News/Computers
Black Friday deals on Apple Watch, AirTag and Mac
Apple's latest product lineup sees significant price drops across multiple devices in early Black Friday sales, with notable discounts on the new Apple Watch Series 10, MacBooks, iMacs, and accessories. Key price drops: The Apple Watch Series 10 leads the sales event with unprecedented discounts across all color variants, including Jet Black, Silver, and Rose Gold models. The 42mm model is now available for $349 (down from $399) The 46mm version is priced at $379 (reduced from $429) Amazon is expected to price match these Walmart offerings MacBook Air deals: The M3 MacBook Air lineup features substantial discounts with some...
read Nov 11, 2024Windows 11 Pro now available for under $18 — for life
The Windows 11 Pro operating system, Microsoft's latest flagship OS featuring integrated AI capabilities, is currently available at a significant discount, marking a rare opportunity for PC users to upgrade their systems. Key offering details: Microsoft's Windows 11 Pro is temporarily available for $17.97, down from its regular price of $199, with the promotion running through November 17. This represents a 91% discount from the standard retail price The offer includes lifetime access to the operating system No coupon code is required for the special pricing Supply is reported to be limited Core features and improvements: Windows 11 Pro introduces...
read Nov 7, 2024Why the iMac may be Apple’s best computer yet
A new era for the iMac: Apple's latest iMac, featuring the M4 chip, brings significant upgrades to its popular all-in-one desktop computer, offering enhanced performance and features at a competitive price point. The new iMac M4 is available for preorder starting at $1,299, with shipping beginning on November 8. The base model now comes with 16GB of memory, a substantial improvement over the previous 8GB, without increasing the starting price. Apple has introduced new color options, including blue, purple, pink, yellow, orange, green, and silver, adding a touch of personality to the sleek design. Performance boost and AI capabilities: The...
read Nov 7, 2024Dell XPS 13 ultrabook blends AI power with sleek design
AI-powered ultrabook redefines portable computing: The Dell XPS 13 sets a new standard for ultrabooks with its combination of AI capabilities, premium design, and powerful performance. The laptop features a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100 processor with 16 cores and a max clock speed of 3.4GHz, integrating a Qualcomm Hexagon NPU for AI workloads. As a Copilot+ PC, the XPS 13 is optimized for Windows' AI-based features like Copilot personal assistant, Microsoft Cocreator, and Windows Studio Effects. The device offers up to 32GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, ensuring smooth performance and ample storage. Stunning visual experience:...
read Nov 6, 2024Apple rumored to be including M4 chip in AI cloud computers by 2025
Apple's AI infrastructure upgrade: Apple is planning to enhance its cloud-based artificial intelligence processing capabilities with new M4 chip-equipped servers, set to be deployed in 2025. The company is in discussions with Foxconn to manufacture new AI servers in Taiwan, aiming to accelerate the rollout of AI-powered features. Apple's choice of Taiwan for this project is strategic, allowing the company to leverage local engineering talent and R&D resources, particularly those with experience working for Nvidia. Private Cloud Compute (PCC) technology: Apple's AI processing relies on a combination of on-device and cloud-based computations, with PCC modules handling more complex requests that...
read Nov 6, 2024ASUS Zenbook S 16 OLED AI-powered laptop now $250 off
Cutting-edge laptop with AI capabilities hits new low price: ASUS' Zenbook S 16 OLED Copilot+ PC, featuring the latest AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 Strix Point APU, is now available at Best Buy for $1,149.99, a $250 discount from its original price. The laptop, which debuted in June 2024 at $1,400, saw its first price cut in September, but this new deal marks its lowest price to date. This offering presents an alternative to ARM-based processors, particularly Qualcomm's solutions. Key specifications and features: The Zenbook S 16 OLED boasts impressive hardware and design elements that position it as a high-performance,...
read Nov 6, 2024More AI products aim to control your computer — here’s why that could be cool
Generative AI as a digital assistant: Anthropic has introduced a new feature for their AI product Claude, allowing it to interact directly with computer interfaces by taking control of the keyboard and mouse. This advancement aims to enable AI to perform tasks on behalf of users, such as filling out online forms, composing emails, and booking travel arrangements. The AI operates by analyzing a series of screen snapshots, moving the mouse, and entering data on the keyboard, mimicking human interaction with computers. Anthropic describes this capability as a significant breakthrough in AI progress, potentially unlocking a wide range of applications...
read Nov 5, 2024The latest MacOS update introduced these 3 useful features
MacOS 15.1 update brings subtle yet useful improvements: The latest update to Apple's operating system introduces a handful of practical features that enhance user experience, even for those not interested in AI or iPhone integration. Key features for non-AI enthusiasts: While Apple Intelligence is the headline feature of MacOS 15.1, there are several other upgrades that cater to users who prefer traditional functionality. Apple Mail now offers email summaries, allowing users to quickly grasp the content of lengthy emails without reading them in full. The battery indicator for MacBooks has been improved, providing easier access to low-power mode and visual...
read Nov 4, 2024Microsoft Copilot Vision nears launch — here’s what we know right now
Microsoft unveils Copilot Vision: Microsoft is set to launch Copilot Vision, an AI-powered feature that will allow its Copilot assistant to visually analyze users' on-screen content. After a month-long trial with select users through Copilot Labs, Microsoft is preparing to roll out Copilot Vision to all users. The feature will be integrated into the Microsoft Edge browser, accessible via a screen-like icon. Copilot Vision enables the AI to observe and respond to on-screen content, including websites, documents, and both typed and handwritten text. Enhanced user experience: Copilot Vision aims to streamline user interactions by providing contextual assistance without the need...
read Nov 1, 2024Microsoft postpones AI-powered Recall feature launch… again
Microsoft's AI-powered Recall feature faces further delays: The company has postponed the rollout of its controversial screen activity tracking tool for Windows, citing the need for additional refinement and security measures. Timeline of delays and adjustments: Microsoft initially announced Recall in May 2024 as an exclusive feature for Copilot+ PCs The feature faced immediate backlash due to privacy concerns, leading to a series of delays and modifications In June, Microsoft put Recall on hold and sent the entire codebase back for a major overhaul The company later changed its plans, shifting from a broad preview to a limited release within...
read Oct 31, 2024Anthropic launches dedicated Mac app for Claude AI
AI Assistant Claude Gets Dedicated Mac App: Anthropic has released a standalone macOS application for its AI assistant Claude, expanding its accessibility beyond web browsers and iOS devices. Key features and availability: The Claude macOS app is now available for download, marked as a beta version It provides easy access to Anthropic's AI assistant and its latest Claude 3.5 Sonnet model The app is accessible to users with both free and paid Claude plans A Windows version of the app has also been released simultaneously Broader context of AI developments for Mac: The launch comes during a week of significant...
read Oct 30, 2024Lenovo supercharges ThinkPad X1 Carbon with AI upgrades
AI-Enhanced Business Efficiency: Lenovo's new ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition offers small business owners advanced AI capabilities to boost productivity and streamline operations. The laptop is designed to handle AI-driven tasks efficiently, providing tools to improve business processes, draft emails, and refine web content. Generative AI tools integrated into the device offer fresh perspectives on business operations, potentially uncovering new efficiencies and opportunities. Powerful Performance for Multitasking: The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition boasts impressive specifications to support demanding workloads and AI applications. The Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 (Series 2) processor can execute over 45 trillion...
read Oct 30, 2024ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 blends innovative design with AI powers
Innovative dual-screen design meets AI power: The ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 (2024) combines a unique dual-screen form factor with the advanced capabilities of Intel's Core Ultra processor, offering students and professionals a distinctive and powerful computing experience. Dual-screen versatility: The Zenbook Duo 14 features two 14-inch Full HD OLED displays, revolutionizing the traditional laptop layout. Both screens offer a 16:10 aspect ratio, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, and VESA Certified DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification. The secondary screen can function as an additional window, a large trackpad, or combine with the primary display for an expansive viewing area. A detachable...
read Oct 30, 2024All of Apple’s new Macs to start with 16GB of RAM in support of AI features
Apple's RAM upgrade across Mac lineup: Apple has increased the minimum RAM configuration to 16GB for all its Mac models, marking a significant shift in its hardware strategy. The new Mac Mini, MacBook Pro, and iMac models, all refreshed with M4 processors, now start with 16GB of RAM. Even the MacBook Air, which hasn't received the M4 chip upgrade, has been updated to start with 16GB of RAM. This change ends the era of 8GB RAM as the default for consumer-grade Macs, a standard that had been in place since around 2016. Driving factors behind the upgrade: The decision to...
read Oct 29, 2024AI PCs gain momentum as tech giants unveil new features
The AI PC revolution: A transformative shift in computing: The introduction of AI-powered PCs marks a significant evolution in personal computing, with major manufacturers launching devices that integrate advanced AI capabilities directly into hardware and software. Key players and timeline: Major PC manufacturers like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung launched the first mobile AI PCs in June, featuring Microsoft's Copilot+ and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite SoCs. A new wave of PCs powered by AMD's AI 300 and Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 SoCs is currently rolling out, with Microsoft's Copilot+ support expected in November. Tirias Research anticipates Microsoft...
read Oct 28, 2024Apple’s new M4 iMacs are built for the AI era
Apple unveils next-generation iMacs with M4 chip: The tech giant has announced a significant update to its iMac lineup, introducing new models powered by the latest M4 processor, marking another milestone in Apple's transition to its custom silicon. Key features and specifications: The new iMacs offer a blend of performance upgrades and design refinements, catering to both casual users and professionals. Starting at $1,299, the new iMacs come with 16GB of unified memory as standard. Available in seven vibrant colors, the computers feature color-matching USB-C accessories. The 24-inch 4.5K Retina display now includes a new nano-texture glass option for enhanced...
read Oct 28, 2024Get Apple Intelligence on iPhone, iPad and Mac in these easy steps
Apple Intelligence Arrives on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS: Apple's new AI-powered suite of tools, known as Apple Intelligence, is now available for compatible iPhones, iPads, and Macs, bringing advanced features like Writing Tools, Clean Up, Notification Summaries, and a redesigned Siri. Device compatibility and software requirements: Apple Intelligence is supported on a wide range of devices, but specific software versions are necessary to access the new features. iOS 18.1 is required for iPhones iPadOS 18.1 is needed for iPads macOS Sequoia 15.1 is the prerequisite for Macs A list of compatible devices is available, though not provided in this summary...
read Oct 26, 2024Raspberry Pi’s new AI accelerator add-on enhances performance
Raspberry Pi unveils enhanced AI add-on: Raspberry Pi has introduced a new AI HAT+ add-on, building upon its initial AI kit launched in June 2023, to significantly boost the AI capabilities of its popular single-board computers. The new AI HAT+ is a redesigned version of the previous AI kit, focusing on improved heat dissipation for Hailo's AI processor. With enhanced thermal management, the AI HAT+ can achieve performance levels of up to 26 tera operations per second (TOPS). Priced at $110, the add-on is positioned as an affordable solution for advanced AI processing on Raspberry Pi devices. Key features and...
read Oct 22, 2024Anthropic just gave its AI the ability to control your computer
AI-powered computer control: Anthropic introduces groundbreaking feature: Anthropic's latest Claude 3.5 Sonnet AI model now includes a revolutionary "computer use" feature in public beta, allowing the AI to control a computer by visually interpreting the screen and interacting with it through cursor movements, clicks, and text input. The new capability is available through Anthropic's API, enabling developers to integrate AI-powered computer control into their applications. A demonstration video showcases Claude operating a Mac computer, highlighting the potential for AI to perform human-like interactions with digital interfaces. Competitive landscape and industry context: While other tech giants have explored similar concepts, Anthropic's...
read Oct 22, 2024One of the best ultraportable AI-powered laptops this year isn’t a Lenovo or Asus
A surprising contender in ultraportable laptops: MSI's Prestige 13 AI Evo has emerged as an unexpected standout in the competitive ultraportable laptop market, challenging established brands like Asus and Lenovo. The Prestige 13 AI Evo is currently available for $1,399, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD. At just 2.18 pounds, the laptop boasts a lightweight magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis, making it highly portable for professionals on the go. The device sports a 13.3-inch 2.8K OLED display, although the thick bezels make the screen appear smaller than its actual size. Design and ergonomics: MSI...
read Oct 18, 2024The top 3 PCs for advanced AI computing tasks
AI-powered laptops revolutionize computing: Intel and leading PC manufacturers are integrating advanced AI capabilities into their latest laptop models, ushering in a new era of intelligent computing. The Intel Core Ultra advantage: Intel's Core Ultra processors are at the heart of these cutting-edge AI PCs, providing the necessary processing power to support sophisticated AI functionalities. Intel Core Ultra chips are designed to handle AI workloads efficiently, enabling seamless integration of AI features into everyday computing tasks. These processors are built to balance performance and energy efficiency, crucial for portable devices like laptops. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition: Elegance meets...
read Oct 17, 2024ASUS new AI-powered Vivobook hits record low $1,080 on Amazon
Cutting-edge AI-powered laptop debuts with significant discount: ASUS's new Vivobook S 14 OLED Copilot+ PC, featuring AMD's latest Ryzen AI 9 processor, is now available at its lowest price ever on Amazon, offering a compelling blend of performance and value for tech enthusiasts. Key specifications and features: The Vivobook S 14 OLED Copilot+ PC showcases AMD's new Ryzen AI 9 365 Strix Point APU, marking a significant advancement in laptop processing capabilities. The laptop is equipped with a 10-core Zen 5 CPU and an RDNA 3.5 Radeon 880M GPU, ensuring robust performance for a variety of tasks. An integrated NPU...
read Oct 16, 2024NPUs and the dawn of the AI-powered PC era
The dawn of AI PCs: A new generation of computers known as Copilot+ PCs, unveiled by Microsoft in May, is set to revolutionize personal computing by incorporating neural processing units (NPUs) for efficient AI processing at the edge. Copilot+ PCs represent a significant leap in computing technology, combining central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), and NPUs on a single system-on-chip (SoC). These AI-powered devices promise to deliver exceptional performance and power efficiency, potentially outperforming their predecessors by a considerable margin. Understanding NPUs: Neural processing units are specialized chips designed to handle AI workloads with remarkable efficiency, simulating the...
read Oct 16, 2024AI-powered PCs struggle to deliver on performance promises
AI PCs fall short of performance expectations: Recent benchmarks reveal that AI-powered PCs are struggling to deliver on their promised computational capabilities, particularly in the realm of neural processing units (NPUs). Qualcomm's NPU technology under scrutiny: Pete Warden, a long-time advocate of Qualcomm's NPU technology, has expressed disappointment with the performance of these chips in Windows tablets, specifically the Microsoft Surface Pro running on Arm. Warden's history with Qualcomm includes collaborating on experimental support for their HVX DSP in TensorFlow back in 2017. The promise of up to 45 trillion operations per second on Windows tablets equipped with Qualcomm's NPUs...
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