Tag: Snapdragon X

  • Asus launches new desktop worldwide as Apple iMac rival

    Asus launches new desktop worldwide as Apple iMac rival

    Key Takeaway

    – Asus has released a Snapdragon X-powered all-in-one desktop, the VM441, positioned as an iMac-like alternative with a 23.8″ 1080p display and 60 Hz refresh rate.
    – It uses an older Snapdragon X1-26-100 chipset, includes 16–32 GB RAM (16 GB currently available), built-in speakers, mic array, 5 MP Windows Hello webcam, Bluetooth 5.3, and Wi‑Fi 6E.
    – Availability and pricing: marketed in the US and India (sold via Best Buy and other channels), with confirmation of 16 GB variants currently in stock.


    Asus launches Snapdragon X powered AiO desktop

    Asus has rolled out a new all-in-one computer this year, stepping into the Snapdragom X arena with a model that mirrors the Apple iMac in concept if not in price. The VM441 (V400 AiO VM441QA) is billed as Asus’ response to sleek, compact desktops, and it arrives with the older Snapdragon X X1-26-100 chip that previously powered the Zenbook A14. The device comes with a 23.8-inch 1080p panel that maxes out at 300 nits, and it covers 100% of the sRGB color gamut while delivering a 60 Hz refresh rate.

    • Display: 23.8-inch 1080p, 300 nits peak, 100% sRGB, 60 Hz
    • Processor: Snapdragon X X1-26-100
    • Ports: Various I/O options included

    Built‑in features and connectivity

    The VM441 isn’t just about a single screen and silicon; it also packs a built-in speaker system, a microphone array, and a 5 MP webcam that supports Windows Hello for easier sign‑ins. In addition, Asus adds wireless features like Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi‑Fi 6E, making it reasonably current for contemporary home or small office setups. The device is marketed with 32 GB RAM on the official page, but at present only 16 GB configurations are available to buy. The company is offering the VM441 in select markets such as the US and India, with pricing currently listed at various retailers.

    Pricing, RAM, and availability

    In terms of price, Asus positions the VM441 similarly to premium all‑in‑ones, though exact street pricing can fluctuate by region and retailer. The RAM story is a bit tangled, as Asus touts 32 GB on its site, yet stock ships as 16 GB by default, leaving buyers to weigh whether an upgrade is necessary or if the existing memory suffices for their workloads or casual use. Availability is being scoped to markets like the United States and India for now, with future expansions possible depending on demand and supply chains.

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  • Google’s Aluminium OS: New Details on Android-Based Desktop OS

    Google’s Aluminium OS: New Details on Android-Based Desktop OS

    Key Takeaways

    1. Google is entering the desktop operating system market with the project codename Aluminium OS, developed in collaboration with Qualcomm.
    2. Aluminium OS aims to merge ChromeOS and Android to compete with iPadOS, with upgrades expected for many eligible Chromebook devices.
    3. The new OS will be ‘AI first’ and integrate strongly with Google Gemini, targeting competition with Windows Copilot devices.
    4. Aluminium OS is expected to be compatible with various device types, including laptops, tablets, mini-PCs, and detachables.
    5. A reveal at Google I/O is likely, with the anticipated launch of Aluminium OS projected for 2026.


    Earlier this year, we first saw signs of Google’s entry into the desktop operating system realm. Qualcomm is set to assist Google in this venture, leading to devices powered by Snapdragon X that will run Android. Recently, Android Authority has discovered more details about this initiative.

    The Project’s Name and Purpose

    The project has been given the codename Aluminium OS, aimed at merging ChromeOS and Android to create a competitor to iPadOS. The future of Chrome OS looks unclear, but it seems that most devices that qualify will likely get an upgrade. Testing is underway for Chromebooks featuring Alder Lake and MediaTek Kompanio processors, which might be among the first to receive this new system. Furthermore, users who prefer sticking with Chrome OS will have the option to continue using it.

    Features and Compatibility

    Aluminium OS is described as an ‘AI first’ operating system, featuring strong integration with Google Gemini, and is expected to rival Copilot devices from Windows. The final name of the OS remains undecided. However, it is anticipated to be compatible with a broader range of devices, including laptops, tablets, mini-PCs, and even ‘detachables’. In terms of a release timeline, it’s projected to launch sometime in 2026. Since the project is approaching its final stages, a reveal at Google I/O seems probable, followed by a complete launch soon after.

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  • Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series to Support Android 16 Soon

    Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series to Support Android 16 Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Qualcomm is advancing support for Android 16 on its Snapdragon X Elite and X series processors.
    2. Internal updates reveal active development of firmware components essential for Android 16, including camera, Bluetooth, and audio subsystems.
    3. This development aligns with Google’s strategy to merge Chrome OS and Android, aiming for desktop-like features in Android 16.
    4. Upcoming devices like laptops, tablets, and mini PCs may run on Snapdragon X series processors with Android in the near future.
    5. Qualcomm is also working to support Android 16 on previous generation Snapdragon X series processors, but next-gen processors are not yet compatible.


    Qualcomm is reportedly making strides to support the upcoming Android 16 on its Snapdragon X Elite and X series processors. According to a tip shared by @Jukanlosreve on X, the company has updated its internal source repository for “Purwa,” which is the codename for the X series.

    Firmware Components Indicate Progress

    The screenshot that was shared highlights manifests for various firmware components crucial for the Android build environment. This includes sections for the camera subsystem, Bluetooth, and audio subsystem. Such details point towards Qualcomm’s active development efforts for Android 16 compatibility.

    Expectations Align with Google’s Vision

    This news aligns well with prior expectations following Google’s announcement about merging Chrome OS and Android. Google has rolled out desktop-oriented features in Android 16, yet the basic version of the mobile operating system still lacks a true desktop interface.

    If this information proves accurate, we could see laptops, tablets, and mini PCs running on Snapdragon X series processors and Android in the near future. This would present an intriguing alternative in the Arm64 development space that Qualcomm has been part of since launching the Snapdragon X CPUs (HP OmniBook 5 with X1P-42-100 curr. $549.99 on Amazon).

    Support for Older Generations

    Additionally, it’s worth noting that the screenshot indicates Qualcomm is working to add Android 16 support to the previous generation of Snapdragon X series processors. However, the next-gen processors are reportedly not compatible with Android just yet.

     

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  • Qualcomm Chooses TSMC and Samsung, Passes on Intel Foundry

    Qualcomm Chooses TSMC and Samsung, Passes on Intel Foundry

    Key Takeaways

    1. Qualcomm’s CEO, Cristiano Amon, stated that they are not considering Intel’s manufacturing capabilities until improvements are made, opting to continue with TSMC and Samsung.
    2. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X laptop chips, produced by TSMC, currently outperform similar Intel systems, reducing the incentive to switch to Intel.
    3. Intel is focusing on new manufacturing nodes like 18A and 14A, but there are concerns about yield and demand, leading to skepticism about their viability.
    4. Intel’s upcoming Nova Lake chips will also utilize TSMC’s N2 node, indicating a lack of confidence in its own manufacturing capabilities.
    5. Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon Ride Pilot for self-driving technology, aiming for $22 billion in automotive and IoT revenue by 2029, showcasing their focus on innovation and efficiency.


    Qualcomm’s CEO, Cristiano Amon, stated that Intel’s manufacturing capabilities “aren’t a choice at this time,” mentioning that they would only think about Intel if it enhances its production. For the moment, Qualcomm will likely stick with TSMC and Samsung for their chip manufacturing needs. This situation is concerning for Intel Foundry as they depend on external customers to stay profitable.

    Current Chip Technology

    The existing Snapdragon X laptop chips are produced using TSMC’s N4 process. These Arm-based laptops have shown remarkable efficiency and performance, frequently outperforming similar Intel systems. That allows Qualcomm to have no reason to switch to Intel’s technology until its performance reaches a competitive level.

    Future Prospects for Intel

    Intel’s future plans focus on new nodes like 18A (and the tentative 14A), but there are uncertainties about their yields. There’s also skepticism regarding whether 14A will even move forward due to insufficient demand for 18A. Reports indicate that even Intel’s upcoming Nova Lake chips will utilize TSMC’s N2 node, with some production mixed with 18A. This suggests that Intel may not fully trust its own manufacturing capabilities.

    New Developments from Qualcomm

    Recently, Qualcomm unveiled a self-driving solution for BMW’s new IX3 called the Snapdragon Ride Pilot. Amon claimed it offers “data-center-class” computing with minimal power consumption, as the chip is designed to prioritize battery efficiency. The system ranges from driver assistance to managing most driving functions. Qualcomm is aiming for approximately $22 billion in automotive and IoT revenue by 2029.

    It’s still undetermined if Intel can boost the performance of the 18A node and attract enough external demand to advance with 14A. Amon left the possibility open for Intel to show improvements in the future.

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  • Microsoft to Announce Surface News on May 6

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft will announce new Surface devices on May 6, 2025.
    2. Two new models, ‘2109’ and ‘2110’, have been certified and are likely compact versions of the current Surface Laptop and Surface Pro.
    3. A new 12-inch Surface model is expected, featuring a metal casing and a Snapdragon X processor.
    4. The new 12-inch model is anticipated to have 16GB of RAM and run on Windows 11 Pro.
    5. A third laptop, model ‘2095’, is expected to replace the current Surface Laptop Go.


    Microsoft is set to unveil new Surface devices shortly, and they’ve just confirmed a date for the big reveal.

    Launch Date Announcement

    A post on X from the official Microsoft Surface account mentions that the announcement is set for May 6, 2025. The post features an image that includes the words ‘Copilot+PC’, leading to guesses that the announcement will focus on new Surface computers.

    New Models Certified

    In March, two new models, numbered ‘2109’ and ‘2110’, passed certification by the Chinese Certification Commission. These models are thought to be compact versions of the current Surface Laptop and Surface Pro.

    Expected Features and Pricing

    The most recent Surface Pro, which is currently priced at $939.99 on Amazon, has a 13-inch display. There is talk about a new 12-inch model with a metal casing that echoes the design of the Surface Go. This model has been spotted on Geekbench and is expected to feature a Snapdragon X (X1P-42-100) processor, 16GB of RAM, and come with Windows 11 Pro.

    Additionally, there’s buzz about a third laptop with the model number ‘2095’, which is anticipated to replace the existing Surface Laptop Go.

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  • 2025 Asus Vivobook 16: Fast Snapdragon X1 Under $800

    2025 Asus Vivobook 16: Fast Snapdragon X1 Under $800

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new Snapdragon X laptops, Vivobook 14 and 16, feature Snapdragon X X1 26-100, offering a 44% performance boost.
    2. The laptops promise nearly 20 hours of battery life, making them some of the longest-lasting Windows laptops.
    3. AMD options are available with Ryzen AI 300, priced $50 to $100 higher than Snapdragon versions.
    4. Both Snapdragon and AMD models share the same external design.
    5. All models are positioned in the lower midrange segment compared to premium Vivobook S and Zenbook lines.


    It’s been just six months since the introduction of Snapdragon X laptops, and now the next generation is here. The 14-inch Vivobook 14 and the 16-inch Vivobook 16 are both receiving updates this year. They will feature the Snapdragon X X1 26-100, which promises a performance boost of 44 percent compared to the last generation, along with a quicker 45 TOPS NPU. Asus claims that these new models will offer nearly 20 hours of battery life, making them some of the most enduring Windows laptops available.

    AMD Options Available

    For those who aren’t keen on Windows running on ARM, the Vivobook 14 and 16 also come with Ryzen AI 300 options. These AMD models are identified as M1407KA and M1607KA, and they are priced about $50 to $100 higher than their Snapdragon versions. Generally, all these options fall into the lower midrange segment, especially when compared to the more premium Vivobook S series and the even more expensive Zenbook line.

    Design Consistency

    Both the AMD and Qualcomm versions maintain the same external design. You can find our comprehensive review of the AMD variant of the Vivobook 16 linked here.

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  • Qualcomm Senior VP on Snapdragon X Series: Power vs. Battery Life

    Qualcomm Senior VP on Snapdragon X Series: Power vs. Battery Life

    Key Takeaways

    1. Snapdragon X Series Overview: The Snapdragon X series includes three variants—X Elite, X Plus, and X—designed to meet diverse user needs with a focus on AI integration and battery efficiency.

    2. Battery Life Importance: Snapdragon prioritizes battery life in its design philosophy, with products like the VivoBook S15 Co-pilot PC achieving 9 to 10 hours of usage, significantly outperforming traditional laptops.

    3. AI Integration and Efficiency: The inclusion of a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) across the Snapdragon lineup enhances performance and energy efficiency, allowing effective on-device AI processing without compromising battery life.

    4. Clear Product Tiers: Snapdragon offers a straightforward product structure with clear tiers—X Elite for top performance, X+ for balanced efficiency, and X as the entry-level option—ensuring consumer clarity.

    5. Future Expansion and Accessibility: Snapdragon is expanding its X Series with over 70 devices announced, making ARM-powered laptops more budget-friendly and positioning them as a viable alternative to traditional x86 models.


    I attended a recent event held at the Croma store in Juhu, Mumbai, where Kedar Kondap, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Compute and Gaming, unveiled Qualcomm’s inaugural Snapdragon Experience Zone in India. After this event, I was able to converse with him about the current Snapdragon X lineup, which consists of three variants: Snapdragon X, X Plus, and X Elite.

    Understanding the Snapdragon X Series

    Our discussion highlighted how the Snapdragon X series addresses various user demands, with AI integration through the NPU ensuring low battery usage even when using on-device LLMs. Kedar pointed out the importance of clear product names, India’s swift AI adoption, and future prospects, which include ARM-based desktops and more affordable Snapdragon-powered PCs as their popularity grows. We also talked about GPU performance, where Qualcomm is focusing on AI and battery longevity rather than just superior gaming graphics.

    Battery Life: A Crucial Factor

    Battery life is a critical element for modern professionals. Kedar mentioned that Snapdragon is aware of this requirement, stating “market research repeatedly shows that battery life is a key concern for PC consumers.” This insight has influenced the core design philosophy of their X Series processors.

    For instance, I observed the VivoBook S15 Co-pilot PC, running on Snapdragon X Elite, which delivers remarkable endurance, “achieving 9 to 10 hours of usage” during average workdays. This marks a substantial improvement over many traditional x86 laptops that necessitate more frequent charging during demanding tasks. Snapdragon ensures that even those who aren’t yet keen on on-device AI can enjoy enhanced power efficiency. Kedar remarked, “Even if people aren’t fully convinced about generative AI, they will still gain from the impressive battery performance.”

    AI Integration Without Compromising Battery

    A significant worry regarding on-device AI processing is its potential effect on power consumption. Snapdragon tackles this issue by incorporating an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) throughout its entire lineup. For those unfamiliar, the NPU is specifically designed to manage AI tasks effectively, alleviating the load on the CPU and GPU. This boosts both performance and energy efficiency, allowing for smoother AI-related activities.

    Kedar elaborated on how this design improves efficiency: “By utilizing our mobile background, we’ve managed to shift many tasks to the NPU, which indeed enhances efficiency and lessens the battery life impact when running on-device LLMs.”

    Clear Product Tiers in the Elite Series

    To provide clarity for consumers, the Snapdragon X series features a simple product structure:
    Snapdragon X Elite – The top performance tier
    Snapdragon X+ – Mid-tier, balancing power and efficiency
    Snapdragon X – The entry-level choice

    Kedar confirmed, “We want buyers to easily grasp the tiers. X Elite stands for the best performance, followed by X+ and then X.” Although it boasts high-end AI features, Snapdragon has also maintained price accessibility. Kedar mentioned, “With prices beginning at around $600 for the Snapdragon X, we ensure customers can access high-performance laptops with excellent battery life and AI capabilities throughout the entire range.”

    Everyday Performance of Snapdragon X Series GPUs

    While Snapdragon GPUs aren’t tailored for extreme gaming, they provide solid performance for daily applications, including casual gaming and AI tasks. Kedar stated, “Our GPUs excel for casual gaming, standard use, and even AI generation.” However, he acknowledged that Snapdragon isn’t focusing on professional gaming: “For serious gaming, a dedicated gaming GPU would be more appropriate.” This makes Snapdragon-powered PCs suitable for professionals, students, and everyday users who value battery life and AI features over high-end graphics performance.

    Future Expansion of the Snapdragon X Series

    Snapdragon is making notable progress in expanding its X Series range, with increasing adoption from various manufacturers. Kedar highlighted, “We’ve already announced over 70 or 80 devices, whether launched or in development, featuring Snapdragon processors.” As more manufacturers adopt Snapdragon X chips, prices are likely to become more competitive, positioning ARM-powered PCs as a common choice.

    Gradually, Snapdragon-powered laptops are becoming more budget-friendly, with models like the Acer Swift Go A14 and Asus VivoBook 16 priced at Rs 50,000 and Rs 65,900, respectively. Furthermore, Snapdragon is venturing beyond laptops, having already revealed mini desktops and small form factor devices at CES 2024, indicating a possible entry into the desktop market soon.

    Concluding Thoughts

    Snapdragon’s X series processors balance performance, battery longevity, and AI capabilities. By utilizing efficient NPUs and a clear product strategy, they serve a diverse audience. Kedar encapsulated this approach: “Our ongoing focus is on performance, battery life, and AI capabilities across the whole product range.” With ongoing price reductions and growing acceptance, Snapdragon-powered PCs are poised to become a genuine alternative to traditional x86 laptops.

    In related news, Snapdragon India held a special launch event on February 24 to introduce the Snapdragon X platform, showcasing AI innovations like regional LLMs and advanced on-device AI capabilities. At the event, Asus unveiled the Snapdragon X-powered Vivobook 16 and Zenbook A14. To ensure fast delivery, Flipkart confirmed that Snapdragon X laptops will be available through its Flipkart Minutes service, guaranteeing delivery within 10 minutes.

  • Snapdragon X Elite Windows Laptops Surge in Popularity December 2024

    Snapdragon X Elite Windows Laptops Surge in Popularity December 2024

    When Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X ARM APUs, there was a lot of buzz since it seemed like Windows devices would finally match MacBooks in energy efficiency. However, it’s clear now that the Snapdragon X SoCs didn’t live up to the expectations many had.

    Performance Comparison

    To start with, Qualcomm’s APUs aren’t giving any significant performance boost compared to the latest Intel and AMD processors. While the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips are indeed efficient, many laptops featuring Intel Lunar Lake or AMD Strix Point APUs offer similar or even better battery lives.

    App Compatibility Issues

    Another concern is the app compatibility with the Snapdragon X SoCs, along with the absence of affordable Snapdragon X Windows laptops. All these factors led us to conclude that “there are no real arguments for a Windows laptop with an ARM processor” in our review of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7.

    Despite these clear drawbacks, Qualcomm has managed to secure a solid market presence as of December 2024.

    Market Share Insights

    In late November 2024, we reported that Snapdragon X-based Windows laptops held a meager 0.8% market share in Q3 2024. This finding was quite harsh, indicating that Qualcomm had a significant challenge ahead to meet its target of 30-50% market share by 2029.

    However, times seem to be improving for Qualcomm. CEO Cristiano Amon stated that “Snapdragon X Series had more than 10% share of the greater than $800 Windows laptops in U.S. retail.” If these numbers are correct, December 2024 shipments show a notable improvement from previous reports.

    Limited Claims on Global Market

    Nevertheless, observant readers may have realized that Cristiano Amon is referring to a >10% share only for laptops above a certain price point. Therefore, Qualcomm hasn’t made any statements about global shipments or laptops priced under $800. This is logical as there’s a shortage of budget-friendly Snapdragon X Windows devices available. Yet, this news is encouraging for Qualcomm and fans of Snapdragon who want to see better performance from Windows ARM laptops.

    That being said, Qualcomm still has considerable work ahead to ensure that Snapdragon laptops can compete evenly with Intel and AMD machines throughout the Windows ecosystem.

    Challenges Ahead

    A major challenge for laptops using the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus SoCs is the inconsistent app compatibility. This has been a concern since Microsoft first promoted ARM-based Windows laptops as a genuine alternative. Although the situation has improved, both Microsoft and Qualcomm still have quite a bit of work left to address these issues.

    Moreover, the absence of budget Snapdragon laptops will certainly limit the company’s ability to reach a broader customer base. This is especially true internationally and in regions where consumer spending habits are much lower than in the U.S. Qualcomm aims to tackle this issue with the introduction of the 8-core Snapdragon X SoC.

    Finally, to truly excel beyond the current x86 competition, Qualcomm must deliver enhanced performance and energy efficiency.

    Regardless of the outcome, it’s encouraging to see Qualcomm making strides in the market. Increased competition is always beneficial for consumers.

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  • New Snapdragon X Chip Laptops Launching in India This Month

    New Snapdragon X Chip Laptops Launching in India This Month

    Qualcomm has recently revealed its new Snapdragon X platform that will be the driving force behind forthcoming Windows PCs. Now, we have confirmation on when this innovative processor will debut in India. This marks the third addition to the series, so let’s dive into the details.

    Launch Date of Snapdragon X

    To refresh your memory, the chip manufacturer expanded its Snapdragon X series with the introduction of the Snapdragon X. This model serves as the basic option in the collection, functioning as an entry-level SoC alongside the already successful Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite processors. Qualcomm’s goal with this chipset is to make a deeper impact in the laptop market. The Snapdragon X is intended to cater to both budget-conscious and mid-range consumers.

    PCs Powered by Snapdragon X Chip

    In a recent promotional poster, the company announced that the new Snapdragon X platform designed for AI-powered PCs will arrive in India on February 24, 2025. Initially revealed for Windows PCs, this processor will be available in laptops from brands like Acer, ASUS, HP, Dell, and Lenovo, all priced below $600. However, it remains uncertain which specific laptop models in India will incorporate this new budget-friendly AI chip.

    Specifications and Features

    According to previous announcements, the Snapdragon X is equipped with eight CPU cores that can reach speeds of up to 3.0GHz. It boasts a total memory cache of 30MB and is built on the ARM architecture, akin to its more advanced counterparts. The Snapdragon X comes with an Adreno GPU capable of delivering up to 1.7 TFLOPS, which is adequate for casual gaming, older video games, and various everyday tasks. One of its standout features is the dedicated NPU that provides 45 TOPS of AI performance, making it suitable for Copilot+ functionalities. Thus, this new chip could bring significant improvements to the budget laptop market in India.

  • Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs to Feature Distilled DeepSeek R1 Models

    Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs to Feature Distilled DeepSeek R1 Models

    Microsoft is set to introduce a simplified version of its DeepSeek R1 AI models to Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs. This announcement follows the recent launch of DeepSeek R1 on Azure AI Foundry, which is Microsoft’s platform aimed at developers to promote innovation through AI tools and machine learning models in a secure and responsible way. Initially, this integration will be available on laptops, tablets, and PCs powered by Snapdragon X, with support for Lunar Lake and AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors to be added later.

    New Optimized Versions

    In a blog post on its Windows Developer Blog, Microsoft revealed that the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) optimized versions of DeepSeek-R1 would be introduced to Copilot+ PCs. These versions will be included in lightweight laptops from leading brands like Asus, Lenovo, Dell, HP, and Acer, all of which offer devices equipped with Snapdragon X Plus and X Elite processors featuring 45 TOPS NPUs. It’s worth noting that all Copilot+ PCs come with NPUs that have 40+ TOPS.

    Developer Access and Future Releases

    The initial release, named DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-1.5B, will be accessible to developers through the AI Toolkit, with the 7B and 14B versions expected to follow soon after. Microsoft claims that these optimized models will allow developers to create and deploy AI-driven applications that run effectively on devices, leveraging the powerful NPUs found in Copilot+ PCs.

    Timeline and AMD Updates

    Although Microsoft has not provided a specific timeline for the rollout, it appears that Intel Core Ultra 200V devices will receive these enhancements sooner than their AMD Ryzen AI equivalents. Meanwhile, AMD has already released guides related to DeepSeek R1 Distill for its newest Ryzen AI 300 series APUs, along with information for Ryzen 8040/7040 chips, even though the latter only have 16/10 TOPS NPUs, respectively.

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