Intel uses AMD graphics hardware in new notebook processor

/
Intel uses AMD graphics hardware in new notebook processor

Today Intel announced a new product family for its 8th Generation Core family that combines a 35-watt processor and AMD Radeon graphics chip on a single package in order to create a new class of gaming notebook solution. It hasn’t been assigned a brand yet, that will likely occur with a formal announcement at CES this January. This announcement has significant impact because it solidifies a partnership between competitors AMD and Intel for a product in a space both compete in.

Read More

Apple shared modem tech illegally, claims Qualcomm

/
Apple shared modem tech illegally, claims Qualcomm

The long standing legal battle between Apple and processor and connectivity provider Qualcomm has taken another surprising turn this week. Qualcomm has filed a complaint against Apple in San Diego court alleging that Apple has breached its contract by not allowing for a security audit stemming from apparent lack of intellectual property protection by the Cupertino giant.

Read More

Apple A11 Processor in iPhone 8 and X Shows Value of Custom Silicon

/
Apple A11 Processor in iPhone 8 and X Shows Value of Custom Silicon

Apple announced the new iPhone 8 and iPhone X yesterday and the majority of the discussion will center around the high prices of the flagship models, the design and integration of the edge to edge screen, and remaining concerns about availability of the $999 version. But this generation of iPhone also brings with it a significant shift in the silicon design that powers Apple’s smartphones. With both the iPhone 8 and the iPhone X, the company is using in-house designed processors nearly exclusively.

Read More

Anecdotal: Early AMD Ryzen Pre-orders Show Exceptional Demand

/
Anecdotal: Early AMD Ryzen Pre-orders Show Exceptional Demand

With dwindling market share in the consumer space and most recent reports showing well under 20% for AMD, the excitement and demand for Ryzen is a welcome change for its CPU division. AMD’s marketing team is well practiced in churning up fans and communities to enthusiasm levels well beyond most other silicon providers thanks in large part to the personnel in its GPU/Radeon division. It now appears that the passage of time, and the pent-up demand for any competition to Intel in the mainstream gaming and enthusiast markets, is going to provide a boost for AMD in 2017.

Read More

Still Playing Games: Mobile SoC Follow-ups Should be Standard

/
Still Playing Games: Mobile SoC Follow-ups Should be Standard

The topic of honesty in the world of mobile performance benchmarks can draw pursed lips and awkward glances when brought up in a meeting involving a silicon SoC provider. It’s not a secret that gaming the system has been a frequent area of concern since phone reviews became an intrinsic part of the purchasing process for many consumers, but it isn’t a popular subject. Some of the most-respected in media showed back in 2013 that nearly everyone involved in the process had some portion of blame, resulting in dishonest scores and performance metrics that led to ill-informed customers.

A similar, but more nuanced, discussion can be had about SoC and handset performance over time. Thiscan take two angles: first, performance of benchmarks in long-term usage scenarios (sustained performance); and second, performance of phones through software and firmware updates released weeks, months, and even years later.

Read More