neural processing unit Archives

Winsage

September 29, 2026

AMD & Perplexity bring local AI to Ryzen Windows PCs

AMD and Perplexity have launched Portable Computer, a software solution for Windows PCs with Ryzen AI Max Series processors, enabling local AI tasks and workflow management for Pro and Max subscribers. This allows users to run extensive AI models on their devices without relying on cloud processing, enhancing privacy and conserving Perplexity Computer credits. The software integrates local models with agent orchestration, scheduling, and security controls, and connects with popular workplace applications like Gmail and Slack. AMD's AI PCs, introduced in 2023, feature a neural processing unit that allows local AI operations alongside standard applications. This collaboration signifies a shift towards more AI processing on personal devices, aiming to automate tasks and improve user experience. Jack Huynh from AMD highlighted the transformation of PCs into intelligent partners, emphasizing the coexistence of local and cloud AI in their strategy.

Winsage

September 24, 2026

The Copilot+ PC brand is dead: Microsoft and PC makers quietly pull back on tarnished Windows 11 AI PC branding

In 2024, Microsoft and Qualcomm launched "Copilot+ PCs" to promote AI-first computing, but faced challenges when security concerns led to the postponement of the key feature, Recall. A Microsoft representative stated that while the latest Surface PCs met Copilot+ specifications, they would not carry the branding. Qualcomm's Kedar Kondap explained that the branding aimed to define devices capable of advanced NPU experiences, but those experiences could still be provided without the Copilot+ label. NVIDIA chose not to associate its RTX Spark platform with Copilot+, indicating a lack of market resonance for the branding. Consequently, both OEMs and Microsoft are moving away from the Copilot+ label, despite maintaining the specification baseline for the experiences.

Winsage

August 20, 2026

Microsoft brings improved Windows 11 hardware monitoring with upgraded Task Manager

Microsoft released a guide to optimize internet bandwidth usage for Windows 11 update downloads, focusing on policy settings for network efficiency. Enhancements to Task Manager include new columns for monitoring NPU (Neural Processing Unit) and NPU Engine usage, allowing users to see which applications leverage the neural processor. Additional columns for NPU Dedicated Memory and NPU Shared Memory provide insights into memory consumption for AI workloads. Neural engines in GPUs will also be visible on the Performance page. An optional Isolation column has been added to help users evaluate AI workload management. Applications optimized for NPUs will show specific designations in Task Manager, while high CPU usage with idle NPU indicates underutilization of dedicated AI hardware. Users can activate new metrics by right-clicking on column headers in Task Manager.

Winsage

August 14, 2026

One of our favorite Snapdragon X Plus Surface Laptops just dropped 27% — finally making it affordable again

In April, Microsoft increased the prices of its Surface laptops due to the RAM crisis, making them less accessible for consumers. However, discounts are available, such as a 27% reduction on the Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Edition) at Best Buy, bringing its price to ,099.99. The laptop features a Snapdragon X Plus CPU, a 13.8-inch 2K touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It offers impressive battery life of 18-19 hours and includes a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI applications. The device is suitable for professional and academic tasks and is noted for its durability and portability.

Winsage

July 21, 2026

Samsung’s new GAIA PC chip challenges Microsoft’s Copilot+ program — and why I can only see that as a positive for the AI PC industry

NVIDIA announced the RTX Spark at Computex 2026, prompting competition among major silicon market players, including Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm. Samsung is entering the market with its custom silicon for AI-driven PCs, named GAIA, marking its first development of PC-centric silicon since 2012. GAIA will function as a companion Neural Processing Unit (NPU) rather than a traditional System-on-Chip (SoC). It is expected to use a 4nm process and may incorporate processing-in-memory (PIM) capabilities. Lenovo China and HP USA have received samples for testing. Competitors like Snapdragon X/X2, Intel Core Ultra, and AMD Ryzen AI are integrating NPUs with at least 40 TOPS. Samsung's GAIA has not been officially confirmed, and details regarding TOPS, power consumption, and pricing are unclear. The 40 TOPS benchmark by Microsoft for integrated NPUs raises questions about how GAIA would be evaluated alongside Intel or AMD CPUs.

Winsage

July 21, 2026

Samsung’s new GAIA PC chip challenges Microsoft’s Copilot+ program — and why I can only see that as a positive for the AI PC industry

NVIDIA announced the RTX Spark at Computex 2026, prompting Samsung to develop custom silicon for AI-driven PCs, marking its return to the PC silicon market since the Exynos 5 Dual in 2012. The new silicon, named GAIA, is being created by Samsung's System LSI unit as a companion Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to enhance performance by offloading AI tasks. GAIA is expected to utilize a 4nm process and may explore processing-in-memory (PIM) capabilities with specialized DRAM. Samples of GAIA have been sent to Lenovo China and HP USA for evaluation. Many details about GAIA, including performance metrics and pricing, remain undisclosed. Microsoft has not commented on GAIA's implications for its Copilot+ program, which has a minimum threshold of 40 TOPS for integrated NPUs.

Winsage

July 18, 2026

Sound Recorder, Camera, and Windows Studio Effects

Windows 11 includes a suite of audio and video recording applications: Sound Recorder, Camera, and Windows Studio Effects. The Sound Recorder app allows audio capture using PC microphones, featuring a navigation pane, recording area, and playback controls. Users can customize audio input in the Settings app under System > Sound, selecting microphones and adjusting quality formats like “CD quality” or “Studio quality.” Within the Sound Recorder app, users can change the recording format (default is AAC) to MP3, WMA, FLAC, or WAV and set audio quality to Best, High, or Medium. To record audio, users click the red “Start recording” button, with options to stop, pause, or mark significant moments using keyboard shortcuts. Recordings can be played back, managed, shared, renamed, or deleted through the app's interface. Users can also import compatible audio files into Sound Recorder. The Camera app allows users to take photos, record videos, and scan items using the PC's webcam, with an interface similar to smartphone camera apps. Users can customize camera settings in the Settings app under Bluetooth > Cameras, adjusting brightness, contrast, and resolution. Photos are taken in Photo mode, while videos are recorded in Video mode, with options for pausing without creating new files. Windows Studio Effects offers AI-driven enhancements for audio and video calls, requiring a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for some features. Enhancements include automatic framing, background effects, creative filters, eye contact simulation, portrait lighting adjustments, and voice focus. Compatibility can be checked in Quick settings or the Settings app under Bluetooth & devices > Cameras. Each effect can be configured individually through the Settings app or supported applications.

Winsage

June 15, 2026

Windows 11’s June update makes PCs feel faster. Here’s what’s new

On Patch Tuesday in June 2026, Microsoft released a significant update for Windows 11, designated as KB5094126. Key enhancements include: - Low Latency Profile: Boosts CPU clock speeds temporarily for specific tasks, reducing lag during operations. - Simultaneous Webcam Access: Allows multiple applications to use the webcam simultaneously. - Shared Audio: Enables two users to connect headphones to one PC for shared audio enjoyment. - NPU Usage Monitoring: Task Manager displays Neural Processing Unit usage for individual processes, with new columns for NPU and NPU Engine. - Enhanced Windows Search: Users can locate files with just two characters instead of three. The update also introduces new Secure Boot certificates for improved security. After installation, Windows 11 build numbers will show either 26200.8655 (25H2) or 26100.8655 (24H2). Updates are rolled out gradually, so some users may experience delays in accessing features.

Winsage

June 15, 2026

Microsoft is reportedly testing Copilot+ AI features with discrete GPUs instead of NPUs — a feature available on Windows App SDK with a Windows Insider Experimental Channel build and Developer Mode turned on

Copilot PCs were introduced by Microsoft in 2024 to integrate advanced AI capabilities into personal computing. An experimental Windows App SDK is now available on GitHub, allowing users to run Language Model APIs on supported Nvidia GeForce RTX 30-series GPUs with a minimum of 6GB of VRAM. This capability requires a Windows Insider Experimental Channel and Developer Mode activation, enabling local AI inferencing on devices without dedicated NPU hardware. Microsoft's shift from promoting Copilot+ PCs may be influenced by fluctuating RAM prices and aims to make AI functionalities more accessible to a broader user base. In 2024, a research firm noted that consumer interest in AI PCs was driven by the need to upgrade to available models, a trend continuing into 2026 due to a shortage of memory and storage chips, resulting in rising computer prices and declining sales of PCs and components. Projections indicate that entry-level laptops may disappear by 2028. The lack of consumer interest in NPU-equipped PCs could impede the adoption of Copilot+ features, prompting Microsoft to expand AI functionalities to non-Copilot+ devices to enhance its user base and differentiate Windows 11 from competitors like macOS and Linux.

Winsage

June 14, 2026

The Windows 11 June update makes your Start menu and Search feel much more snappier

Microsoft released update KB5094126 on June 9, 2026, for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 to improve shell responsiveness. This update introduces the Low Latency Profile, which temporarily boosts CPU frequency for one to three seconds during interactions with system features like the Start menu and taskbar, resulting in system flyouts opening up to 70% faster and core applications launching up to 40% quicker. The update also includes features such as Shared Audio for simultaneous audio use by two users, enhanced Windows Task Manager with NPU usage columns, the ability for multiple applications to access the same camera stream, improved Windows Search for locating files with two characters, a refined installation process allowing custom user folder names, and optimizations to Windows Hello for authentication methods. The update also addresses over 200 security vulnerabilities.