|
According to a presentation from Intel on Tuesday, which weirdly debuted Microsoft's "requirements for an AI PC," vendors will need three specific components if they want to advertise their new machines as such. One, "NPU, CPU, and GPU powered silicon." Since that presumably includes integrated GPUs like Intel's Xe systems, the NPU (neural processing unit) is the new hotness in question.
What exactly is an NPU? That's a bit nebulous at the moment. An NPU is a distinct (if not necessarily discrete) processor designed for specific tasks, very much like a GPU for visuals, but it's for "AI." Another term for an NPU is "AI accelerator." But again, exactly what it does isn't exactly clear. For the live demos I've seen, the most interesting thing it's doing is blurring the background in video calls somewhat more efficiently than existing chips.
Microsoft also demands that an AI PC include its Copilot assistant…which is built into Windows 11. So, that's basically a given. And also that there be a dedicated Copilot button on the keyboard, generally replac
|
|
The 20TB Western Digital hard drive deal on Amazon rings up as $349.99. But it also includes a $70 coupon on the front page (don't miss it!), which brings down the price to $279.99 after checking out.
According to Gordon Mah Ung, who has done the math, the 20TB option is the cheapest that WD offers for this product, at a mind-boggling $14 per terabyte. Remember when dollars per gigabyte was a thing?
Okay, so is there a catch? Not really, but there are some things you need to know about. As one commenter points out, the way drive manufacturers report capacity and the way in which Windows reports it differ. Windows will report it as 18.6TB instead. This is typical for virtually all drives, however.
This is a powered drive, meaning you'll need to plug it into a wall. It also uses the USB 3.0 interface, which transfers data at a comparatively paltry 5Gbps. If you want to back up files, you'll probably just need to plug it in, connect it, and let it do its thing in the background. While the drive comes preformatted for Windows, if you want to fully format it for whatever reason, it will probably take close to a day.
Amazon also says that there may be a limited number of coupons available, so don't dawdle if you want to take advantage of this deal!
In just a few days, however, the world will recognize World Backup Day, where you're encouraged to make a copy of your data and a copy of that copy. Combining your laptop's hard drive, this dea
|
|
The first two third-party European app stores to be announced offer different takes on how these stores might work: the first is a white-label service for enterprise app distribution, the second is an all-you-can-eat subscription deal.
The stores are on the cusp of being introduced now that Apple has been forced to open up to third party app stores and payment systems. It seems likely more such stores will soon open, and it's interesting these two seem willing to explore new app distribution business models.
For the enterprise: Mobivention
Initially available in Germany, the Mobivention App Marketplace wants to become a safe place from which to download apps for company employees, partners, and customers.
To read this article in full, please click here
|
|