Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite Debut with over 20 Copilot+ Laptops to take on Apple Silicon

May 21, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

The new Copilot+ PCs are running Qualcomm’s latest made-for-pc system on a chip (SoC). The Snapdragon X SoCs were announced together with Microsoft’s new Copilot+ PC standard. So far, Microsoft itself has used the SoC on the latest Surface Laptop and Surface Pro. Other OEMs have also introduced laptops carrying the same chipset under the Copilot+ PC program.

The new Snapdragon X SoCs are fabricated using a 4nm process and come with Qualcomm’s Oryon CPU, Adreno GPU and Hexagon NPU (Neural Processing unit). The combination of the three empowers higher performance and better battery life. Qualcomm boasts that Snapdragon X Elite delivers current peak PC CPU performance at 60% less power.

There are two variants of the Snapdragon X SoC: the Snapdragon X Elite and the Snapdragon X Plus. The Elite features a 12-core Oryon CPU clocked at 4.2 GHz with a 5% dual-core boost, an Adreno GPU capable of up to 4.6 TFLOPs performance and a Hexagon NPU capable of 45 TOPS performance. The Plus features a 10-core Oryon CPU with dual-core boost, an Adreno GPU with up to 3.8TFLOPs performance and the same Hexagon NPU.

Qualcomm boasts that the Snapdragon X chips are built for AI. This is primarily due to the inclusion of the Hexagon NPU which is the cornerstone of the SoC. AI tasks are primarily run using the NPU and offload complex, energy-draining processes from the CPU. This results in better power efficiency and an overall boost in performance. The chip also supports 5G connectivity and WiFi 7.

According to Qualcomm’s internal benchmarking, the Snapdragon X Elite is able to perform better than currently available chips from AMD and Intel with 60% better power efficiency, 52% better CPU performance and 36% better GPU performance. Wins across the board. The company is boasting a 2.6x improvement on Apple’s M3 processor and 5.4x improvement over Intel’s Core Ultra 7 processor.

Snapdragon X Series Powers the PC Revolution with Copilot Devices Available Now CA1

We will have to wait to see how performance is with the first wave of Copilot+ laptops set to be released soon. Over 20 laptops are coming from various OEMs including Dell, Acer, ASUS, HP and Samsung that will be using the Snapdragon X SoCs.

Computers, News

ASUS Announces First Copilot+ PC: The ASUS Vivobook S 15 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite

May 21, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Asus has just announced its first Snapdragon X Elite laptop: the Asus Vivobook S 15. The announcement comes on the heels of Microsoft’s announcement ahead of its BUILD conference kicking off today. The announcement underscores a shift in Microsoft’s strategy for Windows to focus on Copilot integration but more significantly to adopt the ARM-based x64 architecture which could impact both AMD and Intel.

The new laptop complements ASUS’s current Vivobook lineup which champions both performance and affordability. The ASUS Vivobook S 15 is also the first laptop from ASUS to run Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite. The new System on a Chip (SoC) brings a brand new paradigm to Windows unlocking performance a lot of us have been looking for from a thin and light laptop. The new Snapdragon X Elite is the first made-for-PC chipset from Qualcomm to be widely adopted in the new Copilot+ PC label from Microsoft. The SoC is optimised for performance and battery life which includes heavy graphics work and even some gaming.

Qualcomm’s SoC comes with its Oryon CPU and Adreno GPU. More significantly it comes with the company’s Hexagon neural processing unit (NPU) that will enable a number of AI features from both Microsoft’s Copilot and ASUS. The SoC will be complemented by up to 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD Memory.

Vivobook S 15 OLED Product photo 2S Cool Silver

The Vivobook S 15 is replacing the previous model that ran on Intel’s Core processors. The new laptop will be equipped with a 15.6-inch, 3K ASUS Lumina OLED display with a resolution of 2880×1620 pixels. The display is also colour-calibrated to cover 100% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut and is certified with DisplayHDR True Black600 with an average Delta-E of less than 1 and 600 nits peak brightness.

It will also come with an FHD IR camera for Windows Hello. This camera will also come with ASUS AiSense with Windows Studio Effect, ASUS Adaptive dimming and ASUS Adaptive lock. The Viviobook S 15 is also equipped with WiFi 7 paired with Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity. Like all ASUS laptops, it will also have the ASUS ErgoSense touchpad that comes with smart gestures and silent touchpad technology. The ErgoSense keyboard also comes with single-zone RGB backlighting.

The Vivobook S 15 is also coming with a full array of ports including an Audio jack and HDMI 2.1 port and a microSD card reader. It will also have two USB 4.0 ports and two USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports. All of these will be powered by a 70wH battery that is touted to deliver 18 hours of battery life. It will charge with a 90W AC adapter.

Vivobook S 15 OLED Product Photo Cool Silver

Together with all this hardware, the ASUS Vivobook S 15 will also feature a lot of Copilot integration including a dedicated Copilot key. Features like Co-Create and Recall will be available on the laptop together with either Microsoft Windows 11 Home or Pro.

Pricing & Availability

The ASUS Vivobook S 15 will be available soon worldwide. Pre-orders were announced for the US during the live stream. The retail pricing will start at USD$1,299 (RM6,096.40).

ASUS Malaysia indicates that the Vivobook S 15 will be available in Malaysia starting Q3 2024. That would mean sometime between July to September 2024.

PR Newswire

GEEKOM A8 AI PC is now available for $749 and up.

May 21, 2024 TechENT Syndication Leave a comment

TAIPEI, May 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The GEEKOM A8, a highly anticipated Next-Gen AI mini PC with an AMD HawkPoint Ryzen 8040 processor, is now available.

The A8 employs a metal housing with rounded corners and anodized matte finish, giving it a gorgeous and stylish look. Having a footprint smaller than the palm of a hand, the mini PC will conveniently fit in all types of desktop arrangement and instantly elevate the aesthetics of any workspace.

There are two variants of the GEEKOM A8, users have the option to choose between two processors from the same AMD HawkPoint family: Ryzen 7 8845HS and Ryzen 9 8945HS. Both chips feature 8 Zen 4 CPU cores, 16 threads, 16MB L3 cache, an AMD Radeon 780M integrated GPU as well as a Ryzen AI Engine NPU, but the Ryzen 9 8945HS is designed to offer slightly better performance, thanks to its higher CPU and GPU frequencies.

With a greatly enhanced NPU, the A8 can execute 60% more AI workloads than mini PCs with last-generation Ryzen 7040 chips, allowing for an embrace a new era of AI computing. For average consumers, the A8 will quickly find answers to all questions and turn texts into images and videos. For business users, the A8 will automatically summarize notes, transcribe calls, and take meeting minutes. For professional content creators, the A8 will bring much faster AI-powered photo editing, quicker video output, and speedier multi-tasking, helping bring the most ambitious ideas to life. With the new IceBlast 1.5 cooling technology, the A8 can stay cool and stable even when tasks are loaded.

Besides its powerful performance, the A8 also offers a wide array of ports, including four USB-A (including three USB3.2 Gen2), two HDMI2.0, a 40Gbps USB4, a multi-function Type-C, an SDXC slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The mini PC allows for connection to an eGPU, ultra high-speed portable storage, or up to four 4K displays.

The A8 is now available on Amazon and GEEKOM’s independent website. The 8845HS and 8945HS variants are priced at $749 and $899 respectively. Regardless of the CPU option, each unit is preinstalled with 32GB dual-channel SO-DIMM DDR5-5600 RAM, a fast 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe4.0*4 SSD, a wireless card that supports WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, and a licensed copy of Windows 11 operating system.

News

Infinaxis and Velo Technologies Partner for Data Centre Expansions

May 20, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Malaysia’s digital transformation, fueled by the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and the digitalization focus of Budget 2024, is gaining momentum. The data centre market itself is anticipated to experience explosive growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.92% between 2023 and 2029. By 2029, the market is expected to reach a staggering US$3.97 billion.

Capitalizing on this surge, prominent data centre facility provider Infinaxis has joined forces with Velo Technologies (TelcoHubX), a leading end-to-end data centre and managed service provider. This strategic partnership marks a significant initial commitment of 2 megawatts (MW) capacity. With a projected value creation of RM100 million, the collaboration empowers Velo Technologies to expand its data centre footprint in Cyberjaya and cater to the ever-growing needs of its clients.

Zahri Mirza CEO of Infinaxis X Ben Chin CEO of Velo Technologies — Zahri Mirza, CEO of Infinaxis and Ben Chin, CEO of Velo Technologies showcase the signed Partnership Agreement

Velo Technologies plans to leverage this partnership by extending its established 24/7 support structure and robust policies to Infinaxis’s clients. Additionally, clients will benefit from a wider range of enhanced interconnectivity options, drawing upon TelcoHubX’s well-established ecosystem. Velo Technologies is further bolstering its service portfolio to include a comprehensive suite of solutions, encompassing:

A dedicated 24/7 Proactive Monitoring Center
Complete IT outsourcing services
Enterprise network and security solutions
Cutting-edge cybersecurity and hybrid cloud solutions
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Backup as a Service (BaaS)

Furthermore, the partnership aims to strengthen the reliability and redundancy of Velo Technologies’ data centre operations, guaranteeing exceptional uptime for its clients.

Strategically located in Cyberjaya, the data centre is on track to be operational by the second quarter of 2025. Designed to handle demanding data processing and storage needs, the facility boasts a robust 12MW IT load capacity and a floor loading capacity of 20kN/m2. With seven floors and five designated data centre halls, each housing two individual halls, the facility is meticulously planned to accommodate business growth, ensuring scalability and adaptability.

The data centre’s carrier-neutral status provides unparalleled flexibility for clients when selecting network providers, fostering seamless interconnection with multiple telecommunication carriers. Recognizing the growing importance of AI applications, the facility is specifically tailored to meet their high power density requirements. Each rack boasts an average power ranging from 8kW to 15kW, catering specifically to the needs of mid-tier enterprises with moderate IT requirements, striking a perfect balance between affordability and performance.

“We are thrilled about our partnership with Velo Technologies,” says Zahri Mirza, CEO of Infinaxis. “This expansion will allow us to work in tandem to offer a wider range of Malaysian businesses a truly comprehensive suite of data centre solutions.” This powerful partnership signifies a significant leap forward in Malaysia’s digital infrastructure, propelling the nation’s communication capabilities and overall progress. By creating data centre hubs through strategic alliances, Malaysia is well-positioned to solidify its place as a leader in the digital age.

Business, Entertainment

Alibaba Cloud Brings AI to the Olympic Viewing Experience

May 20, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Technology wouldn’t be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to the Olympics. However, the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games promises not only to be a spectacle of athletic prowess but also one which showcases technological innovation. One of the companies at the forefront of bringing technological innovation to the Olympics is Alibaba Cloud. The digital technology backbone of Alibaba Group is collaborating with Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) to introduce an AI-powered multi-camera replay service. This cutting-edge technology, piloted successfully at the recent Olympic Qualifier Series in Shanghai, aims to revolutionize how audiences experience the Games.

Alibaba Cloud was testing multi camera replay service at the skateboarding venue at Olympic Qualifier Series in Shanghai

Alibaba Cloud’s solution outperforms traditional multi-camera replays, offering a true 3D viewing experience. Leveraging machine learning and deep neural networks, the system processes video footage captured from strategically placed cameras around the venue. This data is then transformed into cloud-based 3D models with high-quality textures. The magic lies in the ability to generate virtual frames from entirely new viewpoints, enabling smooth and realistic rotations. Imagine viewing a game-winning goal from behind the net, or a breathtaking diving catch from the athlete’s perspective. This 3D reconstruction promises to immerse viewers in the heart of the action.

Alibaba Cloud’s robust cloud infrastructure serves as the backbone for this innovative service. Powerful computing architecture ensures near real-time processing of high-precision 3D reconstruction and video rendering. This facilitates seamless integration with OBS’s production system, making the multi-angle video content readily available to global Media Rights Holders. As a result, audiences worldwide will be treated to dynamic and lifelike replays, enriching their Olympic viewing experience.

Alibaba Cloud to Help Elevate Olympic Viewing with AI Enhanced Multi Camera Replay Service

The multi-camera replay system isn’t entirely new. A version was successfully implemented for select events at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. However, the Paris 2024 iteration boasts additional AI features and expanded deployment across twelve competition venues, encompassing sports like beach volleyball, tennis, judo, and rugby.

Business, Gaming, News

Delta Emulator Forced to Change Logo As Adobe Goes on Offensive

May 20, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

The popular emulator, Delta, has undergone a sudden logo change, leaving some users scratching their heads. This unexpected update comes after the emulator received a legal threat from software giant Adobe.

Developed by Riley Testut, Delta has become a go-to option for iOS users seeking to relive classic video games from consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Game Boy Advance (GBA). The emulator has made its way to Apple devices following a change in Apple’s App Store policies that allowed for emulators. Delta, in particular, allows users to play these games on their iPhones and iPads, offering a taste of retro gaming nostalgia on the go.

Screenshot 2024 05 20 at 19 42 43 AltStore @altstore@fosstodon.org — Screen cap from Mastodon.

The recent logo change stems from a dispute with Adobe. According to reports, Adobe’s legal team contacted Testut, claiming the Delta logo bore a resemblance to its own logo, potentially causing confusion among consumers. While Delta’s logo represented a stylized Greek letter delta (Δ), Adobe argued the similarity could mislead users into believing the apps were connected.

Faced with the potential for legal action, Delta opted to avoid a lengthy battle and promptly changed its logo. The new logo, described as a “broken triangle,” is a clear departure from the previous design. While some users expressed amusement at the somewhat unconventional new icon, the change ensures Delta remains available on the App Store.

Screenshot 2024 05 20 at 19 41 53 Delta Game Emulator — App Store Screen Capture

The Delta logo dispute is one of the more trivial issues that have been haunting the video game emulation space. There are bigger concerns when it comes to the legality of emulation as a whole when it comes to copyright, particularly because the game files (ROMs) are used to play the games on the emulator. Typically, users are responsible for acquiring these ROMs legally, often by dumping them from their own physical game cartridges.

Computers, News

Samsung Malaysia Opens Pre-registration for Upcoming Monitor Line-Up

May 20, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Samsung is preparing to upgrade your visual experience with its upcoming 2024 monitor lineup. Whether you’re a passionate gamer pushing your reflexes to the limit, a creative professional demanding colour accuracy, or simply seeking an immersive entertainment experience, Samsung promises a monitor tailored to your needs.

Monitor One 2024 HR PR Banner — Source: Samsung

The upcoming 2024 Samsung Monitor One series boasts a diverse range of models, each equipped with cutting-edge technology designed to maximize your productivity and enjoyment. For gamers, the upcoming Odyssey OLED series offers stunning visuals and lightning-fast response times, ensuring you never miss a critical detail. For creative professionals, the incumbent ViewFinity series prioritizes exceptional colour accuracy and intricate detail, guaranteeing your work is displayed flawlessly. And for those seeking a more versatile experience, the forthcoming Smart Monitor series integrates smart features, blurring the lines between productivity and entertainment.

To celebrate the launch, Samsung is offering an exclusive pre-order promotion from May 17th to 31st, 2024. Register your interest and receive a voucher code redeemable during the pre-order window from June 1st to 16th. This voucher entitles you to significant savings of up to RM1,000 on select 2024 monitor models during the pre-order period.

Stay tuned for further announcements as Samsung unveils more details about the exciting new lineup.

PR Newswire

Clarivate Launches AI-Enhanced Solution to Accelerate Trademark Watching

May 20, 2024 TechENT Syndication Leave a comment

Providing faster and more accurate answers to critical business questions

LONDON, May 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT), a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, launched the first publicly available version of Trademark Watch Analyzer today at the 2024 International Trademark Association Annual Meeting. As the next-generation trademark protection solution enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technology, this solution combines Clarivate global trademark and case law data, in-house IP expertise, and cutting-edge AI technology. It will provide faster and more accurate answers to critical business questions by automating key trademark watching tasks and intelligently prioritizing result sets.

Trademark Watch Analyzer connects users to trademark datasets in 258 countries and territories across 191 official trademark registers, as well as data from 7+ million trademark litigation cases. This content is harmonized and connected through AI algorithms which query, connect and mine both datasets delivering advanced insights in supported watch products. This revolutionizes the way trademark watch results are delivered, so that clients can rank results based on their chance of success/opposition.

According to data from SAEGIS®, a CompuMark™ trademark solution from Clarivate, the number of trademark applications filed globally each year has more than doubled since 2014. With over one million new trademarks added to trademark registers around the world each month, the risk of infringement has never been greater, making vigilance of trademark applications essential to protect and grow strong brands.

Gordon Samson, President, Intellectual Property, Clarivate, said: “As the global business landscape grows more complex, trademark professionals are faced with challenges including more data, less context and shorter deadlines. Our advanced AI-driven solution enables clients to confidently monitor their trademarks anywhere in the world, with global monitoring and automated alerts, while also saving time, costs and critical resources. The launch of the Trademark Watch Analyzer is the latest example of our Think forward™ promise — connecting clients to trusted intelligence to ensure an IP-empowered tomorrow.”

With a more intuitive design and user interface, Trademark Watch Analyzer will enable clients to have a much-improved user experience as they work with their results. The navigation will be based on the same architecture as the Brand Landscape Analyzer launched in 2023, providing clients with a more cohesive experience within the Clarivate product suite.

Find out more about Trademark Watch Analyzer here.

About Clarivate
Clarivate™ is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com

Media Contact:
Jack Wan, External Communications Director
newsroom@clarivate.com

Health, Lifestyle

ATLAS Vending Tackles Period Poverty By Dispensing Dignity with Free Sanitary Pads

May 20, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Period poverty, the struggle to afford safe and hygienic menstrual products, is a real issue in Malaysia. ATLAS Vending, a vending machine company, is tackling this challenge head-on with innovative technology and a social conscience.

Partnering with Libresse, a hygiene brand under Etika, and Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah binti Dr. Wan Ismail, a Member of the Malaysian Parliament, ATLAS Vending has introduced free sanitary pad dispensing machines. These machines utilize a card access system, ensuring privacy and dignity for users.

This initiative prioritizes marginalized communities, particularly young women. Up to 600 recipients from Sekolah Menengah Sains Selangor, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bandar Tun Razak and Hospital Chancellor Tuanku Muhriz UKM (formerly Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysian) will have access to free sanitary pads each month. Those in need of sanitary pads will be able to access them via a card access system to ensure privacy and prevent misuse of the vending machine and the products.

The fight against period poverty goes beyond providing access to products. ATLAS Vending acknowledges the need to address the cultural stigma surrounding menstruation. They see potential in social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube to educate both women and men about menstrual health.

“It’s time to break the taboo surrounding menstruation so that young women know the best way to take care of themselves during their periods. Social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube can provide accessible knowledge and education, even for men, promoting better menstrual health practices.”“

Dato’ Seri Dr Wan Azizah binti Dr Wan Ismail

Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Dr Wan Azizah binti Dr Wan Ismail emphasizes the importance of collaboration between private companies and government bodies. She highlights the need to break the silence and provide accessible knowledge to combat misinformation.

Libresse, a hygiene brand partnering with ATLAS Vending, shares the commitment to empowering women. They believe menstruation is a natural part of life and shouldn’t be a source of shame. Their educational campaigns aim to create a supportive environment where women can learn about their bodies and manage their periods confidently and with dignity.

Atlas Vending Period Hygiene 2 — (from left) Dr Lenny Suriyani binti Safri (Wakil Hospital Canselor Tunku Mukhriz UKM), Puan Amy Gan (Naib Presiden Pemasaran Etika Sdn. Bhd.), Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah binti Dr. Wan Ismail (Ahli Parlimen Bandar Tun Razak)

This initiative is just the beginning. ATLAS Vending acknowledges the long road ahead in dismantling the stigma surrounding menstruation. They plan to expand the program, installing more machines across Malaysia to reach those most in need.

By combining innovative technology with social responsibility, ATLAS Vending is significantly impacting the lives of women and girls in Malaysia. Their collaboration with Libresse and government officials paves the way for a future where no woman is held back by period poverty.

techENT

Yearly Archives: 2024

Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite Debut with over 20 Copilot+ Laptops to take on Apple Silicon

ASUS Announces First Copilot+ PC: The ASUS Vivobook S 15 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite

Pricing & Availability

GEEKOM A8 AI PC is now available for $749 and up.

Infinaxis and Velo Technologies Partner for Data Centre Expansions

Alibaba Cloud Brings AI to the Olympic Viewing Experience

Delta Emulator Forced to Change Logo As Adobe Goes on Offensive

Samsung Malaysia Opens Pre-registration for Upcoming Monitor Line-Up

Clarivate Launches AI-Enhanced Solution to Accelerate Trademark Watching

Tech Your Way