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Business, Comes Next, Computer Chips, TechNews

Apple M4 Chip

[Image credit: Apple]

Apple M4 Chip: Specifications, Performance, and Future in Macs

Apple has unveiled its latest silicon, the Apple M4 chip. Initially launched in the iPad Pro, this new chip is set to power future Macs. Let’s explore what the M4 brings and when we can expect to see it in more Apple devices.

Launch and Availability

Apple introduced the M4 chip during the ‘Let Loose’ event on May 7, 2024. The chip first appeared in iPad Pro models, which started shipping on May 13, 2024. Now, Apple plans to bring the M4 to its Mac lineup. This rollout will begin with the MacBook Pro 14-inch, iMac, and Mac mini, likely as early as October 2024. MacBook Air models are expected to get the chip sometime in 2025. However, Apple may adjust the timeline, and we will know more when new products are officially announced.

Technical Specifications of the M4 Chip

The Apple M4 chip is built on TSMC’s 3nm process, like the M3, but with notable improvements. It features a 10-core CPU, including four performance cores and six efficiency cores, and a 10-core GPU. Compared to the M3’s base version, which had eight cores each for CPU and GPU, this represents a significant upgrade. The M4 also includes a 16-core neural engine that can perform up to 38 trillion operations per second, enhancing AI processing capabilities.

The M4 chip packs 28 billion transistors, up from 25 billion in the M3. It supports up to 128GB of unified memory. Additionally, it maintains support for hardware-accelerated ray tracing, dynamic caching, and mesh shading, similar to the M3 but more refined. New features include support for Tandem OLED displays and hardware-accelerated AV1 media support.

Performance Improvements

Comparing the M4 to the M3 is challenging since the M4 is only in the iPad Pro so far. However, initial tests show promising results. The M4 chip delivers 20% faster CPU performance than the M3. In everyday use, though, this performance boost may not be as noticeable.

When it comes to GPU performance, the M4’s ray-tracing capabilities shine, delivering 13-14% faster results over the M3. The most significant leap appears in neural engine performance, where the M4 is up to 46% faster. This improvement will be crucial for Apple’s future AI development, including its Apple Intelligence projects.

Upcoming Devices and Expectations

Currently, the Apple M4 chip only powers the iPad Pro. However, we anticipate an October 2024 event where Apple will introduce Macs equipped with the M4. Expected devices include the iMac, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and potentially the MacBook Air. We may not see all these devices at once, but the M4’s expansion to Macs is imminent.

Additionally, Apple might release the M4 Pro and M4 Max soon, possibly by the end of this year. These launches will set the stage for the upcoming holiday season, showcasing the M4 chip’s capabilities in some of the best laptops and desktops available.

The Apple M4 chip promises improved performance across all categories, from CPU and GPU to AI processing. As this new silicon spreads across Apple’s product line, users can expect faster, more efficient devices, perfect for demanding applications and creative work.

Comes Next, Computer Chips, Gaming, TechNews

Intel’s Lunar Lake

[Image credit: Intel]

Intel’s Lunar Lake: A Game-Changer for Handheld Gaming Devices

Intel‘s Lunar Lake processors are making waves in the tech world. Recent tests show that these chips could have a massive impact on gaming handhelds. While no handhelds with Lunar Lake CPUs are available yet, early benchmarks already offer an exciting glimpse into their capabilities.

Promising Performance Gains

Geekerwan, a well-respected tech reviewer, tested the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, a Lunar Lake CPU. The processor operated at 15W, similar to what a gaming handheld would use. He compared it against the Steam Deck’s custom AMD Zen 2 chip and the Asus ROG Ally’s Z1 Extreme. Even at a 720p resolution to simulate handheld gaming, the results were impressive. The Core Ultra 7 258V outperformed the Z1 Extreme by over twice the speed (2.3x) and was 35% faster than the Steam Deck’s AMD chip.

When compared to the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, the Lunar Lake CPU delivered 67% faster performance at the same power level. This substantial gain shows how Intel’s new chips might change the game for mobile gaming.

Graphics Performance and Challenges

Intel Lunar Lake processors also showed strong results in gaming benchmarks, including demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077. The Core Ultra 7 258V hit 28 fps using FSR, compared to 13 fps on the Steam Deck and ROG Ally. In a higher power setting, the chip remained competitive with the 80W Ryzen AI HX 370, despite running at just 30W.

However, there is one catch. Lunar Lake’s integrated graphics rely on Intel’s Arc (Battlemage) technology. While this contributes to excellent gaming performance, it also brings potential issues. Many older games may struggle with compatibility due to the new Arc drivers. This is a known problem for Intel, as these drivers were developed from scratch not long ago. If you enjoy classic PC or indie games, this might become a frustrating barrier, although newer titles are less likely to have issues.

Battery Life: A Key Feature

Battery life is another vital aspect of gaming handhelds, and Lunar Lake shows promise here as well. Tests on the Yoga Air 15 indicated battery life that nearly matched the MacBook Air M3. This performance is quite promising for handheld gaming, suggesting that devices equipped with Lunar Lake could enjoy long playtimes on a single charge.

What to Expect from Intel’s Lunar Lake

Lunar Lake processors seem set to revolutionize gaming handhelds, offering substantial improvements over Intel’s previous Meteor Lake chips. The combination of powerful CPUs, impressive battery life, and integrated graphics makes Lunar Lake an exciting development in mobile gaming.

Overall, Intel Lunar Lake gaming handhelds could change the landscape of portable gaming. With strong early test results and better efficiency, these processors may finally give Intel the edge it needs to compete with AMD in the handheld space. Game compatibility remains a challenge, but if Intel manages to improve its Arc drivers, the future looks bright for Lunar Lake-powered gaming devices.

Business, Comes Next, Computer Chips, TechNews

AMD RDNA 4 GPUs

[Image credit: AMD]

AMD RDNA 4 GPUs: Launch Date and What to Expect

Recent leaks suggest AMD will push the launch of its RDNA 4 GPUs to early 2025 (pcgamesn.com). Originally rumored for a late 2024 release, these next-generation graphics cards seem to be slightly behind schedule. Let’s explore what this means for AMD’s lineup and what we can expect from the upcoming RDNA 4 series.

Delayed Launch: What Happened?

According to recent sources, AMD’s RDNA 4 GPUs will arrive in 2025. It will debut with the flagship Navi 48 at CES in January. Earlier rumors suggested a late 2024 release. AMD appears to be holding back the launch of its RDNA 4 GPUs. The company likely wants to clear out existing RDNA 3 inventory before introducing a new generation.

What to Expect from RDNA 4

The RDNA 4 line will include the Navi 44 and Navi 48 GPUs, focusing heavily on value for money, strong performance, and energy efficiency. This approach is different from Nvidia, which continues to prioritize high-performance hardware for its upcoming RTX 5000 series. AMD’s strategy places a greater emphasis on the mid-range market, aiming to offer powerful GPUs at more accessible price points.

With RDNA 4, AMD plans to introduce enhancements like improved raytracing, better clock speeds, GDDR6 memory, and the latest iteration of AMD’s Infinity Cache. These improvements promise a 10-30% performance boost over the current RDNA 3 GPUs. This focus on efficiency and mid-range value could make RDNA 4 an attractive option for many gamers who want performance without breaking the bank.

What Comes Next?

With the RDNA 4 launch now set for 2025, it seems that AMD is aligning itself to compete strongly in the mid-range GPU space. The flagship Navi 48 is expected to be showcased at CES 2025, with the Navi 44 following in Q2. This rollout strategy indicates that AMD wants to target the mid-range and gradually shift towards higher-end models.

Interestingly, while RDNA 4 GPUs promise solid improvements, some enthusiasts may still choose to wait. AMD’s RDNA 5 is already under development and is rumored to include significant architectural changes, possibly catering to the high-end market more than RDNA 4.

Conclusion for AMD RDNA 4 GPUs

AMD’s RDNA 4 GPUs will make their way to the market in early 2025, focusing on delivering value, efficiency, and mid-range power. This delay gives AMD more time to move remaining RDNA 3 stock, while also setting the stage for a strong mid-tier offering next year. With Nvidia pushing ahead with its high-performance RTX 5000 series, 2025 could be a pivotal year for AMD to establish itself as the leader in the mid-range graphics card space. If you’re looking for a balance of performance and cost, the AMD RDNA 4 GPUs might be worth the wait.

Comes Next, Financial, TechNews

ChatGPT Hardware

[Image by TeX9.net: Imaginary AI Smartphone]
Jony Ive Spearheads Design of OpenAI’s Groundbreaking ChatGPT Hardware Device

OpenAI is teaming up with designer Jony Ive to introduce a groundbreaking ChatGPT hardware device. This collaboration ushers in a new era of AI-driven computing. The project strives to offer a computing experience that disrupts social interactions less. It emphasizes a move towards blending AI more smoothly into everyday life.

OpenAI is joining forces with Jony Ive, the renowned former Apple designer, to create the first dedicated ChatGPT hardware device. Dubbed the “iPhone of artificial intelligence,” this initiative marks a significant pivot in AI technology.

A year after rumors first surfaced, Jony Ive has confirmed his involvement in designing (via bgr.com) what may become a direct competitor to the iPhone. Ive’s design firm, LoveFrom, along with Laurene Powell Jobs’s Emerson Collective, are leading the project’s funding efforts, aiming to secure $1 billion by year’s end.

Adding to the team’s prowess, Jony Ive recently enlisted Tang Tan, another ex-Apple iPhone designer, suggesting serious momentum behind the ChatGPT device. Despite no official product details yet, the design process is underway in a state-of-the-art San Francisco studio, according to reports.

The vision for the ChatGPT hardware extends beyond traditional smartphone functions. This device aims to offer a computing experience that minimizes social disruption, contrasting sharply with current smartphone interactions. This philosophy could reshape how we interact with technology, emphasizing AI-first features over conventional smartphone capabilities.

With a valuation potentially reaching $100 billion, OpenAI (via crn.com) is also drawing interest from major tech players like Apple. This presents an intriguing scenario where Apple could end up investing in a venture that challenges its core products.

The design team, which now includes former Apple talents like Evans Hankey, operates out of a sprawling office space purchased by Ive. This new venture promises not only to advance AI technology but also to potentially redefine the hardware landscape.

Entertainment, TechNews

Google Maps updates

[Image credit: Google (Google Maps Screenshot)]

Google Maps, Street View, and Google Earth Receive Major Updates

Google has rolled out significant updates to its mapping tools—Google Maps, Street View, and Google Earth. These new features offer an enhanced experience, including a unique time travel capability and clearer global imagery. Let’s dive into what these exciting Google Maps updates mean for users.

Historical Imagery on Google Earth

The most exciting feature of these updates is the addition of historical imagery in Google Earth. Users can now explore satellite images dating back as far as 80 years for some locations. Previously, these images were only available in the Pro version of Google Earth, but now they are accessible for everyone on both web and mobile platforms.

This means you can take a look at how your neighborhood appeared decades ago or analyze the impact of climate change on forests over time. Cities like London, Berlin, Warsaw, and Paris now have satellite data going all the way back to the 1930s. This feature provides a fascinating way to see how these cities have evolved, grown, and adapted over the decades.

Expanded Street View Coverage

Google Maps is also expanding its Street View coverage. Users will now see expanded Street View imagery across 80 countries, with some countries getting Street View for the very first time. Google has shared examples from locations like Iceland, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Tasmania, Japan, Denmark, and France.

According to Google, this update marks one of the most significant expansions in Street View’s history since its launch in 2007. The total number of images now exceeds an impressive 280 billion. With this extensive coverage, users can virtually explore more of the world than ever before.

Enhanced Satellite Imagery

Another notable update comes to satellite imagery across Google Earth and Google Maps. Google has used AI to enhance the quality of its satellite views. New cloud removal tools have been applied to create a refreshed and clearer global mosaic. This allows users to see the Earth in more detail with sharper images, improving the overall accuracy and visual appeal of Google’s mapping tools.

Why These Google Maps Updates Matter

These updates make Google Maps, Street View, and Google Earth more informative and visually engaging. Historical imagery allows a unique glimpse into the past, while expanded Street View coverage makes virtual exploration possible in more locations. The enhanced satellite views provide a clearer and more realistic representation of our planet, perfect for travelers, researchers, and the curious at heart.

Overall, these Google Maps updates bring major improvements to how we explore and understand the world. Whether you want to travel back in time, visit a distant place virtually, or get a sharper view of our changing Earth, these features are sure to enrich your experience.