Ryzen AI 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 16, 2026

More choice and possibility with Windows PCs at IFA

At IFA, the Windows ecosystem showcased new PCs from various partners, including Acer, ASUS, Dell, Lenovo, MSI, AMD, and NVIDIA, highlighting their ability to meet diverse user needs. Acer introduced the sustainable Vero 16 laptop, while ASUS presented the ProArt P16 and P14 for creators. Dell unveiled the portable 14S laptop, and Lenovo expanded its Yoga portfolio with the Yoga Pro 9n for demanding tasks. MSI launched the Venture 15 AI+ B3M, balancing productivity and gaming. AMD announced support for Microsoft’s Project Zenith with its Ryzen AI Halo systems, and NVIDIA introduced tools for local AI on Windows. The event emphasized the collaboration among partners to deliver innovative technologies.

Winsage

September 4, 2026

Announcing Project Zenith: The ready-to-code Windows experience on developer-class devices

Windows announced Project Zenith, a developer-optimized Windows 11 experience designed for devices with over 64 GB of unified memory and memory bandwidth exceeding 250 GB/s. The project will initially launch with AMD’s Ryzen AI Halo and will include preconfigured Windows setups and a curated selection of development tools. Devices under Project Zenith will allow developers to run models with over 30 billion parameters locally, reducing reliance on cloud resources. Enhancements to Windows 11 include improved performance and a cleaner workspace tailored for coding, with features like pinned Windows Terminal and Visual Studio Code. Project Zenith also integrates the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and provides a secure environment for developing agentic applications, leveraging OS-enforced identity and Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC). The initiative aims to offer a consistent ready-to-code experience across various devices while responding to developer needs and evolving with advancements in AI and software development.

Winsage

September 4, 2026

Windows 11’s Project Zenith cuts clutter for developers and promises a “distraction-free” experience

Microsoft is launching Project Zenith, which optimizes Windows 11 for developers by preinstalling essential applications and configuring settings tailored for coding. Key features include File Explorer displaying file extensions, hidden files, and the complete path in the title bar. Developer-class devices will run models with over 30 billion parameters locally and will come with tools like Windows Terminal and Visual Studio Code pinned to the Taskbar, along with preinstalled applications such as GitHub Copilot and PowerToys. To qualify as a developer-class device, a system must have a minimum of 64 GB of unified memory and at least 250 GB/s memory bandwidth. Initially, these enhancements will be available on AMD's Ryzen AI Halo devices, with plans for broader availability. All Windows 11 devices will benefit from overall improvements, including reduced memory usage and enhanced functionality in Search and File Explorer.

Winsage

September 4, 2026

Microsoft Announces Project Zenith, A Clutter-Free Windows Experience Meant To Entice Developers

Microsoft has launched Project Zenith to improve the Windows 11 experience for developers, requiring a system with 64GB of RAM. The project will initially be available on AMD's Ryzen AI Halo mini-desktop, with plans for future expansion. It aims to create a distraction-free environment for developers to run models with over 30 billion parameters locally, while simplifying the user experience by pre-installing tools for various programming languages and enabling settings like full file extensions by default. The initiative allows for customization based on individual developer preferences. However, the high hardware requirement may limit accessibility for independent developers, especially amid rising memory prices.

Winsage

September 4, 2026

Microsoft’s Project Zenith is a ‘distraction-free Windows experience’ for developers

Microsoft has launched Project Zenith, aimed at enhancing the developer experience on Windows for devices with 64GB or more of unified memory. At the IFA event, AMD introduced the first Project Zenith device, a compact PC powered by Ryzen AI Halo chips. These devices come with a preconfigured Windows setup for development and tools such as Visual Studio Code, GitHub Copilot, PowerToys, WinAppCLI, and Windows Dev Skills. The File Explorer has been optimized for developers, displaying file extensions and hidden files, and unnecessary notifications have been disabled. Project Zenith is a response to developer feedback regarding their needs from Windows.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Windows 11 will soon let you control unified memory, just in time for NVIDIA RTX Spark

A new feature in the Windows Insider program for Windows 11 allows users to designate specific amounts of unified memory for graphics and AI applications, discovered in build 29648 by user @XenoPanther. Unified memory enables sharing between the CPU, GPU, and other processors, with support for up to 128GB of unified RAM from NVIDIA and integrated features from AMD. This feature aims to reserve additional unified memory for demanding applications, enhancing performance by ensuring consistent access to high-speed memory and reducing latency issues. It is still in development and not officially announced by Microsoft, but users can enable it using ViveTool, with a recommendation to wait for further testing before widespread use.

Winsage

July 28, 2026

CachyOS Outperforming Windows 11, Ubuntu & Fedora On AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470

The BOSGAME VTA-439 mini PC features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 Gorgon Point SoC with a 12-core and 24-thread architecture, Radeon 890M integrated RDNA 3.5 graphics, 32GB of dual 16GB DDR5-5600 memory, and a 1TB NVMe SSD. It ships with Microsoft Windows 11 Pro and has been benchmarked against Windows 11, Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, Fedora Workstation 44, and CachyOS to evaluate performance.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Four classic Xbox games are now playable with Backward Compatibility on PC

Microsoft is reviving the Xbox Backward Compatibility program by allowing classic Xbox games to be played on Windows PCs. The initiative, originally launched in 2015 for Xbox 360 games on Xbox One, had been effectively concluded in 2019. The new PC offering includes four original Xbox titles: BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy, which can be played at no extra cost by owners of digital copies and are available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers. The PC versions feature enhancements such as customizable graphics settings, higher rendering resolutions, V-Sync support, fullscreen and windowed display modes, anisotropic filtering, improved anti-aliasing, and additional visual upgrades. Minimum system requirements include a GPU like Nvidia GTX 950 or AMD Radeon RX 550, a CPU with at least 4 cores, 8GB RAM, and Windows 11. Recommended specifications include a GPU like Radeon RX 68005 or Nvidia GTX 1070 Ti, a 6-core CPU, DirectX12 API, 8GB VRAM, and Windows 11. Microsoft plans to add more backward-compatible titles and features, including Xbox achievement support, in the future.

AppWizard

July 23, 2026

Microsoft just brought four OG Xbox games to PC, with more console classics to come

Microsoft has enabled players to access original Xbox titles on Windows PCs and handheld devices through the Xbox Backward Compatibility scheme, eliminating the need for third-party emulators. The initial game lineup includes titles like Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy, available via the Xbox app or Game Pass subscriptions. Players who previously purchased these games do not need to buy them again due to the Xbox Play Anywhere program. The games utilize Microsoft's emulation technology, allowing enhancements such as increased resolution up to 2560×1920, anisotropic filtering, and MSAA anti-aliasing. The minimum system requirements include an AMD Ryzen 3 3100 or Intel Core i3-10300 CPU, 8GB RAM, AMD Radeon RX 550 or Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 GPU, 4GB VRAM, and Windows 11 with updates until January 2026. Microsoft plans to expand the Xbox Backward Compatibility library on PC in the future.