Tag Archives: ARM

MediaTek Unveils the Dimensity 9400: A Powerful New Chip for Next-Generation Smartphones

October 9, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Get ready for a significant leap in smartphone performance! MediaTek has officially unveiled its latest flagship chipset, the Dimensity 9400. This powerhouse promises to deliver extreme performance, improved efficiency, and cutting-edge AI capabilities, shaping the future of mobile experiences. Let’s delve into the technical details and explore what the Dimensity 9400 has in store for users.

A Leap in Performance: Under the Hood of the Dimensity 9400

The Dimensity 9400 boasts a brand new CPU architecture, the Armv9.2, making it one of the first flagship mobile chips to utilize this latest technology. This translates to improved processing power and efficiency compared to previous generations. MediaTek claims a 35% faster single-threaded performance and a 28% boost in multi-threaded performance, making the Dimensity 9400 a true powerhouse for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.

The CPU itself is an 8-core configuration, with a single high-performance Cortex-X925 core clocked at a blazing-fast 3.36 GHz. This core handles the most demanding applications, ensuring smooth and responsive operation. Three Cortex-X4 cores provide additional processing grunt, while four Cortex-A725 cores tackle background tasks efficiently.

Power Efficiency on Point: Staying Charged for Longer

Performance is essential, but so is battery life. MediaTek has prioritized efficiency with the Dimensity 9400, claiming a 40% improvement compared to the previous generation Dimensity 9300. This is achieved through the use of a cutting-edge 3nm manufacturing process, which allows for smaller transistors and reduced power consumption. This translates to longer battery life, allowing you to enjoy your phone for extended periods without scrambling for a charger.

Graphics with a Boost: Immerse Yourself in Stunning Visuals

The Dimensity 9400 isn’t just about raw processing power; it also packs a graphical punch. MediaTek hasn’t revealed the specific GPU model yet, but they claim a significant performance improvement. Gamers can expect smoother frame rates in demanding titles, while casual users will enjoy a more visually responsive experience. Additionally, MediaTek boasts a 41% improvement in peak performance and a 40% boost in ray tracing capabilities. Ray tracing, a technology that simulates light in a more realistic way, is becoming increasingly common in mobile games, and the Dimensity 9400 promises to deliver stunning visuals with improved lighting effects.

AI Powerhouse: Unlocking New Possibilities

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the smartphone experience, and the Dimensity 9400 is well-equipped to handle the most demanding AI tasks. The 8th generation Neural Processing Unit (NPU) delivers significant performance improvements compared to previous generations. This translates to faster facial recognition, improved camera performance with AI-powered features, and a smoother overall user experience with features like voice assistants and augmented reality (AR) applications.

One exciting area of focus is MediaTek’s partnership with Google on “Generative AI” experiences for the Android ecosystem. The Dimensity 9400’s NPU is optimized for Google’s Gemini Nano platform, which allows for features like real-time image and video enhancement, potentially opening doors for creative editing tools and innovative camera functionalities.

Beyond the Benchmarks: What Does This Mean for You?

The technical specifications of the Dimensity 9400 are impressive, but what does it all mean for everyday users? Here are some key takeaways:

Faster Performance: Experience smoother and more responsive performance in everyday tasks, gaming, and demanding applications.
Improved Battery Life: Enjoy longer usage time between charges thanks to the power-efficient 3nm manufacturing process.
Enhanced Photography: Capture stunning photos and videos with AI-powered features like object recognition and scene optimization.
Next-Level Gaming: Experience smoother frame rates and more immersive visuals in even the most demanding mobile games.
Future-Proof Technology: The Dimensity 9400 is equipped to handle the latest AI applications and future software updates, ensuring your phone stays relevant for years to come.

The MediaTek Dimensity 9400 is a significant leap forward in mobile technology. Its combination of extreme performance, improved efficiency, and cutting-edge AI capabilities paves the way for a new generation of smartphones capable of delivering truly immersive and innovative experiences. While the specific devices featuring this chipset haven’t been announced yet, the Dimensity 9400 promises to be a game-changer for the mobile landscape.

Business, Computers

Microsoft Introduces Copilot+ PCs Signaling a Significant Change in Personal Computing for Windows PCs

May 22, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

The personal computer landscape is on the edge of a revolution. Microsoft has just introduced Copilot+ PCs. These PCs are powered by next-generation ARM processors which signifies a bold leap forward in AI-powered computing experiences.

Pivoting to ARM’s x64 Architecture for Both Power and Efficiency

For decades, x86 processors have dominated the PC market. However, ARM processors, known for their superior power efficiency in mobile devices, are finally making significant inroads into the PC realm. It also marks a shift to x64-based programs which are able to perform more efficiently. This shift paves the way for lighter, fanless designs and significantly longer battery life – features highly sought after by mobile professionals and everyday users alike.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon X series chips powering Copilot+ PCs boast over 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). This immense processing power isn’t just about raw speed; it fuels the next wave of AI applications directly on the device.

Copilot+ PCs – Microsoft’s Big Shift in Human-PC Interactions

Copilot+ PCs aren’t merely hardware upgrades. They are a shift in both performance and efficiency but, more than that, these laptops seem to be Microsoft’s way of changing the way we interact with our PCs.

Recall instantly with Recall on Copilot+ PC

A key feature is “Recall,” a revolutionary AI assistant that functions as a virtual memory bank. Recall leverages the power of the NPU (Neural Processing Unit) to continuously record and analyze user activity. This allows users to effortlessly search through past browsing history, voice chats, documents, and even specific on-screen moments. Imagine presenting and needing to reference a specific point you saw in a research paper two weeks ago – Recall can instantly surface that information, making research and presentations a breeze. Students can revisit key points from lectures, writers can effortlessly find inspiration from past notes, and the possibilities extend to countless other scenarios.

Recall is just the tip of the iceberg. Copilot+ PCs offer a broader array of AI-powered features designed to enhance productivity and creativity. Imagine a virtual language coach providing real-time feedback during presentations, highlighting areas for improvement and suggesting alternative phrasing. Creatives can leverage AI-powered tools for tasks like content creation, video editing, and graphic design, with the system intelligently adapting to their workflow and suggesting improvements.

Turn ideas into art with Cocreator on Copilot+ PC

Microsoft has meticulously reimagined Windows 11 to seamlessly integrate with ARM processors and unlock the full potential of AI features. Features like “Cocreator” allow for real-time collaboration on creative projects, with AI assisting in brainstorming and suggesting ideas. “Windows Studio Effects” leverages AI to enhance video calls, automatically adjusting lighting, background noise, and even eye contact to create a more professional and engaging experience. These features, combined with the power of the NPU, promise to transform the way we work, create, and connect.

Security remains a paramount concern in today’s digital world. Copilot+ PCs are built with security in mind, featuring the latest security features from Microsoft and Qualcomm. All Copilot+ PCs are “Secure Core” PCs, with additional hardware and software protections built-in to safeguard user data and privacy. This comprehensive approach to security ensures a worry-free experience for users who can focus on their tasks without compromising their digital safety.

Bridging the Gap with Prism

The transition to ARM processors and the integration of advanced AI features like Recall represent a turning point for Microsoft and the PC industry as a whole. While some existing software may require adaptation, the potential benefits are undeniable. With longer battery life, superior performance, and groundbreaking AI features, Copilot+ PCs promise to usher in a new era of intelligent and user-centric computing. Microsoft is committed to working closely with developers to ensure a smooth transition and unlock the full potential of the ARM ecosystem.

Microsoft is committed to working closely with developers to ensure a smooth transition and unlock the full potential of the ARM ecosystem. A key component of this strategy is “Prism,” a translation layer that acts as a bridge between ARM processors and existing x86 applications. Similar to Rosetta on Macs, Prism allows users to run x86 applications seamlessly on their ARM-based Copilot+ PCs, ensuring compatibility with a vast library of existing software. It is reported that Prism can even improve the performance of some x86 applications on ARM hardware.

Unanswered Questions and the Road Ahead

While Copilot+ PCs represent a significant leap forward, some questions linger. The compatibility of existing software with ARM architecture needs to be addressed, and the long-term impact on software developers requires careful consideration. However, Microsoft’s commitment to developer tools and emulation solutions suggests a proactive approach to these challenges. That said, the company’s track record with Windows on ARM has not been the most reassuring.

Surface Laptop and Surface Pro Hero 1536x864 webp

Be that as it may, the arrival of Copilot+ PCs marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of personal computing. Not only is this the first time we have had multiple OEMs jump on the Windows on ARM bandwagon, but it’s also the first time that they’ve done it with some of their most successful laptop lineups. .

Business, Computers, Mobile, News

[UPDATED] NVIDIA + ARM Deal is Not Happening After All!

February 8, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

[UPDATE on 09/02/2022] NVIDIA and SoftBank has officially announced that the ARM acquisition bid from NVIDIA will not go through! Read SoftBank’s statement here.

NVIDIA, the world’s largest graphics chip maker, expressed their interest in acquiring ARM, the people behind some of the world’s most powerful mobile chips currently, back in 2020. It was not just an expressed interest though; they really started the whole process of acquiring the chip designers from 2020 onward. It became a whole thing too through 2021.

To be fair, the concerns that were raised by multiple parties regarding the acquisition efforts were not baseless. Companies like Qualcomm, Microsoft, even Samsung and Apple rely on ARM’s chip architecture and designs for their processing chips. It makes sense then that Qualcomm and even Microsoft would have objected the acquisition efforts. The purchase could have led to a massive imbalance in the chip business, since ARM is a key player in the chip making industry. If the purchase went through, it would have been the biggest ever in the chip business too with Softbank selling it at US$ 66 billion.

There were also a lot of regulatory issues that were raised prior to 2022 regarding the purchase. Investigations were also launched by United Kingdom, United States, and European Union as well regarding the acquisition. They raised concerns of anti-competition efforts and market monopoly despite NVIDIA promising that ARM’s deal with all its customers will still be honoured and it will be business as usual.

There are no official announcements just yet on the deal not going through. NVIDIA, ARM, and SoftBank have not commented on the reports that first broke on Financial Times. According to early reports too, SoftBank, ARM’s owners will be receiving US$ 1.25 billion from NVIDIA for failing the acquisition bid.

The falling through of the deal should be a relief to many in the tech industry. It means that Apple, Qualcomm, Intel, Samsung, and plenty of other key chip manufacturers can sleep soundly as their deal with ARM continue without NVIDIA’s intervention. Their relief is another person’s headache though, in this case probably two. SoftBank is still selling ARM, but given the significance of ARM in the industry, selling the chip designers will be a tall order. As for NVIDIA, their stock prices might tank once the fall through is official, but it is NVIDIA after all, they should bounce back quickly enough. If you want to know more about the acquisition bid, you can head over to NVIDIA’s blog.

Source: 9 to 5 Mac, ars Technica, The Verge

Business, Computers, News

NVIDIA Grace CPU for Datacentres for Next Generation Super Computers

April 13, 2021 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

NVIDIA’s GTC 2021 just happened last night. If you remembered 2020, you would remember that GTC 2020 was also the time where NVIDIA introduced their new A100 GPU chips for super computers. 2020 was also the yea NVIDIA launched their highly anticipated, and highly capable RTX 3000 series consumer grade GPUs.

GTC’s keynote is always a highly anticipated event. Not because the conference always brings a new GPU. Recent years of GTC has always been exciting because somehow GPU is able to push the limits of what is possible with computing and cloud. NVIDIA has made itself relevant not just in the graphics world, but also in the super computing world, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and even cybersecurity. NVIDIA’s own AI even composed its own song, and it is a good song mind you.

With GTC 2021, NVIDIA shows that they are not done innovating just yet. Now, they also want to give the likes of Intel a new sort of headache. NVIDIA has introduced Project Grace.

NVIDIA’s CEO, Jensen Huang mentions that the name Grace refers to a particular pioneer in the computer science field, Grace Hopper. The project is NVIDIA’s first dip into the datacentre CPU industry. Fitting to the Grace Hopper namesake, project Grace is supposed to be 10x more powerful than the current NVIDIA GDX x86 supercomputer platform.

Why is this a problem for Intel? The world’s fastest supercomputer today is all powered by Intel’s x86 CPU platform. The x86 platform has also existed for about a decade now and the platform has approached its technological limits in 2021. Of course, NVIDIA took matters into their own hands and the Grace CPU is an ARM based chip for the fastest ever datacentre and servers in the world.

Just saying that the CPU will be the fastest ever server-based CPU though means nothing. What you want to know is numbers, and these are big numbers. The new Grace architecture allows the CPU and GPU to communicate at up to 900GB/s speed thanks to NVLink technology. According to NVIDIA, that is 30x faster than most servers today. Of course, paired to LPDDR5x memory modules, you get up to 10x the speed of today’s machines.

Before anyone can say that NVIDIA’s Grace dreams is just that; dreams, NVIDIA also announced that they will be installing their Grace based datacentre in the United States Department of Energy’s Los Alamos National Labrotory and the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS). The two clients will feature their very own NVIDIA powered supercomputer soon.

In those two places though, the servers and supercomputers are not built just to push cloud storage to corporations. They are purpose built for AI training and implementations. They are built for neural and language programming and training. They are built to progress humanity and probably cure cancer one day.

Of course, because Grace is a giant processor made for datacentres and supercomputers, we will not be expecting to see NVIDIA dive into consumer level ARM-based processors for PCs anytime soon. NVIDIA is working with MediaTek to bring their GPU technology into the mobile space and even ARM based PCs though. In that case, us regular consumers can expect a Qualcomm Snapdragon notebook PC with NVIDIA GeForce graphics power soon, probably. Catch NVIDIA’s GTC 2021 keynote on their website.

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