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We have already written about all the news from Intel announced during CES 2024 in Las Vegas. We’re talking about 14th generation Raptor Lake-S Refresh desktop processors with reduced power limits, the most efficient Raptor Lake-HX Refresh systems for notebooks and Intel Core 100 processors, which are updated Raptor Lake-U Refresh units, but under a new name. A few hours ago there was also an Intel keynote led by Michelle Johnston Holthaus, vice president and general manager of the Intel Client Computing Group. Not only were upcoming projects announced during the event, but it was also about using artificial intelligence in a slightly different way than just generating images faster.
During a press conference with the media, Intel introduced the Lunar Lake processor and confirmed this year’s debut of the Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake systems. We expect significant performance improvements in AI-based tasks and integrated graphics. The conference also focused on the practical uses of AI, which can significantly impact the way we use devices.
Intel Lunar Lake up close (Image source: ComputerBase)
Intel Raptor Lake-HX Refresh – official presentation of the most efficient 14th generation processors for laptops
During the press conference, Intel confirmed this year’s product launches. In desktop devices we get Arrow Lake systems that leverage a new architecture and technological process, offering a dedicated NPU system to accelerate calculations related to artificial intelligence. Arrow Lake will also appear in notebooks. The next premiere will be Intel Lunar Lake and this processor was presented at the event in Las Vegas. The choice of this particular system is no coincidence.
Intel Core 100 – official presentation of the energy-saving Raptor Lake-U Refresh processors, now with new nomenclature
Intel Lunar Lake (designed primarily for slim laptops) is said to receive a 3 times more efficient NPU system than the unit that is part of the Meteor Lake processors. Lunar Lake will also introduce a new integrated graphics chip based on the Battlemage architecture. I had the pleasure of speaking for a while with Tom Petersen, who runs the GPU division at Intel. We have received some information about XMX units, or lack thereof, in Meteor Lake systems. Although there is still some time left before the premiere of the next generation of CPUs, Tom was unable to answer some questions directly, but on the other hand, the tone of his statement gave us a clear indication of what changes we can expect from the new iGPU systems.
Intel Raptor Lake-S Refresh – official presentation of 14th generation processors for PC, with reduced performance limits
For example, we heard from the conversation that not only will the built-in NPU system offer three times higher performance, but we should also expect a similar jump in performance from the integrated graphics system. This is where not only the new architecture comes into play, but also the Lunar Lake design itself, which is reminiscent of Apple’s solution when introducing Apple Silicon systems. Intel Lunar Lake combines not only the main CPU part, but also the LPDDR5X RAM memory on the stand. Unified storage speeds communication and increases bandwidth. For obvious reasons, Tom Petersen could neither confirm nor deny (which is almost a confirmation) whether the upcoming integrated graphics system will have integrated XMX units (they are used for Intel XeSS scaling technology).
Their absence in Meteor Lake systems is largely due to the excessive area that would have to be reserved for them in the chips with the current technological process. However, this problem will apparently be solved in the next generation of Lunar Lake (and perhaps Arrow Lake too), where, as is known, new, more advanced lithography will be used. Finally, Tom Petersen also made it clear that we will see the premiere of the Battlemage graphics cards this year. The company is on track to share more about the changes coming to the next generation of the Xe-HPG architecture in the coming months.
Tom Petersen from Intel (left) and Damian Marusiak from PurePC.pl (right) greetings from windy but sunny Las Vegas.
Intel’s CES 2024 keynote also focused on the practical aspect of using NPU systems in Core Ultra processors. The simplest example was the integration with Microsoft Copilot technology. In some new laptops with Meteor Lake processors, there is a special key on the keyboard that quickly brings up the Copilot bar. The NPU system can be used here to generate images more quickly or to search specifically for information. Depending on the task, everything can be done either in less time or with less power consumption.
Some of the laptops presented at CES 2024 already have a button that activates the Microsoft Copilot software. The photo shows the latest Dell XPS 14
However, another way of using AI was also demonstrated during the conference, and I have to admit that this one made a much bigger impression on me (and not just me, judging by the general reaction from the media from around the world). Jim Johnson, Vice President and General Manager of the Intel Client Business Group, was responsible for the presentation. Adam Munder from Omnibridge was invited on stage. He is responsible for developing a software (this software was developed in close collaboration with engineers at Intel) that allows the translation of sign language into written text, allowing easier communication using sign language between deaf people and people who have no experience with it have a form of communication.
Omnibridge software leverages the NPU in Intel Core Ultra processors to convert sign language into written text in real time. The software also uses a webcam and microphones to capture both sign language and words spoken by the other person
One of the laptops with an Intel Core Ultra processor and installed software was used as part of the show. The NPU unit integrated into the Meteor Lake system, combined with a webcam (used to record sign language), enabled near-instant translation of sign language into easy-to-understand words, which in turn enabled seamless communication between a fully able bodied and deaf person. This demonstration proved that the NPU can be used for much more important purposes, enabling a new way of communication using cutting-edge technology. Omnibridge software, based on Intel Core Ultra processors, offers a real opportunity for seamless communication, although health disorders have previously represented an insurmountable obstacle, which automatically led to a radical limitation of the possibilities of easy communication for both parties.
Source: PurePC, ComputerBase (main photo)
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