According to recently discovered shipping manifests, Intel is developing a new processor series codenamed "Wildcat Lake," potentially succeeding their entry-level "Intel Processor" lineup based on Alder Lake-N. The documents, revealed by x86deadandback, suggest a 2025 launch timeline for these chips targeting lightweight laptops and mini-PCs. The shipping records from October 30 mention CPU reball equipment compatible with BGA 1516 sockets, measuring 35 x 25 mm, indicating early validation testing is underway. These processors are expected to be manufactured using Intel's advanced 18A process technology, sharing the same manufacturing node as the upcoming Panther Lake series. Early technical specifications of Wildcat Lake point to a hybrid architecture combining next-generation "Cougar Cove" performance cores with "Darkmont" low-power efficiency (LPE) cores in a 2P+4LPE configuration.

This design appears to separate the core clusters, departing from traditional shared ring bus arrangements, similar to the approach taken in Intel's Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake processors. While Wildcat Lake's exact position in Intel's product stack remains unclear, it could serve as a modernized replacement for the what were Pentium and Celeron processor families. These chips traditionally power devices like Chromebooks, embedded systems, and home servers, with the new series potentially offering significant performance improvements for these market segments. The processor is expected to operate in the sub-double-digit TDP power envelope, positioning it below the more powerful Lunar Lake series. Graphics capabilities will likely be more modest than Lunar Lake's Xe2 architecture, aligning with its entry-level market positioning.

TrendForce reports that the global notebook market in 2024 is projected to recover at a moderate pace, hindered by high interest rates and geopolitical uncertainties. Annual shipments are forecast to reach 174 million units, marking a 3.9% YoY increase. Looking ahead to 2025, reduced political uncertainty following the U.S. presidential election and the Federal Reserve's rate cuts in September 2024 are expected to stimulate capital flow. Combined with the end-of-service for Windows 10 and demand for commercial device upgrades, global notebook shipments are predicted to grow by 4.9% to 183 million units in 2025.

TrendForce notes that notebooks remain primarily productivity tools, with shipment growth driven largely by deferred replacement demand. The impact of AI-integrated notebooks on the overall market remains limited for now. However, AI features are expected to naturally integrate into notebook specifications as brands gradually incorporate them, resulting in a steady rise in the penetration rates of AI notebooks.

- CTL, a global cloud-computing solution leader for education and enterprise, announced today the introduction of two new 14" Chromebooks for enterprise: the CTL Chromebook Plus Enterprise PX141G Series and the CTL Chromebook Enterprise PX141E Series. Featuring an included Chrome Enterprise Upgrade license, these new Chromebooks offer professionals the speed, power, and connectivity they need for daily on-the-go productivity. Easy ChromeOS device manageability combined with CTL's life cycle services reduces the burden on IT departments.

"With an included Chrome Enterprise Upgrade license, these Chromebooks can be deployed instantly to serve in any number of enterprise applications, such as retail, healthcare, and front-line workers, for example. As a leader in the ChromeOS space, we know our customers will appreciate the design, performance, and, in the Chromebook Plus model, the enhanced AI and cybersecurity capabilities of this next-generation device," said Jason Mendenhall, CEO of CTL.

CTL Corporation, a global cloud-computing solution leader for education and enterprise, announced today the introduction of two new Works With Chromebook certified docking stations, the USB-C Pro Docking Station for Chromebooks and the USB-C Mini Docking Station for Chromebooks. Both docking stations are tested and certified to work seamlessly with Chromebooks, making it easy to set up workstations for teachers and other workforce professionals.

"We recently added two new 14" Chromebooks to our product lineup for schools and enterprise, and these two new docking stations are the perfect complement for anyone looking to extend the power of Chromebook computing with additional displays, keyboard, and mouse," said Jeremy Burnett, Vice President of Technology at CTL. "Schools can instantly create complete workstations for teachers or other staff for when they're at their desk. Enterprise IT can create convenient Chromebook docking setups for employees. Best of all, Chromebook workstations can provide all the cloud-computing functionality of traditional laptop and dock setups but at a more economical price."

Lenovo elevates productivity and enjoyment on-the-go with Chromebook Duet (11", 9) and Chromebook Duet EDU G2, two 10.95-inch convertible laptops with 2K display that balance design and performance. Encased in a full metal chassis with Corning Gorilla Glass for ultimate durability and complemented by a soft protective folio, the Chromebook Duet (11", 9) is a portable companion that entertains, adapts, and encourages you to create. A learning resource for students and teachers, the Chromebook Duet EDU G2 takes durability to the next level with a rugged case and detachable keyboard.

"Modern society is constantly on the move, a challenge to traditional notions of productivity and leisure based on being stationary, while underscoring the necessity of having a portable and efficient laptop," said Benny Zhang, Executive Director and General Manager of Chromebooks in Lenovo's Intelligent Devices Group. "The Lenovo Chromebook Duet and Lenovo Chromebook Duet EDU G2 powered by MediaTek Kompanio 838 processor with AI-enabled NPU are versatile companions for work, play, learning and everything in between."

CTL, a global cloud-computing solution leader for education and enterprise, announced today the introduction of the new CTL Chromebook PX111E Series. These 11.6" Chromebooks equip students with the essential processing and connectivity they need in a durable, sustainable device. Easy ChromeOS device manageability combined with CTL's Life Cycle Services reduces the burdens of deployment and device management for IT departments.

"We've introduced several new Chromebooks lately, and this is our newest 11.6" entry-level device built for the rigors of daily student use. We have tested it to MIL-STD-810H standards, added a durable 180 lay-flat hinge, and even shoved it off desks to ensure survivability. When combined with the power of Google for Education, Intel N100 processing, Wi-Fi 6E, and other advanced technologies, the PX111E Series will serve students for years to come," said Erik Stromquist, CEO of CTL.

CTL, a global cloud-computing solution leader for education and enterprise, announced today the introduction of the new CTL Chromebook PX141E Series. This series equips educators, staff, and students with the powerful performance and connectivity they need for all-day productivity. Easy ChromeOS device manageability combined with CTL's lifecycle services reduces the burden on IT departments.

"We are excited to refresh our product line with the next-generation 14" Chromebook. As the new powerhouse performer in our Chromebook lineup, we know our education and enterprise customers will appreciate the upgraded power, Wi-Fi, memory, and storage to support all day teaching and learning, while new conveniences such as the webcam privacy shutter and additional USB-A port enhance useability," said Erik Stromquist, CEO of CTL.

CTL, a global cloud-computing solution leader for education and enterprise, announced today the introduction of the new CTL Chromebook Plus PX141 Series. This series equips education and enterprise users with the powerful performance, AI tools, and creative apps they need to get more done, faster. Easy ChromeOS device manageability combined with CTL's lifecycle services reduces the burden on IT departments.

"We are excited to launch CTL's Chromebook Plus PX141 Series with two distinct models. As a leader in the ChromeOS space, we know our customers will appreciate the design, performance, and AI capabilities of this next-generation device in the CTL Chromebook portfolio," said Erik Stromquist, CEO of CTL.

At COMPUTEX 2024, MediaTek will showcase new products and technology demonstrations, featuring highlights in AI, Smart TVs, Chromebooks, IoT and more, in addition to a keynote by Vice Chairman and CEO Dr. Rick Tsai about how MediaTek can enable ubiquitous AI.

At this year's show, MediaTek will debut two new chipsets with powerful performance and support for the latest AI enhancements across multiple verticals: the Kompanio 838 SoC for premium Chromebooks, and the Pentonic 800 SoC for 4K premium smart TVs and displays.

Acer today introduces two new Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise laptops, both designed with powerful technology and Google AI capabilities that ensure businesses, their workforces and frontline employees are equipped with the latest technology to work in the cloud more efficiently and securely.

Both new Chromebook Plus Enterprise models - the Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise 515 and Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise Spin 514 - come with the business capabilities of ChromeOS unlocked, ensuring best-in-class security, simple management, flexible access, and enhanced administrative support, all coupled with double the speed, memory and storage. The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (CP514-4HN) is also available for consumers or individuals.

ASUS today announced that new ASUS Chromebook Plus laptops will offer access to one-year of the Google One AI Premium Plan (239.88 USD value), at no extra cost. This offer currently applies to three of our ASUS Chromebook Plus laptops - the ASUS ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus, the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34, and the ASUS Chromebook Plus CM34 Flip.

The subscription includes Gemini Advanced, which offers access to Google's most capable AI models and exclusive features. It also includes Gemini in Google apps like Docs, Sheets, Slides and Gmail to help make everyday tasks easier. With a simple prompt, get help drafting invites, resumes, and more with AI-powered writing and proofreading tools. Effortlessly create relevant visuals for presentations just by typing a few words, and magically enhance the quality of your video by reducing noise, increasing sharpness, and fixing the lighting. Plus, subscribers get access to 2 TB of secure cloud storage—all in one plan.

Acer today debuted two new premium Chromebook Plus laptops - the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 and Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE - that combine versatile designs with a 2x faster Intel Core processor and up to double the memory and storage, giving people the power to do even more all at once.

As Chromebook Plus devices, the two new models support enhanced generative AI features for connectivity, creativity, and collaboration, such as a "help me write" feature available with just a right click, Google Photos' Magic Editor, Gemini, and more. The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is a slim convertible optimized for on-the-go productivity and connectivity with a 360-degree hinge that allows it to be used in myriad ways and places, and the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is a next-generation cloud-gaming Chromebook with the latest gaming-centric hardware to stream and play AAA games with NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Boosteroid, Amazon Luna and more.

ASUS today announced the ASUS Chromebook CR series of laptops, tailored to meet the needs of K-12 students. The ASUS Chromebook CR Series stands out as the ideal companion for students, whether engaged in in-person classroom learning or remote education. The rugged and modular design, featuring replaceable internal parts, guarantees both durability and longevity. With 11.6-inch or 12.2-inch Corning Gorilla Glass touchscreens and a 180° lay-flat or 360°-flippable hinge, the laptops offer flexibility for enriched educational experiences. This design fosters the adventurous mindset of modern students, ensuring an enjoyable and secure learning journey, whether they're engaging in online courses or in-class sessions—ready for every learning journey.

A trusted study partner
For K-12 students, an everyday-use laptop should be invincible. With lively and active users, scratches and knocks are an almost-inevitable part of their daily routine, so the ASUS Chromebook CR series features an all-round rubber bumper for extra peace of mind. The laptops also feature a rugged design that's tested to meet or exceed the MIL-STD-810H US military-grade standard, and use tough Corning

JMicron Technology Corporation, in collaboration with Vinpower, Inc., have developed the first of its kind Enhanced 10Gbps Portable SSD (PSSD), using the collaboratively developed iVP817 IC Chip, that's compatible with Apple iOS devices supporting the iPhone iAP2. The PSSD offers super-fast Read/Write (R/W) data transfer speeds and is the first of its kind to provide Secure, High Powered, High-Speed backup and storage across all computing platforms, which includes the Apple iOS platform, as well as Android, PC, MacBook, Chromebook and more. While the R/W transfer speeds for USB flash storage devices compatible with smartphones and tablets typically range from 20 MB/sec to 80 MB/sec, the enhanced PSSD achieved verifiable R/W transfer speeds at more than 800 MB/sec with an iPhone 15Pro and 15Pro Max. That means, when using the enhanced PSSD with Vinpower's iAP2 based App, one could backup a 10 GB video, from an iPhone 15Pro or 15Pro Max, in around 12 seconds. On top of that, the PSSD will accommodate a range of NVMe SSD with varying form factor lengths and capacities up to and exceeding 8 TB of secure storage.

JMicron is a leading IC design company specialized in high-speed data and signal interfaces bridge controllers including NVMe to USB bridges, while Vinpower is a leader in designing IC chip firmware, circuit design, and manufacturing Apple iOS backup and storage devices and related Apps. The two companies recognized the enormous untapped market potential for a new solution that can perform smooth, fast, and secure data transfer and backup for portable mobile devices, especially for the Apple iOS platform, such as iPhones and iPads.

If you have been searching for a quality, do-everything USB-C dock, we have the perfect solution. The Sabrent USB-C Universal Docking Station (DS-UICA) has near-limitless potential with a wide variety of ports and capabilities to enhance your computing experience. Enjoy and get the most out of your laptop, ultrabook, Chromebook, Android phone or tablet, MacBook, Apple iPhone or iPad, and more with this incredibly compact and featureful docking station. Everything is connected through a 10 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2x1) USB-C upstream host port designed for modern machines. Downstream it has two 10 Gbps USB-C ports, two 5 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 1x1) USB-A ports, and two 480 Mbps (USB 2.0) USB-A ports. The first four can deliver 5 V/1.5 A; the latter two are great for keyboards and mice.

This dock has it all, including dual video output via two pairs of HDMI 2.0 and DP ports with the optional use of a single USB-C port for display. Simultaneous output up to 4K@60 Hz is possible with DSC. Forget unreliable Wi-Fi. Connect to your network and Internet at up to 1000 Mbps with wired Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE). You can also easily access your content with the built-in dual microSD/SD card reader with UHS-I (104MBps) support. On top of that, there are three 3.5 mm ports for audio out, a microphone, and one for audio in/out. We've included a USB-C to USB-C cable and an external power adapter to power everything with the device charging up to 80 W. The docking station has a cradle for your device of choice with front-facing LEDs for extra clarity.

ASUS today announced the ASUS Chromebook CZ series of laptops tailored for K12 students, which offer a portable and durable design for enduring value and empower engaged learning - anywhere. Featuring a 180° lay-flat or 360°-flippable design and an 11.6-inch (CZ1104C/F) or 12.2-inch (CZ1204C/F) 16:10 WUXGA display or touchscreen with TÜV-certified eye-care technology, the series not only enhances the visual experience but also prioritizes eye protection. ASUS Chromebook CZ series laptops are built for easy IT maintenance, with a modular design that minimizes downtime. The series boasts an extended battery life for uninterrupted use throughout an entire day of classes, empowering students to extend their learning beyond traditional limits.

A reliable study companion
For K12 students, an everyday-use laptop should be invincible. With lively and active users, scratches and knocks are an almost-inevitable part of their daily routine, so the ASUS Chromebook CZ series features an all-round rubber bumper for extra peace of mind. The laptops also feature a rugged design that's tested to meet or exceed the MIL-STD-810H US military-grade standard, and use tough Corning Gorilla Glass to protect the screen from scratches. Additionally, the spill-resistant keyboard can cope with minor water spills without harm, so minor splashes on the desk or at the dinner table can be easily drained, cleaned, and dried. Finally, the special fingerprint-resistant finish keeps the laptop cleaner for longer.

Acer today expanded its line of Chromebook Plus laptops with the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-4H/T), providing users with a performance-minded, compact and durable model that enables them to do more with the AI-powered capabilities of ChromeOS. "The new Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-4H/T) delivers the sought-after combination of a portable design, 14-inch Full HD display and performance-minded technology that lets users get the most out of exciting capabilities offered with Chromebook Plus," said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc. "Students, businesses, families, and individuals need to be more productive, connected and empowered than ever, and can achieve this using Acer Chromebook Plus devices."

The new Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is the latest addition to Acer's lineup of Chromebook Plus laptops that offer enhanced Chromebook performance and experiences, emphasizing better hardware designs with upgraded displays and cameras paired with powerful productivity, creativity, and multimedia capabilities. Like all Acer Chromebook Plus laptops, users have the power to do more with the new Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-4H/T). Powered by an Intel Core i3-N305 processor and an ample 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 provides 2x the speed, memory, and storage, giving responsive performance and efficient multitasking, whether running built-in AI-powered apps like Google Docs and Photos, watching favorite shows in full HD on a 1080p display, or movie-making with LumaFusion. Plus, the processor ensures all-day enjoyment with up to 11 hours of usage on the fast-charging battery.

Jon Peddie Research reports the growth of the global PC-based graphics processor unit (GPU) market reached 76.2 million units in Q4'23 and PC CPU shipments increased an astonishing 24% year over year, the biggest year-to-year increase in two and a half decades. Overall, GPUs will have a compound annual growth rate of 3.6% during 2024-2026 and reach an installed base of almost 5 billion units at the end of the forecast period. Over the next five years, the penetration of discrete GPUs (dGPUs) in the PC will be 30%.

AMD's overall market share decreased by -1.4% from last quarter, Intel's market share increased 2.8, and Nvidia's market share decreased by -1.36%, as indicated in the following chart.

CTL, a global cloud computing solution leader for education and enterprise, will demonstrate the world's first Chromebook supporting 5G RedCap connectivity powered by, which was the world's first announced commercial release 17 5G RedCap modem RF system. CTL is preparing its Chromebook product lines for the future, where 5G will replace LTE connectivity. With more schools and enterprises standing up private cellular networks for anytime, anywhere connectivity, CTL is at the forefront of bringing built-in 5G connectivity to Chromebook devices.

Erik Stromquist, CTL's CEO, said, "CTL is committed to developing and introducing affordable solutions for the education and enterprise markets. We believe there is a big opportunity to address the digital divide by providing more advanced and affordable private network solutions to extend internet access to every user regardless of location. We are thrilled to collaborate with Qualcomm Technologies in demonstrating 5G next-gen possibilities at this year's Mobile World Congress."

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 is a high performance Arm SoC designed to compete with Apple M3, with Windows 11 thin and light notebooks and Chromebooks being its main target devices. Microsoft pins a lot of hope in chips such as the Snapdragon 8cx series as they offer comparable performance and battery life to the current crop of M3 MacBooks. A lot of water has flown under the bridge since Windows RT, and the latest crop of Windows 11 for Arm has a much wider PC application support base thanks to official translation layers by Microsoft. CPUID has an Arm64 version of the popular CPU-Z utility, which correctly detects all the specs of the Snapdragon 8cx, but more importantly, has a Bench tab that can test the single- and multithreaded performance of the CPU.

A Chinese tech enthusiast wasted no time in putting the Snapdragon 8cx through this CPU-Z internal benchmark, and found surprisingly good performance numbers. The single-threaded bench, which loads one of chip's four Arm Cortex-X1C P-cores, registers a score of 543.7 points. This is roughly comparable to that of the AMD "Zen 2" or Intel "Comet Lake" x86-64 core. The multithreaded test, which saturates all four P-cores, and all four Cortex-A78C E-cores, springs up 3479.7 points, which again compares to entry/mainstream x86-64 processors from AMD or Intel. Not impressed? How about the fact that the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 is a 7 W chip that idles under 2 W for the most part, and can make do with passive cooling, posting scores comparable to 35 W x86 chips that need active cooling?

CTL, a global cloud-computing solution leader for education, announced today the introduction of the new CTL Chromebook NL73 Series. The new Chromebook, incorporating the Intel Processor N100 and Intel Processor N200, enables IT professionals to equip schools with the cloud-computing performance they need today and with the sustainability required for tomorrow.

"Since Chromebooks were widely deployed during the pandemic to remote students, new applications have come into use, requiring more processing power and cybersecurity measures than ever before," noted Erik Stromquist, CEO of CTL. "Chromebook users will need to level up their technology in 2024. Our new NL73 Series delivers not only the power to meet these new requirements but also CTL's flexible configuration options, purchase options, and whole lifecycle management services for the ultimate in sustainability."

ASUS today announced the launch of its latest BR1204, CR, and CZ series laptops at Bett UK 2024, marking the third consecutive year of ASUS Education launches at the Bett Show and demonstrating its dedication to educational technology innovation. The flagship BR1204 is engineered to withstand the daily challenges of classroom activity, meeting the highest standards of durability. Accompanying the BR series are the CR and CZ Chromebook series (CR1204, CR1104, CZ1204, CZ1104), which bring unparalleled versatility and mobility to hybrid-learning environments.

Together, these series champion the ASUS commitment to reliability, user-centric design and safety, both online and offline - with easy-to-service designs that ensure IT administrators can maintain devices with minimal effort, enhancing the efficiency of education technology. With the comprehensive ASUS lineup for education, both teachers and students are equipped to excel in the digital age.

Time to gear up, hunters - Capcom's Monster Hunter: World joins the GeForce NOW library, bringing members the ultimate hunting experience on any device. It's all part of an adventurous week, with nearly a dozen new games joining the cloud gaming service.

A Whole New World
Join the Fifth Fleet on an epic adventure to the New World, a land full of monstrous creatures, in the acclaimed action role-playing game (RPG) Monster Hunter: World. It's the latest in the series to join the cloud, following Monster Hunter Rise. Members can unleash their inner hunter and slay ferocious monsters in a living, breathing ecosystem. Explore the unique landscape and encounter diverse monster inhabitants in ferocious hunting battles. Hunt alone or with up to three other players, and use materials collected from fallen foes to craft new gear and take on bigger, badder beasts. Step up to the Quest Board and hunt monsters in the cloud at up to 4K resolution and 120 frames per second as an Ultimate member - or discover the New World at ultrawide resolutions. Members don't need to wait for downloads or worry about storage space, and can take the action with them across nearly all devices.

Cyber Acoustics, a leading manufacturer of reliable and affordable computer peripherals used in schools, businesses, call centers, and homes, today announced the CA Essential Webcam Flex is now shipping and available on CyberAcoustics.com and Amazon.com.

The CA Essential Webcam Flex is the ideal tool to give powerful presentations, conduct authentic live interviews, lead captivating webinars and livestreams, or present engaging demonstrations, via a simple, unobtrusive webcam that's perfect for people spanning industries, professions, interests, and hobbies, as its unique design offers a more collaborative experience for any use.

ASUS today announced ASUS ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus, the first Chromebook to feature the all-new Intel Core Ultra 7 processor to supercharge business and personal productivity - and the first Expert-series Chromebook Plus from ASUS.

ASUS ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus is exquisitely engineered to elevate the competitive edge for organizations of all sizes, with 2X the power, speed, memory and storage of other devices, and a high-definition camera and display, empowering companies and colleagues to do their best work. Google's built-in AI video call features enhance clarity and lighting, cancel noise, and blur the background. With the power of ChromeOS and a raft of new AI features, ASUS ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus helps drive the modern workforce, unleashing organizational creativity and enabling offline work from anywhere -ready for business success in style.