The Intel Core 2 Duo is a line of dual-core processors developed by Intel. Launched in 2006, these CPUs were designed for desktop and laptop computers, offering improved performance and energy efficiency compared to earlier single-core processors. They utilize the Core microarchitecture, which allows for better multitasking and faster processing speeds. Core 2 Duo processors support various technologies, including Intel 64 for 64-bit computing and Intel SpeedStep for dynamic power management. They were widely used in personal computers during the late 2000s and contributed to the shift towards multi-core processing in the industry.