Category Archives: Comes Next

Business, Comes Next, Computer Chips, TechNews

MediaTek Dimensity 9400

[Image credit: MediaTek]

MediaTek Introduces the Dimensity 9400: A 3nm Powerhouse for Smartphones

MediaTek has officially launched the Dimensity 9400 (trendforce.com), its latest flagship processor designed for high-end smartphones. This new system-on-chip (SoC) offers powerful performance, improved efficiency, and advanced AI capabilities. MediaTek is continuing its long-standing collaboration with Arm, avoiding the switch to RISC-V, which some competitors are exploring.

Performance Boost and Power Efficiency
The Dimensity 9400 brings a significant upgrade in performance (beebom.com) over its predecessor, the Dimensity 9300. This octa-core processor consists of one Arm Cortex-X925 core running at over 3.6GHz, three Cortex-X4 cores at 3.6GHz, and four Cortex-A720 cores at 3.3GHz. With this “all big core” design, MediaTek has focused on maximizing power. Built on TSMC’s 3nm process node, the chip delivers up to 40% more power efficiency compared to the previous 4nm generation.

Enhanced AI Capabilities
Artificial Intelligence is a core feature of the Dimensity 9400. It includes an eighth-generation neural processing unit (NPU) that boosts machine learning tasks by 80%, making it faster and more efficient. MediaTek also introduced the Dimensity Agentic AI Engine, which connects applications to various AI models and hardware acceleration, supporting both on-device and cloud-based AI tasks.

Graphics and Connectivity Improvements
On the graphics side, the processor includes a 12-core Arm Immortalis G925 GPU. It offers 41% more performance and 44% better power savings. Additionally, MediaTek upgraded its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo chip. Now it delivers faster data speeds and extended wireless coverage, with a focus on improving overall device efficiency.

Conclusion
Dimensity 9400 is set to compete with industry giants like Qualcomm. Phones featuring this chip are expected to launch in late 2024. With its strong AI capabilities, improved performance, and efficiency, MediaTek aims to solidify its position in the premium smartphone market.

AI, Business, Comes Next, TechNews

Apple AR Glasses

[Image credit: Apple]

Apple AR Glasses with microLED Tech Rumored for 2026

The world of augmented reality continues to evolve, and rumors about Apple joining the AR glasses game have reignited our excitement. Recent leaks suggest that Apple’s AR glasses could arrive as soon as 2026 (wccftech.com), incorporating advanced microLED technology.

MicroLED: A Display Revolution

According to the tipster @Jukanlosreve, Apple hasn’t abandoned its plans for microLED technology. MicroLED combines the brightness of LED displays with the deep blacks of OLED, making it superior to both. This display tech has the potential to make visuals sharper and more vibrant, which would be a game-changer for augmented reality devices. However, the challenge lies in its high production cost, which has limited its use in smaller gadgets so far.

If Apple succeeds in integrating microLED, it would mark a significant step forward for AR hardware. Our feature on microLED TVs highlights the potential of this technology, but the challenge remains in making it affordable. Apple seems determined to crack this problem, which could bring us a top-tier AR experience.

Accelerated Launch Timeline for Apple AR glasses with microLED

Apple’s AR glasses have been the subject of speculation for years. Previously, rumors hinted at a 2027 launch, but now it seems Apple may have accelerated its timeline to 2026. This shift may come in response to Meta’s progress, particularly the successful release of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.

There have also been hints that the next Apple Watch Ultra could include a microLED display, showcasing Apple’s broader commitment to this display technology. While we didn’t see an Apple Watch Ultra 3 this year, it’s possible we’ll get one with this cutting-edge tech soon.

Competing with Meta and Future Plans

Meta’s Orion AR glasses and Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses have impressed the tech community, possibly prompting Apple to rethink its strategy. Last year, reports indicated that Apple’s AR glasses had been delayed indefinitely, with a shift in focus to a more affordable VR headset. However, the landscape has changed, and Apple may now see an opportunity to enter the AR space sooner with a smaller, more accessible device.

Apple Vision Pro, the mixed reality headset, has yet to achieve massive sales success due to its high price tag. Apple may be looking to diversify its offerings by releasing a more affordable and compact AR solution. If Apple manages to launch its AR glasses in 2026 with microLED technology, we could be looking at the next major step in the evolution of wearable technology.

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.