Futuremark said on Monday that it's working on a new version of PCMark that, for the first time in the series, will include a battery life test, combining performance testing with battery life measurement. Battery use can be estimated from each benchmark test, or the Battery Life mode can be used to loop a test until the battery is almost depleted for more accurate results.
Also included in PCMark 8 will be new Adobe and Microsoft native application tests. "PCMark benchmark tests are based on common use scenarios such as browsing the web, photo editing, video chat, writing and gaming," the company said. "PCMark 8 takes this one step further by including additional benchmark tests based on popular productivity and creativity applications from Adobe and Microsoft."
A number of Benchmark Development Program members have helped bring this new PCMark installment to testers worldwide including Acer, AMD, Condusiv Technologies, Dell, HGST, HP, Intel, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Samsung, SanDisk, Seagate and Western Digital. This close cooperation with industry experts is the only way to create accurate and impartial benchmarks that measure performance faily, the company said.
"Whether you are looking for long battery life, maximum power, for the home or at the office, PCMark 8 will help you find the devices that offer the perfect combination of efficiency and performance for your needs," the company said.
Futuremark said PCMark 8 is in the final stages of development, and a public release is expected towards the end of 2Q13. It will be made in several editions including a free version, a Basic Edition and a Professional Edition designed for device manufacturers, businesses and the press (cough).
For more information about PCMark 8, head here.
