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Arm Plans to Cancel Qualcomm's License, Issues 60-Day Notice

According to Bloomberg, Arm Holding PLC, the holding company behind the Arm instruction set and Arm chip designs, just issued a 60-day notice period of license retirement to Qualcomm, its long-time partner. The UK-based ISA provider has notified Qualcomm that it will cancel the Arm ISA architectural license agreement after the contract-mandated 60-day notice. The issues between the two arose in 2022, just a year after Qualcomm acquired Nuvia and its IP. Arm filed a lawsuit claiming that the reason was "Qualcomm attempted to transfer Nuvia licenses without Arm's consent, which is a standard restriction under Arm's license agreements." To transfer Nuvia core licensing, Qualcomm would need to ask Arm first and create a new licensing deal.

The licensing reworking came just in time when Qualcomm experienced its biggest expansion. The new Snapdragon 8 Elite is being used in the mobile sector, the Snapdragon X Elite/Plus is being used in Copilot+ PCs, and the automotive sector is also getting the new Snapdragon Cockpit/Ride Elite chipsets. Most of that is centered around Nuvia Oryon core IP, a high-performance, low-power design. Arm's representatives declined to comment on this move for Bloomberg, while a Qualcomm spokesman noted that the British company was trying to "strong-arm a longtime partner."

AMD Launches New Ryzen AI PRO 300 Series Processors to Power Next Generation of AI PCs

Today, AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) announced its third generation commercial AI mobile processors, designed specifically to transform business productivity with Copilot+ features including live captioning and language translation in conference calls and advanced AI image generators. The new Ryzen AI PRO 300 Series processors deliver industry-leading AI compute, with up to three times the AI performance than the previous generation, and offer uncompromising performance for everyday workloads. Enabled with AMD PRO Technologies, the Ryzen AI PRO 300 Series processors offer world-class security and manageability features designed to streamline IT operations and ensure exceptional ROI for businesses.

Ryzen AI PRO 300 Series processors feature new AMD "Zen 5" architecture, delivering outstanding CPU performance, and are the world's best line up of commercial processors for Copilot+ enterprise PCs. Laptops equipped with Ryzen AI PRO 300 Series processors are designed to tackle business' toughest workloads, with the top-of-stack Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 375 offering up to 40% higher performance and up to 14% faster productivity performance compared to Intel's Core Ultra 7 165U. With the addition of XDNA 2 architecture powering the integrated NPU, AMD Ryzen AI PRO 300 Series processors offer a cutting-edge 50+ NPU TOPS (Trillions of Operations Per Second) of AI processing power, exceeding Microsoft's Copilot+ AI PC requirements and delivering exceptional AI compute and productivity capabilities for the modern business. Built on a 4 nm process and with innovative power management, the new processors deliver extended battery life ideal for sustained performance and productivity on the go.

Global PC Shipments Dip Slightly Despite Recovery Economy, But AI Integration is the Key to Future Market Success

Even though the global economy shows signs of recovery, worldwide shipments of traditional PCs dipped 2.4% year-over-year (YoY) to 68.8 million units, during the third quarter of 2024 (3Q24), according to preliminary results from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker. Factors including rising costs and inventory replenishment led to a surge in shipments in the previous quarter, resulting in a slightly slower sales cycle.

"Demand, without a doubt, has returned for PCs amongst consumers and commercial buyers," said Jitesh Ubrani, research manager with IDC's Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers. "However, much of the demand was still concentrated at the entry-level thanks to a recovering economy and the back-to-school season in North America. That said, newer AI PCs such as Copilot+ PCs from Qualcomm along with Intel and AMD's equivalent chips as well as Apple's expected M4-based Macs are expected to drive the premium segment in coming months."

Image Leaks of Intel Core Ultra 9 285K Confirm Chiplet-based Design Similar to Meteor Lake

Some of the first images of a de-lidded Intel Core Ultra 9 285K "Arrow Lake-S" processor surfaced on the web, confirming a disaggregated chiplet-based processor design. Intel pivoted to chiplet based processors with its Core Ultra "Meteor Lake," allowing it to build specific IP blocks of the processor on different foundry nodes, ensuring the ones that don't need the most advanced nodes can make do with slightly older ones, thereby maximizing Intel's yields for that advanced node. The die shot reveals a similar level of disaggregation to "Meteor Lake" than that of the more recent Core Ultra 200V "Lunar Lake" mobile processor.

With "Lunar Lake," Intel had re-aggregated a few things. "Lunar Lake" only has two tiles—SoC tile and I/O tile. The 3 nm SoC tile contains the CPU complex, a large iGPU, and a large 40 TOPS-class NPU, all sharing die-space with the memory controllers, and PCIe root complex. The smaller 6 nm I/O tile contains the PHYs of the various I/O interfaces. The "Arrow Lake" chip appears to have a similar degree of disaggregation as "Meteor Lake." We can spot at least five tiles sitting on top of the Foveros base tile. The picture has no annotation for the various tiles, but recent reports by Moore's Law is Dead and Jay Kihn shed some light on what these could be.

Microsoft Windows 11 2024 Update Begins Rolling Out

Microsoft today released the Windows 11 2024 Update to the general user-base. This version of the operating system was being referred to as the Windows 11 "24H2 Update." Since Microsoft moved away from the biannual major release cycle for Windows, 24H2 was set up to be called simply the "2024 Update." Windows 11 2024 Update introduces several new experiences that leverage native AI acceleration on Copilot+ PCs—cool new things like super-resolution for Photos, or generative fill and erase tools in Paint. The update also releases Preview versions of Click to Do, and Windows Recall.

Click to Do is a generative AI-based utility that lets you perform text related actions anywhere (think rephrasing or summarizing something); or perform visual search for an item in a video or photo, using Bing. Windows Recall is a star-attraction, it lets you trace-back steps or actions in any compatible software, by relying on visual snapshots of your work to restore past actions. This should prove particularly useful for creative work. Both Click to Do, and Windows Recall require a Copilot+ PC (a machine with an NPU that has at least 40 AI TOPS of performance on offer). Windows 2024 Update should begin appearing in the Update section of Windows Settings.

Microsoft Revamps Recall for Copilot+ PCs With a Focus on Security Concerns

Today Microsoft published an extensive blog post about the controversial Recall feature that was intended to launch with Copilot+ enabled Windows 11 PCs. To recap on Recall: Recall was announced as a service that creates and stores 'snapshots' of the user's activity on their PC, and uses the neural processing hardware within a Copilot+ certified machine to filter search requests by the user in order to find what they had previously seen. In effect, it took constant screenshots and would index the contents of those screenshots to assist with vague search queries. Saw a very funny picture in Discord a week ago and can't find it but can describe what it looked like? Search Recall and with the power of neural processing it would sift through its index of stored screenshots and attempt to provide you the exact image you described. Or, you could scroll back through the gallery of snapshots yourself to find what you wanted.

The idea of a program or service running in the background taking screenshots of your activity every few seconds yielded some pretty unsavory reactions from just about everyone. To assuage privacy concerns Microsoft did release an update in June committing to a broad set of security improvements to Recall before the preview would be available to test. This latest blog post titled, "Update on Recall security and privacy architecture", outlines more improvements on top of those announced back in June.

AMD's Krackan Ryzen AI APUs Confirmed for Early 2025 Launch

AMD is about to extend its mobile CPU lineup with the introduction of new Ryzen AI APUs, which are going to include the Krackan Point series which has been greatly expected. These CPUs are aimed at mainstream platforms and are targeted to bring performance, AI capabilities, and memory support to a new level. Krackan Point is supposed to be a cheaper alternative to the premium Strix Point series. Jack Huynh, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Computing and Graphics Business Group of AMD confirmed at IFA 2024 that Krackan will be released to the mass market early in 2025.

One of the highlights is the support for LPDDR5X-8000 memory, this feature is expected to place the Krackan Point APUs close to AMD's Strix Halo series and compete directly with Intel's Lunar Lake processors. The XDNA2 Neural Processing Unit and also the certification of AMD for Microsoft Copilot+PC will be the advantages of this enhancement of the product.

Lenovo Reveals New Yoga and IdeaPad Devices at Innovation World 2024

Today, Lenovo announced its newest additions to its Lenovo Yoga and Lenovo IdeaPad portfolios at Lenovo Innovation World 2024, designed to enhance user productivity and creativity through the power of AI. Models include additions to the Lenovo Copilot+ PC portfolio. These new products promise to revolutionize the way consumers create, ideate, and produce, offering a seamless blend of performance and user-centric features. The products—announced at Lenovo's special event in Berlin—include:
  • The all-new Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (15", 9), an Intel Evo Edition Copilot+ PC1 powered by Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2), the product of a multi-year collaboration with Intel.
  • The Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 (14", 9), Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 (15", 10) and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 (13", 10), Copilot+ PCs powered by AMD Ryzen processors.
  • The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (14", 9) and Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 (14", 9), powered by Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processors.
  • Lenovo Creator Zone, a software suite that allows creators to use natural language to ideate and generate images locally with the power of AI.
These products are the latest examples of Lenovo's commitment to leading the industry in providing cutting-edge technology, exceptional user experiences, and enhanced creativity and productivity to consumers around the globe.

Lenovo Unveils Groundbreaking AI PC Innovations at Lenovo Innovation World 2024

Lenovo, a global leader in technology innovation, proudly announces a series of groundbreaking products at Lenovo Innovation World 2024, each designed to redefine the future of professional computing and artificial intelligence. At a special event hosted in Berlin, the highlights include the newly designed premium Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2), and the innovative Lenovo Auto Twist AI PC proof of concept. Lenovo also featured the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 and the all new ThinkBook 16 Gen 7+ powered by the latest AMD Ryzen AI processors. Additionally, Lenovo introduced the ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 powered by the Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor. Together, these innovations showcase Lenovo's commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology, exceptional user experiences, and enhanced productivity and creativity for enterprise customers.

Lenovo also announced AI PC Fast Start, a solution designed to help organizations swiftly transition to AI-ready devices, maximizing ROI through AI-powered advisory and simplified deployment. Backed by Lenovo's award-winning support, these services accelerate AI adoption and ensure seamless implementation.

ASUS Announces ExpertBook P5, its First Copilot+ PC for Work

ASUS today announced ExpertBook P5 (P5405), a groundbreaking Copilot+ PC1 designed to empower modern professionals. Powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processor (Series 2) with up to 48 NPU TOPS2, delivering an up to 3X AI performance boost over the prior generation and featuring ASUS AI ExpertMeet, this AI-driven powerhouse streamlines workflows and enhances collaboration. Its sleek, durable aluminum chassis houses a stunning 2.5K 144 Hz display, delivering exceptional visuals. With a 1.29 kg3 feather-light design, robust security features, and a focus on sustainability, ExpertBook P5 is the perfect companion for on-the-go professionals seeking peak performance and efficiency.

The future of work
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ExpertBook P5 boasts a premium aluminum design that seamlessly blends aesthetics and ergonomics. Despite its lightweight construction, at just 1.29 kg, P5 offers exceptional durability — meeting the exacting US MIL-STD 810H military standard. Its thoughtfully designed workspace, featuring conveniently placed function keys and a spacious mouse area, optimizes productivity and comfort during video conferences and multitasking. Engineered with the ASUS ExpertCool thermal structure, a newly-enhanced cooling design, the ExpertBook P5 ensures consistent, optimal cooling whether the lid is open or closed, guaranteeing peak performance even during extended usage. It is a productivity powerhouse designed to elevate professional performance, empowering users to achieve their full potential.

ASUS Debuts New Vivobook S 15 and ProArt PZ13 Copilot+ PCs Powered by Snapdragon X Plus

ASUS, a global leader in innovative and user-centric computing solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its latest ASUS Vivobook S 15 and ProArt PZ13 Copilot+ PCs, powered by the newly-announced Snapdragon X Plus eight-core processor. These new devices mark a significant expansion of the ASUS Copilot+ PC series, bringing a breakthrough platform that unleashes multiday battery life, unprecedented performance and AI-powered Copilot+ PC experiences to a broader audience, with immediate availability worldwide.

These new models are the first laptops to leverage the latest Snapdragon X Plus platform from Qualcomm Technologies, making advanced AI features more accessible than ever before. By integrating this powerful new silicon, ASUS continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering user-centric design products that enhance daily life and productivity. The eight-core Qualcomm Oryon CPU powering the Snapdragon X Plus platform delivers lightning-fast responsiveness and efficiency. An integrated GPU and support for up to three external monitors ensures exceptional graphics and immersive visual experiences. At the heart of the Snapdragon X Plus eight-core processor is a staggering 45 TOPS NPU of AI processing power and leading performance-per-watt, which paired with the platform's significant advancements in connectivity, will push productivity to new heights in ultraportable designs with incredible battery life. Whether creating presentations on-the-go or video streaming, the versatile functionality of this platform will enable transformative experiences.

Acer Expands its Copilot+ PC Line with New Swift 14 AI and Swift Go 14 AI Laptops

Acer today expanded its Copilot+ PC lineup with the new Swift Go 14 AI and Swift 14 AI laptops, delivering versatile performance and elevated productivity with incredible battery life.

The Swift Go 14 AI features the latest Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor in an ultra-portable design. Acer also announced the Swift 14 AI featuring the new AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors which leverage the advanced AMD XDNA 2 architecture to utilize greater AI processing power and performance without compromise. Whether creating, working, or streaming on-the-go, these Copilot+ PCs streamline daily tasks and workloads more efficiently and enable Acer's on-device AI applications to help elevate users' digital experiences.

ASUS announces ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI

ASUS today announced that it showcased its latest technological innovations at the Always Incredible Media Day for IFA 2024 in Berlin, Germany. The company highlighted its commitment to its Ubiquitous AI. Incredible Possibilities vision by unveiling a new portfolio of next-generation ASUS Copilot+ PCs. Equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2), they deliver style, robust features and functionality, robust connectivity and heighten levels of performance alongside AI capabilities. ASUS has harnessed the full potential of Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) in the latest ASUS NUC mini PC. This new model outperforms the competition with superior performance, while maintaining an impressively compact design and robust array of connections and expansion support. With an integrated NPU delivering up to 48 TOPS, it enabled on-device AI capabilities. The NUC 14 Pro Ai will receive a free update to Copilot+ PC experiences when available.

The company's collaboration with Intel has been key in bringing these cutting-edge devices to life. "The powerful Intel Core Ultra processors at the heart of our latest Zenbook, Vivobook, ExpertBook laptops, and NUC Mini PC deliver unmatched performance and enable a wide range of AI experiences," said Rangoon Chang, ASUS Corporate Vice President, Consumer Business Unit. "With these new devices, together we are empowering users to harness the full potential of AI to enjoy smarter, more intuitive computing."

Acer Debuts New Swift Copilot+ PCs Powered by Intel Core Ultra Processors

Acer today launched new Swift 14 AI and Swift 16 AI Copilot+ PCs, its first Swift models powered by new Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2). The ultra-sleek, striking laptops are equipped with the latest in all-new processing capabilities and deliver up to 48 Trillions of Operations Per Second (TOPS) NPU AI performance to handle power-demanding AI workloads.

Powerful AI Processing with Advanced Security Features
The new Acer Swift 14 AI (SF14-51/T) and Swift 16 AI (SF16-51/T) deliver best-in-class AI performance with new Intel Core Ultra processors that optimize processing across the CPU, built-in Intel Arc graphics, and next-gen neural processing unit (NPU) to accelerate AI workloads. As a result, the new laptops can accelerate generative AI tasks and creations with ease. They also feature new P-cores and E-cores designed for uncompromised performance while delivering exceptional power efficiency and battery life.

Samsung's Galaxy Book4 Edge Next-Gen AI PC, Now with 15-inch Display

Samsung Electronics today announced the Galaxy Book4 Edge (15-inch), the latest addition to Samsung's Galaxy Book lineup, now powered by Qualcomm's cutting-edge Snapdragon X Plus 8-core platform. This new Copilot+ PC seamlessly integrates advanced AI capabilities, which elevate productivity and creativity to new heights.

Enhanced connectivity with the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem allows for one easy and efficient workflow across multiple devices, and further improves access to trailblazing Galaxy AI tools. All of these innovations are housed in a slim design featuring a 15.6-inch FHD display, a long-lasting battery with Super-Fast Charging and Samsung's multi-layer Samsung Knox security. The Galaxy Book4 Edge (15-inch) is available in select markets starting October in an iconic Sapphire Blue finish.

Samsung Announces New Galaxy Book5 Pro 360

Samsung Electronics today announced the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360, a Copilot+ PC and the first in the all-new Galaxy Book5 series. Performance upgrades made possible by the Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) bring next-level computing power, with up to 47 total TOPs NPU - and more than 300 AI-accelerated features across 100+ creativity, productivity, gaming and entertainment apps. Microsoft Phone Link provides access to your Galaxy phone screen on a larger, more immersive PC display, enabling use of fan-favorite Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search with Google, Chat Assist, Live Translate and more. And with the Intel ARC GPU, graphics performance is improved by 17%. When paired with stunning features like the Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with Vision Booster and 10-point multi-touchscreen, Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 allows creation anytime, anywhere.

"The Galaxy Book5 series brings even more cutting-edge AI experiences to Galaxy users around the world who want to enhance and simplify their everyday tasks - a vision made possible by our continued collaboration with longtime industry partners," said Dr. Hark-Sang Kim, EVP & Head of New Computing R&D Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. "As one of our most powerful PCs, Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 brings together top-tier performance with Galaxy's expansive mobile AI ecosystem for the ultimate AI PC experience."

Intel Announces New Mobile Lunar Lake Core Ultra 200V Series Processors

Intel today launched its most efficient family of x86 processors ever, the Intel Core Ultra 200V series processors. They deliver exceptional performance, breakthrough x86 power efficiency, a massive leap in graphics performance, no-compromise application compatibility, enhanced security and unmatched AI compute. The technology will power the industry's most complete and capable AI PCs with more than 80 consumer designs from more than 20 of the world's top manufacturing partners, including Acer, ASUS, Dell Technologies, HP, Lenovo, LG, MSI and Samsung. Pre-orders begin today with systems available globally on-shelf and online at over 30 global retailers starting Sept. 24. All designs featuring Intel Core Ultra 200V series processors and running the latest version of Windows are eligible to receive Copilot+ PC features as a free update starting in November.

"Intel's newest Core Ultra processors set the industry standard for mobile AI and graphics performance, and smash misconceptions about x86 efficiency. Only Intel has the scale through our partnerships with ISVs and OEMs, and the broader technology ecosystem, to provide consumers with a no-compromise AI PC experience."
--Michelle Johnston Holthaus, Intel executive vice president and general manager of the Client Computing Group

NETGEAR Unveils the Orbi 770 Series Mesh System

NETGEAR, the leading provider of innovative and secure solutions for people to connect and manage their digital lives, today expanded its Wi-Fi 7 mesh and standalone router lines with the new Orbi 770 Series Mesh System, NETGEAR's most affordable Wi-Fi 7 mesh system to date build on the company's promise to provide powerful Wi-Fi performance and secure connectivity.

Wi-Fi 7 unlocks 2.4 times faster speeds than Wi-Fi 6, delivers low latency and better handles Wi-Fi interference for families to seamlessly enjoy next gen 4K/8K streaming, video conferencing, gaming, and more. Since the launch of NETGEAR's first Wi-Fi 7 offerings - Nighthawk RS700S, Nighthawk RS300 and Orbi 970 - multi-gig internet speeds have become more affordable, work from home demands have remained steady, and more devices such as AR/VR headsets or AI-focused platforms like Copilot+ have been introduced that require extreme low latency and higher throughput.

Arm to Dip its Fingers into Discrete GPU Game, Plans on Competing with Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA

According to a recent report from Globes, Arm, the chip design giant and maker of the Arm ISA, is reportedly developing a new discrete GPU at its Ra'anana development center in Israel. This development signals Arm's intention to compete directly with industry leaders like Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA in the massive discrete GPU market. Sources close to the matter reveal that Arm has assembled a team of approximately 100 skilled chip and software development engineers at its Israeli facility. The team is focused on creating GPUs primarily aimed at the video game market. However, industry insiders speculate that this technology could potentially be adapted for AI processing in the future, mirroring the trajectory of NVIDIA, which slowly integrated AI hardware accelerators into its lineup.

The Israeli development center is playing a crucial role in this initiative. The hardware teams are overseeing the development of key components for these GPUs, including the flagship Immortalis and Mali GPU. Meanwhile, the software teams are creating interfaces for external graphics engine developers, working with both established game developers and startups. Arm is already entering the PC market through its partners like Qualcomm with Snapdragon X chips. However, these chips run an integrated GPU, and Arm wants to provide discrete GPUs and compete there. While details are still scarce, Arm could make GPUs to accompany Arm-based Copilot+ PCs and some desktop builds. The final execution plan still needs to be discovered, and we are still waiting to see which stage Arm's discrete GPU project is in.

Intel Core Ultra 200V "Lunar Lake" Launches on September 3: Acer

Intel's ambitious new ultraportable mobile processor series, the Core Ultra 200V series "Lunar Lake," launches on September 3, according to an Acer announcement for a media event covering the launch of its notebooks based on these chips. Acer scheduled this event on September 4, which means Intel to launch these processors no later than September 3. Media events by PC OEMs tend to follow a day after Intel's launch of a new processor generation or platform. A September 3 launch would precede the IFA 2024 Conference in Berlin, which kicks off on September 6, but which is open to press and industry delegates a little sooner, as is the norm for trade shows.

The Core Ultra 200V "Lunar Lake" is Intel's first processor generation to implement MoP (memory on package), eliminating the need for discrete memory modules. This reduces the Z height as well as PCB footprint of the platform, enabling thinner notebooks. MoP also has certain power and latency advantages compared to discrete memory. The compute complex of "Lunar Lake" consists of a 4P+4E CPU with "Lion Cove" P-cores, and "Skymont" E-cores. This is also the first processor to debut Intel's Xe2 "Battlemage" graphics architecture, as it powers its iGPU. It packs a powerful NPU that meets Microsoft Copilot+ AI PC requirements. You can learn all about "Lunar Lake" in our architecture deep-dive.

Intel Reports Q2-2024 Financial Results; Announces $10 Billion Cost Reduction Plan, Shares Fall 20%+

Intel Corporation today reported second-quarter 2024 financial results. "Our Q2 financial performance was disappointing, even as we hit key product and process technology milestones. Second-half trends are more challenging than we previously expected, and we are leveraging our new operating model to take decisive actions that will improve operating and capital efficiencies while accelerating our IDM 2.0 transformation," said Pat Gelsinger, Intel CEO. "These actions, combined with the launch of Intel 18A next year to regain process technology leadership, will strengthen our position in the market, improve our profitability and create shareholder value."

"Second-quarter results were impacted by gross margin headwinds from the accelerated ramp of our AI PC product, higher than typical charges related to non-core businesses and the impact from unused capacity," said David Zinsner, Intel CFO. "By implementing our spending reductions, we are taking proactive steps to improve our profits and strengthen our balance sheet. We expect these actions to meaningfully improve liquidity and reduce our debt balance while enabling us to make the right investments to drive long-term value for shareholders."

Qualcomm to Offer Snapdragon X-Powered PCs for $700 in 2025

Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon has announced plans to introduce Snapdragon X-powered PCs at a groundbreaking price point of $700 by next year. This revelation, made during the company's recent third-quarter earnings call, signals a significant shift in the accessibility of high-performance Arm-based computers. Currently, the most affordable Snapdragon X laptops on the market, such as the Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, retail for $999. The $700 price tag prospect represents a substantial reduction, potentially opening up the technology to a broader consumer base. The only "affordable" Snapdragon X-based PC is the Snapdragon Dev Kit, with a price point of $899. However, the entire laptop solution is still more expensive. Mr. Amon emphasized that despite the lower cost of the potential $700 units, these upcoming devices will maintain neural processing unit (NPU) performance. This commitment suggests that Qualcomm is confident in its ability to optimize costs without sacrificing the advanced capabilities that have made Snapdragon X chips appealing to power users and developers alike.

While specific details about the hardware configurations remain undisclosed, it is interesting to see what steps Qualcomm will take to deliver on this promise. If the company can provide 8-core chips with 16 GB of RAM to the masses for $700, the industry would likely react very well, especially students who require decent computing capabilities on the go, if the $700 PC ends up being a laptop. The announcement also hinted at an expansion of Qualcomm-powered computers, with new models expected to debut at the upcoming IFA tech conference. These additions will likely bolster the selection of Microsoft Copilot+ PCs, further integrating AI capabilities into everyday computing experiences. The CEO also noted, "We expect PC to be the next biggest driver of diversification for the company," with some Snapdragon X PC already being sold out. The demand appears to be strong, and undercutting competition on pricing is an ideal way to get as many customers on board as possible.

ASUS Readies 2025 ROG Z13 Flow Gaming Tablet Powered by AMD "Strix Halo"

ASUS is betting bigger on game consoles or PCs built like consoles. The company in 2023 introduced the first ROG Z13 Flow, a gaming-grade tablet, powered by a 13th Gen Core "Raptor Lake" processor and mid-tier RTX 40-series "Ada" discrete mobile GPU. The 2025 ROG Z13 Flow is a 13-inch, 16:10 tablet with an integrated kickstand. You can use it like a handheld with touch controls, or place it on a surface and use conventional gaming peripherals, such as keyboard+mouse, or a game controller. Since the device is meant to provide a AAA gaming experience, it packs some serious kit.

Apparently, the 2025 ASUS ROG Z13 Flow will implement AMD's upcoming "Strix Halo" processor that packs up to 16 "Zen 5" CPU cores, and an oversized iGPU with 40 RDNA 3.5 compute units (2,560 stream processors), and a 256-bit LPDDR5 memory interface, besides a 50 TOPS-class NPU to qualify for Copilot+ AI PC rating. Such a chip would meet the hardware goals of the ROG Z13 Flow, and eliminate the need for a discrete GPU, letting ASUS reduce the mainboard size. The power management of "Strix Halo" would see the CPU and SoC given a roughly 30 W budget, and the iGPU roughly 80 W. Its cooling solution focuses squarely on the "Strix Halo" chip, with no other major chip on the device (the SoC is wired out to serve all chipset functions, no FCH needed).

Chinese Firm Launches Advanced Consumer Processor with 45 TOPS NPU and 12-Core CPU

Cixin Technology, a Chinese tech firm, has introduced the Cixin P1 (CP8180), the region's first AI-centric consumer processor. This new chip aims to disrupt domestic markets by capitalizing on the growing AI PC trend, featuring up to 45 TOPS. According to IT Home, Cixin needed 15 months of research and development, 4 months for production, and 3 months of testing for their first CPU.

The Cixin P1 utilizes ARM-based architecture, similar to Qualcomm's successful Snapdragon X Elite CPUs. Built on a 6 nm process, the chip boasts a 12-core ARM CPU configuration, with eight performance cores and four efficiency cores, with a maximum frequency of 3.2 GHz.

AMD Strix Point Silicon Pictured and Annotated

The first die shot of AMD's new 4 nm "Strix Point" mobile processor surfaced, thanks to an enthusiast on Chinese social media. "Strix Point" is a significantly larger die than "Phoenix." It measures 12.06 mm x 18.71 mm (L x W), compared to the 9.06 mm x 15.01 mm of "Phoenix." Much of this die size increase comes from the larger CPU, iGPU, and NPU. The process has been improved from TSMC N4 on "Phoenix" and its derivative "Hawk Point," to the newer TSMC N4P node.

Nemez (GPUsAreMagic) annotated the die shot in great detail. The CPU now has 12 cores spread across two CCX, one of which contains four "Zen 5" cores sharing a 16 MB L3 cache; and the other with eight "Zen 5c" cores sharing an 8 MB L3 cache. The two CCXs connect to the rest of the chip over Infinity Fabric. The rather large iGPU takes up the central region of the die. It is based on the RDNA 3.5 graphics architecture, and features 8 workgroup processors (WGPs), or 16 compute units (CU) worth 1,024 stream processors. Other key components include four render backends worth 16 ROPs, and control logic. The GPU has its own 2 MB of L2 cache that cushions transfers to the Infinity Fabric.
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