X-Silicon aims to address the current limitations of edge computing with its new low-power “C-GPU” architecture.

San Diego-based startup X-Silicon recently announced a novel RISC-V architecture that combines CPU, GPU, and NPU into a single core. The new NanoTile architecture is described as a low-power "C-GPU," aggregating RISC-V Vector CPU capabilities with GPU and AI/ML acceleration in a unique monolithic processor design.


X-Silicon’s single-core concept

X-Silicon claims Nanotile is the first open-source architecture of its kind. It provides register-level access through a Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL), which permits OEMs and content providers to customize their drivers and applications for wide hardware adaptability.

Beneath the NanoTile Architecture

The key to this architecture is its multi-core design, where multiple C-GPU cores are arrayed across a chip and linked via an on-chip fast compositor fabric. This setup dynamically aggregates outputs from each core into a common buffer, enhancing data handling for graphics, video processing, and AI tasks. Computational RAM (C-RAM) sits close to the processing cores and unified memory architectures, significantly decreasing latency and boosting overall compute efficiency.

X-Silicon says that its technology can address the limitations faced by existing GPUs. GPUs initially designed for gaming are now struggling with new, diverse workloads like AI and parallel computing. Conventional GPU architectures often suffer from inefficiencies due to fixed-function processing units and underutilization in non-gaming applications.

In contrast, X-Silicon's C-GPU aims to optimize performance for a broader range of applications by employing a scalable, tile-based approach that efficiently renders and manages computing.

A RISC-V CPU-GPU Hybrid

An open-source RISC-V CPU-GPU hybrid holds promise in the computing industry.

Integrating CPU and GPU functionalities into a single RISC-V-based processor, NanoTile simplifies the hardware stack and reduces power consumption, making it useful for applications in energy-sensitive environments like mobile devices and embedded systems. The unified architecture also improves performance by minimizing the latency typically associated with communication between separate CPU and GPU chips.


X-Silicon’s single-core architecture

The RISC-V ISA ensures a high degree of modularity and scalability, allowing users to customize the hybrid processor for specific applications. By making the RISC-V CPU-/GPU hybrid architecture available under an open-source license, X-Silicon facilitates a collaborative environment where developers, engineers, and researchers can contribute to and enhance the processor's design. This openness allows a broader community to experiment with and refine the technology, leading to more rapid advancements and a wider array of applications. As a result, X-Silicon's open-source RISC-V CPU/GPU hybrid can give rise to more personalized and efficient computing solutions.

Flexibility Across Industries

With 14 patents backing its novel design, X-Silicon hopes its architecture can transform edge computing by leveraging the massively parallel nature of RISC-V integrated with AI/ML and graphics capabilities. The company plans to offer its new solution to a wide range of industries, including wearable technology, AR/VR headsets, automotive displays, and beyond.

source

For Microsoft followers, the annual Build Developer Conference is usually one of the highlights of the year in terms of announcements. This year, however, the company decided to hold a press event in Seattle the day before Build 2024 begins, where it is expected we will get some big reveals on a number of different fronts.

Here's a look at what we can expect to see at the media event and also at Build 2024, and how you can watch at least some of these proceedings.

Microsoft Media event - Monday, May 20

Microsoft is inviting select members of the media to attend a press event in Seattle that will be held on Monday, May 20. As it does on occasion, the company has decided not to livestream the event. Windows Central reports that it will begin at 1 pm Eastern time (10 am Pacific time) and last about an hour.



The company used its X (formerly Twitter) account to post a teaser for that event, claiming, "A new era is coming." It also has a microsoft.com/event URL that, when you head to that address, takes you to the Microsoft Surface site at the moment.

That should be a big clue that the event will reveal new Surface devices. The rumor mill claims that Microsoft will announce consumer versions of its Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 models that were previously announced in March in their business models.

Perhaps more importantly, the new Surface models are rumored to have Qualcomm's previously announced Snapdragon X Elite processors. They will include a neural processing unit designed to boost AI apps and features like Microsoft's Copilot assistant. It's also likely that Microsoft will use the occasion to reveal some new upcoming Windows 11 updates and features.

ASUS will be holding its own announcement on May 20, starting at 2 pm Eastern time (11 am Pacific time). That event will be live-streamed, and the company's press release says it will reveal a new "AI PC" laptop that will be "a collaboration between Microsoft, Qualcomm, and ASUS."

Build 2024 - May 21-23



The annual Build 2024 developers conference from Microsoft will be held in Seattle as well from May 21-23. Unlike the company's May 20 press event, it will livestream many of its events on the Microsoft YouTube channel.

The big ones to watch for are the two keynote addresses, with the first starting at noon Eastern time (9 am Pacific) on May 21. It will feature Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, the company's chief technology officer Kevin Scott, and its Executive Vice President for Experiences and Devices, Rajesh Jha.

The second keynote will be held on May 22 at 11:30 am Eastern time (8:30 am Pacific time). It will feature Microsoft's Executive Vice President for Cloud and AI, Scott Guthrie, and other company executives. Based on the sessions published on the Microsoft Build site, we expect to see new announcements for Windows, Microsoft's AI efforts and more.

source

Microsoft will outline its vision for the future of Windows PCs on Monday, and Windows on Arm will be at the center.


A theoretical Surface Pro 10 with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite would be a game changer for Windows PCs.
(Image credit: Future)

On Monday, Microsoft will unveil its vision for a new era of the Windows PC, consisting of new Arm silicon from Qualcomm paired with next-gen AI experiences. These will result in new Windows devices that are always aware of what you’re doing, able to translate languages in real-time, improve your webcam with artificial lighting and filters, artificially increase gaming performance, and generate text and images on-device.

Microsoft has been working towards this combination of hardware and software since early 2021 after it held an all-hands meeting with leaders across Windows and Surface to discuss how it would respond to Apple Silicon. The company discussed a project called CADMUS, which aimed to bring to market a new era of Windows devices that are performant, efficient, and AI-capable.

Microsoft has worked very closely with Qualcomm on its new Snapdragon X chips, resulting in a moment for Windows on Arm that it’s never had before. The next wave of Windows on Arm devices will be the first with true all-day battery life and consistent instant wake without sacrificing performance. These new chips do trade blows with Apple Silicon.

A new generation of Windows PCs


Windows PCs are about to get good. (Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)

Internally, I'm told Microsoft has described these CADMUS devices as "the next generation of Windows PCs," differentiated by the AI experiences that will be exclusive to them. Microsoft will unveil the first CADMUS PCs in the form of a new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, powered by Snapdragon X and featuring quality-of-life upgrades such as an OLED display on the Pro and a refreshed design on the Laptop that includes a haptic trackpad.

Notably, these devices will only be available with Qualcomm's Arm chip. You won't find Intel variants of Microsoft's latest consumer-facing offerings, and that's a big deal. It shows just how confident Microsoft is about its CADMUS effort, further strengthened by the fact all the big-name OEMs are expected to ship their own Arm-powered devices this summer alongside Microsoft.

It's the first time in Windows on Arm's history that this is happening. Microsoft's hardware partners are all coming together for this big Windows on Arm relaunch, and they are all now confident that Windows on Arm is ready for mainstream audiences. The new chips are so powerful that most emulated apps will no longer feel emulated, which was a big hurdle for Windows on Arm to overcome.

These new devices will be the first to set 16GB RAM and 256GB storage as a baseline. You won't find a CADMUS device on the market with 8GB RAM, which itself is a big step forward for Windows PCs. People have been asking for this forever, and it seems to be finally happening. 

Windows on Arm can no longer be ignored


App developers and OEMs are finally taking Windows on Arm seriously.  (Image credit: Future)

Also, app developers seem to be finally taking Windows on Arm seriously. Popular apps such as Chrome, Spotify, and Photoshop are now natively compiled for Windows on Arm, and more apps and developers are always jumping on board. WhatsApp, DaVinci Resolve, and more Adobe apps are expected to join the fray soon. This platform can no longer be ignored.

Existing Windows on Arm devices are also benefiting from this. The more apps that are natively compiled for Arm, the less emulation is required, which means better performance and battery life. My Surface Pro X is a better device today than two years ago, thanks to app developers finally adopting Arm for many of my apps.

This isn’t just a flash in the pan, either. Microsoft fully intends to offer all its high-end Surface PCs with an Arm chip going forward, including the next Surface Laptop Studio, which I’m told is currently in the works. Still, it likely won’t make an appearance until 2025.

Microsoft’s big AI push in Windows will be exclusive to Windows on Arm devices for now, at least until Intel and AMD can cook up NPUs (neural processing units) that can match what Qualcomm is outputting. With that in mind, I expect the ultimate goal is for the platform architecture to be irrelevant to the end user. If a Windows PC with a Qualcomm chip is just as capable as a Windows PC with an Intel chip, why does it matter if it’s x86 or Arm?

AIl will be revealed on Monday


Microsoft will talk about new hardware and software experiences on Monday.  (Image credit: Microsoft)

Windows on Arm is finally about to be in the spotlight for all the right reasons. The combination of silicon and AI experiences will be unmatched for quite a while. If you’re in the market for a new PC right now, and your next one isn’t a Windows on Arm device, you’re making a huge mistake.

Windows Central will be on the ground at Microsoft’s special Windows and Surface event on Monday, May 20. Please tune in to our live blog at 10 AM PT (1 PM ET, 6 PM BST) for all the news as it happens. Alternatively, check out our detailed post on what to expect for spoilers!

source

How often should you switch off your mobile phone completely? This question is not just about saving the battery. It also contributes to the safety of the device. You should know this.


Image: Ton Photographer 4289/Shutterstock.com

Many people need to learn how to use a smartphone properly. After all, these all-rounder devices require regular maintenance and important updates in order to be optimally protected against wear and tear and attacks.

Switching you phone off completely protects it

Surprisingly, this includes a very simple function: switching off the smartphone completely. According to security experts at the NSA, this alone helps to protect the device from hacking attacks. It is now not only common to gain access to smartphones via malicious links, but also via so-called zero-click exploits.

This involves bypassing the smartphone’s security functions step-by-step. Starting with a missed call, then the first installed files that gradually allow access to the system and tap into information. This usually goes unnoticed, but can fortunately be prevented by completely rebooting the device.

So how often should I turn off my phone?

The simple answer from security experts as to how often a mobile phone should be switched off completely is: at least once a week. In the best-case scenario, however, you should remember to reset our phone even more often. This is because, in addition to eliminating the security risk, it also allows the smartphone’s operating system to run all functions smoothly.

By the way: To see how long your device has had to go without switching off, you can easily check the system settings. On Android devices, this can usually be found under “Device” and then “Status.” The uptime is displayed there in hours.

source

OpenAI has announced GPT-4o, an update to its GPT-4 language model that brings new features to both the free and paid tiers of its ChatGPT platform. While the functionality was amazing, the voice was breaking a lot. Moreover, the speakers deliberately spoke during the conversation to shut ChatGPT off because it was talking too much.

Previously limited to paid subscriptions, GPT-4o offers free users access to capabilities such as data and code analysis, image processing tools, and real-time language translation. OpenAI also revealed a desktop app.

While the free tier receives a significant upgrade, the paid subscription (ChatGPT Plus) continues to offer advantages. Paid users receive a fivefold increase in daily GPT-4o requests, can faster processing and access to future advanced features.

A key feature of GPT-4o is its enhanced live speech functionality. Unlike earlier models, GPT-4o can directly process speech input. This allows for more natural and interactive conversations with the AI.



GPT-4o goes beyond conversation, demonstrating capabilities in problem-solving and analysis. The model can solve math problems step-by-step, analyze code, interpret graphs, and translate languages in real time. Additionally, it can generate various vocal styles. So, finally, OpenAI didn’t reveal a search engine. In the future, perhaps?

Even though the product was good, it seemed unfinished. Perhaps this was Microsoft’s idea to hack Google’s I/O?

source