm also launched a 14-inch ultrabook carrying a high-speed solid state drive and 500 gigabyte hard disk drive labeled the Z450.

Sony joined the ultrabook race for the first time, introducing the new VAIO T Series ultrabook in 11-inch and 13-inch displays, with plans to launch the products in Korea sometime this month.

Key features of Sony’s new ultrabook ― which only comes in silver ― include high definition digital imaging, creative software, high definition web camera, backlit keyboard and multi-gesture track pad, according to its officials.

By Cho Ji-hyun (sharon@heraldcorp.com)