nVIDIA has introduced a laptop technology called optimus that has a capability to switch between integrated graphics and a graphics card to extend battery life.

The switching will not disrupt in the use of the laptop. When the system detects a 3D application or video, the GPU simply turns on. There's no screen blanking, no buttons to hit or switches to flip. When the graphics card is not being used, Optimus shuts it down.

Optimus will require a motherboard for its functioning, as the motherboard will support the technology and nVIDIA's latest GeForce graphics cards.

nVIDIA's focus on adding to the flexibility of its graphics technology comes as rival Intel ships mobile products with graphics and the CPU on the same piece of silicon. Such products make it more difficult for nVIDIA to sell its integrated graphics to computer makers.

Asus is the first computer maker to release products using Optimus.