AI performance Archives

Winsage

April 12, 2025

Lilbits: Microsoft Recall, more tariff-related pricing uncertainty, and Samsung’s Ball-shaped robot

Microsoft's Recall software, initially unveiled nearly a year ago as part of Copilot+ PCs, aims to simplify the retrieval of past activities by capturing snapshots for natural language searches. The rollout was postponed due to privacy and security concerns but has since begun with a preview version for select Windows Insiders and is expanding to the Release Preview Channel. Users can opt-in to this feature. DroiX will no longer prepay taxes at checkout for U.S. customers due to fluctuating tariffs. MediaTek has launched the Dimensity 9400+, a flagship processor with improved CPU speeds and AI performance. Motorola is set to release its first laptop, the Moto Book 60, in India on April 17. Samsung plans to launch its Ballie rolling robot in the U.S. and South Korea this summer and is partnering with Google to integrate Gemini AI features.

Winsage

April 10, 2025

Windows 10 support is ending – and Microsoft’s “helpful” checklist wants you to toss your laptop

Microsoft is transitioning Windows 10 users to Windows 11, with an end-of-support date for Windows 10 set for October 14, 2025. Windows 11 has achieved a desktop market share of 42.69%. A newly released end-of-support checklist suggests users prepare to replace their Windows 10 machines rather than simply upgrade. The checklist outlines Windows 11's minimum hardware requirements and implies that Microsoft encourages users to consider new hardware, raising suspicions that the stringent requirements are designed to stimulate sales of new devices. The checklist emphasizes backing up data and responsible recycling of old devices, and it suggests trading in older machines for discounts on new Windows 11-compatible computers. Since its launch in 2021, Windows 11 has evolved significantly, particularly with the integration of generative AI, which has raised hardware specifications. The introduction of Copilot+ PC-branded laptops highlights the urgency for users to upgrade from aging Windows 10 devices.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

A high schooler built a website that lets you challenge AI models to a Minecraft build-off

Developers are exploring new methods to benchmark generative AI models, with one initiative being the Minecraft Benchmark (MC-Bench), a platform for head-to-head competitions among AI models that generate unique Minecraft creations. Users vote on the performances without knowing which AI created each entry. The project, created by 12th-grade student Adi Singh, leverages Minecraft's universal recognition to evaluate AI capabilities. MC-Bench currently has eight volunteer contributors and has received support from major AI companies like Anthropic, Google, OpenAI, and Alibaba. The focus is on simple builds, with plans to scale to more complex tasks. MC-Bench requires models to write code for requested builds, making it easier for users to assess the quality of creations visually. Singh believes the scores from MC-Bench provide meaningful insights into AI performance compared to traditional text-based benchmarks.

Winsage

March 9, 2025

Microsoft Weekly: Copilot updates, PowerToys updates, new Windows 11 builds, and more.

Windows 11 24H2 is experiencing performance throttling issues when applications are minimized, but the 0x80131500 Store error has been fixed. Windows 10 has regained its status as the most popular operating system on Steam, according to Valve's February 2025 survey. Microsoft has launched a native Copilot app for Windows 11 and 10 in the Insider program, featuring a XAML-based interface. PowerToys has been updated to version 0.89, enhancing tools like Advanced Paste and FancyZones. Microsoft Edge 134 has been released with improved Teams link handling, while Firefox 136 introduces vertical tabs and HEVC support for Linux users. Microsoft will discontinue Publisher in 2024 and has launched a support page for alternatives. The Xiaomi 15 smartphone received positive reviews for its build quality and fast-charging, while AMD's RX 9070 XT graphics card received a perfect score for performance. Upcoming Game Pass titles include Monster Train and Galacticare, and Amazon Prime Gaming is offering 20 PC games this month. A remake of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 is set to release on July 11.

Winsage

December 14, 2024

Rising to the TOPS: How will NPUs and Windows AI grow in 2025?

In 2024, Microsoft introduced the "Copilot+ PC" branding for AI-capable laptops, while Apple launched Apple Intelligence. These developments have led to mixed outcomes, with features like real-time translations and on-device speech-to-text being beneficial, but others, such as Windows Recall, still proving their value. By 2025, mainstream developers are expected to integrate on-device AI into Windows applications, influencing consumer purchasing decisions. The term "TOPS" (Trillions of Operations Per Second) is becoming important for evaluating the AI performance of Windows laptops, with a minimum of 40 TOPS required for Microsoft's "Copilot PC+" designation. Qualcomm's Copilot+ PCs reported around 45 TOPS, significantly higher than Intel's 11 TOPS. By the end of 2024, premium Windows laptops are expected to see a three- to four-fold increase in NPU performance compared to 2023 models. Analysts speculate further performance improvements may occur towards the end of 2025. Despite the potential for a two- to three-fold enhancement in on-device AI performance, experts caution against overemphasizing TOPS figures, which may not accurately reflect real-world performance. The lack of a unified API for leveraging NPU capabilities in Windows complicates matters for users of Copilot+ laptops without Qualcomm chips. Although AMD and Intel have released competitive chips, Qualcomm currently holds an advantage with exclusive support for certain applications. Microsoft is promoting its low-level machine learning API (DirectML) and the Windows Copilot Runtime, which may enhance the Copilot+ PC ecosystem. While cloud-based AI solutions remain an option, the cost of these services is expected to rise, making on-device AI more appealing. The introduction of ChatGPT Pro highlights the financial implications of cloud access compared to on-device NPU usage, which incurs no additional costs. The pace of on-device AI adoption in Windows' software ecosystem is anticipated to accelerate in 2025.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Unwrap the magic of Windows 11 PCs this holiday

Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs are introduced as innovative devices ideal for the holiday season, offering security features, performance for work and leisure, and AI-enabled functionalities. Notable models include: - Acer Swift Go 14 AI: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor, up to 28 hours battery life. Starting at 9.99. - Acer Swift X 14: Intel Core Ultra processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics, 2.8K OLED display. Starting at ,299.99. - ASUS ProArt P16: AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics. Starting at ,699.99. - ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16: AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor, GeForce RTX graphics. Starting at ,099.99. - Dell Inspiron 14 Plus: Snapdragon X Plus platform, up to 15 hours battery life. Starting at 9.99. - Dell XPS 13: Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors, up to 26 hours battery life, FHD+ display. Starting at ,159.99. - HP OmniBook X: High-resolution display, Snapdragon X Elite processor. Starting at ,089.99. - Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition: 15.3-inch display, 22 hours battery life. Starting at 9.99. - Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus CPU, 14-inch OLED screen. Starting at 9.99. - Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge: AMOLED display, Snapdragon X Elite processor. Starting at 9.99. - New Surface Pro (11th Edition): AI-accelerated Copilot+ experiences. Starting at 9.99. - New Surface Laptop (7th Edition): Next-generation performance and Copilot+ experiences. Starting at 9.99. Various retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, offer these devices. Prices are U.S.-only and subject to change.

Winsage

November 28, 2024

Your next laptop should be a Copilot+ PC (like the Acer Swift 14 AI)

By 2025, it is projected that 80% of customer service teams will use generative AI, contributing USD 4.4 trillion annually to business processes. Generative AI allows for human-like conversations and is reshaping workflows across various sectors. Copilot+ PCs are designed for advanced AI features, requiring modern processors, a minimum of 16 GB of RAM, and at least 256 GB of SSD storage. The Acer Swift 14 AI features a 47 TOPS NPU, 32 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of SSD storage, and boasts a battery life of up to 29 hours. It includes AI-powered applications like User Sensing 2.0, Multi-Screen Assistance, and PurifiedVoice 2.0, enhancing productivity and user experience.

Winsage

October 6, 2024

It’s official — Intel now holds the Windows battery life crown | Digital Trends

Microsoft's Copilot+ PC initiative and new chipsets are driving significant improvements in Windows computing, particularly in performance and battery life. Key chipsets include Qualcomm's Snapdragon X, AMD's Ryzen AI 300, and Intel's Lunar Lake, all featuring NPUs that exceed 40 tera operations per second (TOPS). AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 leads in CPU performance, especially in multi-core tasks, while Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite follows. Intel's Core Ultra 7 ranks lower but is more efficient. The Ryzen AI 9 has 12 cores and operates up to 5.1GHz, while Intel's Lunar Lake offers various configurations with a base TDP of 17-30 watts. Apple's M3 chipset remains a benchmark for performance and efficiency, particularly in thin-and-light laptops. In battery life tests, the Asus Zenbook S 14 excels, outperforming many competitors, while the Apple M3 continues to lead overall efficiency.

Winsage

October 5, 2024

Lilbits: Goodbye Windows Mixed Reality, Hello Raspberry Pi 500, 80 Gbps USB4 v2 cables, and Rockchip RK3688 processor – Liliputing

Microsoft has concluded its support for Windows Mixed Reality with the rollout of Windows 11 24H2, which no longer accommodates virtual reality headsets from Acer, HP, and Lenovo. Rockchip is set to launch its RK3688 processor in 2025 or 2026, featuring an Armv9.3 CPU and supporting up to 16 TOPS of AI performance. A new Raspberry Pi model, the Raspberry Pi 500, is in development, likely featuring the same processor as the Raspberry Pi 5. Google will discontinue its ferrochrome app for running Chrome OS in a virtual machine on Android devices. Samsung is adapting its Tizen operating system for compatibility with RISC-V processors. ELECOM will release Japan's first certified USB4 Version 2.0 Type-C cables, supporting data transfer speeds of up to 80 Gbps and 240W USB Power Delivery.

Winsage

September 5, 2024

Qualcomm’s new eight-core Snapdragon X Plus makes these Windows laptops cheaper

Qualcomm has introduced its first eight-core Snapdragon X Plus chips for affordable Windows laptops, powering the Asus Vivobook S 15 and Dell Inspiron 14, starting at 9. These chips offer about 80% of the CPU performance of higher-end 12-core models but have reduced GPU power and 12MB less CPU cache. The Asus Vivobook S 15, previously priced at ,300 with a 12-core chip, is now available for 9 and features a 70 watt-hour battery and a 3K 120Hz OLED display. Other manufacturers like Acer, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung are expected to release their own Snapdragon X Plus laptops soon, with the Acer Swift Go 14 AI launching at 9. Qualcomm anticipates that prices for these laptops could drop to 9 by 2025. Current discounts are available on the 12-core Asus Vivobook S 15 and Dell Inspiron 14 Plus, with prices falling to ,100 or lower. Additionally, Asus has announced the ProArt PZ13, a Qualcomm-based creator laptop priced at ,099.