AI hardware Archives

Winsage

November 27, 2025

Surprise surprise, people are still in no hurry to switch to Windows 11, Dell reveals

Dell's Q3 earnings call revealed a delay in the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, with COO Jeffrey Clarke stating that the upgrade is progressing slower than the previous shift to Windows 10. The adoption rate for Windows 11 is lagging behind Windows 10 by approximately 10 to 12 percentage points. Currently, around 1.5 billion PCs are installed, with about 500 million capable of running Windows 11 but not yet upgraded, and another 500 million requiring new hardware for the transition. Dell's server and networking segment reported .1 billion in revenue, a 37% year-over-year increase. Rising component prices may further complicate the transition to Windows 11.

Winsage

November 26, 2025

Dell says PC sales flat despite slow Windows 11 transition

Dell's outlook for the upcoming year indicates steady PC sales, with COO Jeffrey Clarke noting challenges in completing the Windows 11 transition, lagging behind previous transitions by 10 to 12 percentage points, affecting around 500 million PCs. Despite this, Clarke expressed optimism for the PC market, predicting "roughly flat" sales after mid-to-high single-digit growth in the past year. Dell secured orders totaling .3 billion for AI servers and shipped products valued at .6 billion in the quarter ending October 31st, with server and networking revenue increasing by 37 percent year-over-year. There is growing interest in traditional servers, driven by the need for efficient configurations, but rising costs for RAM and NAND present challenges. Dell reported .6 billion in revenue for the latest quarter, an 11 percent year-over-year increase, and anticipates revenues of .5 billion in Q4 and .7 billion for FY 2026, with significant growth expected from server sales as many customers still use older server models.

Winsage

October 10, 2025

Microsoft pushes NPUs as a way to an intelligent Windows

Microsoft is promoting the potential of neural processing units (NPUs) to enhance Windows intelligence, although NPUs are not yet part of official hardware requirements. NPUs are designed to accelerate local inference with lower power consumption and are found in devices from smartphones to Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft claims that NPUs can make sophisticated AI experiences more affordable, stating that tasks that once required expensive computing can now be performed on less costly devices. However, the current utility of local AI processing for users is limited, with few OS features requiring local processing and minimal impact on productivity. Microsoft has integrated AI capabilities into applications like Notepad and Photos, but these changes are not driven by user demand. Despite the lukewarm reception, Microsoft advocates for NPUs, highlighting their ability to run multiple AI applications concurrently. Concerns exist regarding future hardware requirements, as the company may eventually include NPUs in its specifications, echoing past experiences with Windows 10. As of early September, AI-enabled notebooks with NPUs made up 40.5 percent of the European distribution channel, a figure expected to rise.

AppWizard

September 9, 2025

AMD just gave you the power to enable FSR 4 in loads of games yourself, no need for official support

AMD has introduced FSR 4, which can be enabled in nearly any game that supports FSR 3.1, offering improved image quality for users of AMD Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs. Gamers can toggle FSR 4 on and off through the AMD Adrenalin 25.9.1 driver update without needing a driver whitelist or official game support. FSR 4 is currently compatible with 85 games, while Nvidia's DLSS 4 technology supports over 175 titles. However, FSR 4 will not work with FSR 3.1 titles using the Vulkan API or those that use non-standard integration methods. FSR 4 utilizes machine learning-based upscaling, leveraging AI cores in RDNA 4 GPUs. Despite advancements, AMD has not yet introduced a competitive machine learning-based frame generation system like Nvidia's DLSS, and current FSR frame generation results have been mixed.

AppWizard

September 8, 2025

Can AI help you become a better runner? I tried the latest tech at IFA to find out

In 2025, wearable technology, including smartwatches, bands, and rings, has become integral for fitness and health monitoring, with companies like Apple, Samsung, and Strava incorporating AI coaching features. At IFA 2025 in Berlin, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8's Running Coach software was tested, revealing limitations in personalization and fixed training goals that may not align with individual user objectives. The author also explored the Hypershell X Ultra exoskeleton, an AI-powered device designed to assist leg movement during physical activities, which adapts to individual stride patterns using data from over 12 sensors. While the exoskeleton enhances mobility for walking and hiking, it may restrict running performance due to its design. The Hypershell X Ultra includes a fitness mode that allows users to increase resistance, potentially benefiting advanced runners. The contrast between AI software limitations and the dynamic capabilities of AI hardware is noted, with the latter offering promising training enhancements.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

Microsoft Windows: Everything you need to know

Windows is the dominant operating system globally, developed by Microsoft, and serves over a billion users. The latest version is Windows 11, which debuted in October 2021, featuring significant visual and functional enhancements. Microsoft began rolling out the 24H2 update in mid-2024, introducing AI hardware support, enhanced security, and new features like Copilot and Recall. The upcoming 25H2 update is expected in late 2025, utilizing a lightweight enablement package for a swift upgrade process. Development on Windows 12, codenamed Hudson Valley, is ongoing, with a potential release in late 2026 or early 2027, focusing on AI-first computing and modular architecture. Users can check their current Windows version by pressing the Windows key + R and typing winver. Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for eligible systems, while Windows 11 Home costs 9 and Windows 11 Pro costs 9. The end-of-support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025, making an upgrade advisable for continued security and access to new features.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

You DO see Win 11 as an AI PC opportunity, say Dell, Intel

Dell and Intel are promoting the upgrade of PC fleets from Windows 10 to Windows 11 as a strategic opportunity for businesses to prepare for artificial intelligence (AI). Their "Windows 11 & AI PC Readiness Report" suggests that this is an ideal time for organizations to improve productivity, collaboration, and security with AI-ready PCs. A survey indicated that 80 percent of UK businesses plan to transition to Windows 11 by October 14, when support for Windows 10 ends. However, there are concerns about software and hardware compatibility, as well as the high costs associated with AI PCs, which may deter buyers. The report shows that 62 percent of IT decision-makers prefer Copilot+ AI PCs, while 64 percent believe it is critical to acquire new PCs capable of running AI applications. Despite claims of enhanced productivity with AI PCs, a study found that employees using such systems were less productive than those with traditional hardware.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

IT buyers are investing in AI PCs — with no clue how to use them

The adoption of AI-powered personal computers is expected to increase significantly in the coming year, driven by Qualcomm's announcement of new AI chips for affordable models priced around 0. Despite the slower evolution of AI software compared to hardware, the relevance of AI in computing is growing, with many applications utilizing AI hardware or neural processing units (NPUs). Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs to promote generative AI tools and encourage the acquisition of Windows 11-compatible hardware. Major chip manufacturers like Intel, Qualcomm, and AMD are developing processors with AI capabilities for these PCs, indicating a shift in the computing landscape.

AppWizard

July 21, 2025

I wore an AI voice recorder on my wrist for a week, here’s how it went

Artificial intelligence has become integral to daily life, especially with the introduction of ChatGPT. Plaud has launched the Note and NotePin devices aimed at recording conversations, meetings, and notes, which can be transcribed via the Plaud app. The NotePin is a compact device that offers various wearing options, though only the pin and clip are included; additional accessories cost extra. It has a standby time of up to 40 days and 20 hours of continuous recording, with a two-hour recharge time. The NotePin retails at 9, with a subscription model for additional AI features costing 0 per year for the AI Pro plan and 0 annually for the AI Unlimited tier. The recording and transcription features are functional but not exceptional, with delays due to cloud processing. The Plaud app provides detailed transcriptions, speaker identification, and a mind map of dialogues. However, devices like the Google Recorder app on Pixel phones offer more efficient on-device processing, making them a more appealing choice for recording and transcription.