ASUS ProArt PZ13, Vivobook S 15 with Snapdragon X Plus make AI more accessible

AI is fast becoming a thing on desktop and laptop computers, even on those devices that aren’t used for heavy computation or heavy content creation. Whether it’s generating images for inspiration, making sense of documents, or optimizing performance, AI is starting to become a prevalent presence in computing, but those features seem to benefit only those with enough resources to spend on a powerful but pricey rig. Good technology shouldn’t just be for a select few, and ASUS is working with Qualcomm to make not just AI but multi-day battery life more accessible to everyone with new mobile computers powered by the new Snapdragon X Plus.

Designer: ASUS

ASUS ProArt PZ13

Right at the top of that list is the new ASUS ProArt PZ13, first shown off at Computex back in June. It’s a 2-in-1 tablet with a detachable keyboard cover and kickstand, not unlike some of the popular designs for these portable PCs. What makes it extra special is the silicon inside, the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus, an octa-core variant of the chipmaker’s latest line that targets not smartphones that run Android but Windows computers. What it lacks in raw power compared to the Snapdragon X1 Elite it makes up for in a balanced performance per watt, delivering long battery life while still supporting AI features thanks to its Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and integrated graphics processor.

As part of ASUS’ ProArt family, the ProArt PZ13 caters to digital content creators like designers, artists, streamers, and writers. These users benefit from the computer’s highly portable design, only 9mm thick and weighing only 1.87 lbs. The 70Wh battery makes the lack of nearby power outlets less of a worry, especially if you can charge it via USB-C. The IP52 dust and water resistance, along with MIL-STD-810H certification, also takes away some of the fear when using this AI-powered creativity machine outside of your office or home. And with the same sleek Nano Black coating we saw on the ASUS ProArt PX13, you will definitely want to show it off outdoors.

Of course, as a creative tool, the screen is a critical factor, and the ProArt PZ13 doesn’t disappoint with its bright and vibrant 13.3-inch 3K (2880×1800) Lumina OLED display. ASUS lets you control every aspect of that display, from the color gamut it uses down to color calibration. The ProArt PZ13 also includes a suite of software that really showcases its AI chops, including StoryCube for managing photos and videos. Creativity no longer has to be tethered to desks and power outlets thanks to the ASUS ProArt PZ13 and Snapdragon X Plus.

ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507)

Those who want a more traditional laptop form factor will be happy with the ASUS Vivobook S 15, also powered by that Snapdragon X Plus AI process and boasting more than 18 hours of uptime with its 70Wh battery. The 15-inch 3K 120Hz Lumina OLED screen will also delight content creators who need precise and accurate color reproduction, especially with support for 100% of the industry standard DCI-P3 gamut. A plethora of connectivity options, both wired and wireless, make working anywhere a breeze, and its slim and stylish design makes it a joy to bring out in public.

Best of all, these two Snapdragon Windows computer carry accessible price tags that make them tempting options for your next mobile computer. The ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507) will start at $899.99, while the ProArt PZ13 starts at $1,099.99.

The post ASUS ProArt PZ13, Vivobook S 15 with Snapdragon X Plus make AI more accessible first appeared on Yanko Design.

Microsoft brings 5G to its latest Surface Pros for Business

If you want a new Surface Pro with 5G, you'll have to order it through Microsoft's commercial store for business customers. Today, the company announced that 5G versions of the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Pro (Copilot+) for Business will be available on September 26. Last month, Microsoft also kicked off pre-orders for the Wi-Fi Surface Pro and Surface Laptop for Business, which will both start shipping on September 10th. And before you ask, yes these are pretty much the same devices Microsoft launched for consumers in June. The difference now is that IT workers will be able to buy them in bulk via the company's enterprise resellers.

Still, the 5G news could be compelling for anyone who wants instant internet access while travelling around the US. And, at the very least, both the 5G-equipped Surface Pros for Business will be far more capable than the ill-fated Surface Pro 9. That machine was powered by a slow Qualcomm chip and also didn't have the advantage of Microsoft's recent Windows on Arm upgrades, which includes a faster emulator for older apps. It's just a shame that, once again, Microsoft is stuck with an older Intel chip — the Surface Pro 10 for Business still runs the first Core Ultra chips, not the newly-announced Core Ultra 200V.

In other Surface news, Microsoft is also launching a new full-sized Surface Keyboard with a Copilot key on October 11. Surely this will make some corporate drone happy.

The Copilot+ Surface Pro for Business system will cost $1,400 with a 10-core Snapdragon X Plus, 256GB of storage and 16GB of RAM, while the Surface Pro 10 for Business will run you $1,800 with a Core Ultra 135 and the same specs. It's a good thing those machines have 5G, because you won't be storing much video on those paltry SSDs.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/microsoft-brings-5g-to-its-latest-surface-pros-for-business-110033856.html?src=rss

Cheaper Copilot+ PCs are coming with Qualcomm’s 8-core Snapdragon X Plus chip

Qualcomm is moving to make AI PCs more affordable. Following the company’s 12-core Snapdragon X Elite and 10-core Snapdragon X Plus, it unveiled a toned-down eight-core version of the Snapdragon X Plus on Wednesday. The chip includes the same Hexagon neural processing unit (NPU) from the higher-end variants, capable of 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS) for powerful on-device AI.

The 4nm AI-focused chip has a custom Qualcomm Orion CPU built for “mainstream” (i.e., cheaper) Copilot+ PCs. Its eight cores can reach speeds of up to 3.2GHz, with single-core performance at up to 3.4GHz. Qualcomm says it enables days-long battery life in laptops.

The chip includes an integrated Adreno GPU, which supports up to three 4K 60Hz monitors or two 5K 60Hz displays. It supports an internal display of up to UHD 120Hz with HDR10.

The chart below shows how the Snapdragon X Plus 8-core’s specs compare to other AI chips in the line:

A chart showing different Snapdragon X AI chips
Qualcomm

“Copilot+ PCs, powered exclusively today by Snapdragon X Series platforms, launched the new generation in personal computing, made possible by our groundbreaking NPU,” Qualcomm President and CEO Cristiano Amon wrote in a press release. “We are now bringing these transformative AI experiences, along with best-in-class performance and unprecedented battery life, to more users worldwide with Snapdragon X Plus 8-core. We’re proud to be working with our global OEM partners to restore performance leadership to the Windows ecosystem.”

The first PCs with the 8-core Snapdragon X Plus include laptops from Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo and others. They’ll be available starting today.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/cheaper-copilot-pcs-are-coming-with-qualcomms-8-core-snapdragon-x-plus-chip-110013598.html?src=rss

Dell brings Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus to Inspiron and Latitude laptops

Dell revealed details for new models in its Inspiron and Latitude laptop lines at IFA 2024. The company announced in May that it would be powering several of its new devices with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus, and now we have more information about how those processors will work in Dell's collection of Copilot+ PCs.

The Inspiron 14 and the Latitude 5455 can have either the 8-core or 10-core Snapdragon X Plus processors. The 10-core option has clock speeds up to 3.4GHz while the newly announced 8-core goes up to 3.24 GHz. Both versions have the same NPU for AI tasks, which offers up to 45 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) in machine learning performance in support of Microsoft's Copilot AI platform.

Dell Inspiron 14
Inspiron 14
Dell

Both 14-inch laptops are equipped with Qualcomm's Adreno GPUs. The machines have 16:10 FHD+ displays with a 1920x1200 resolution. Dell also highlighted "up to 27 hours" of battery life for the Latitude 5455, which will be available starting September 24, although it hasn't shared pricing information yet. The Inspiron 14 will also be available on September 24 and will retail for $899 in the US.

Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X Plus line earlier this year. It's a lower-end series than the Snapdragon X Elite, but it still promises enough power to handle the increasing number of AI tasks being asked of modern computers.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/dell-brings-qualcomms-snapdragon-x-plus-to-inspiron-and-latitude-laptops-110009714.html?src=rss

Apple iPhone 16 Event: 7 Reasons to Get Excited

iPhone 16 event

Apple fans have much to look forward to as the company gears up for its highly anticipated September event where the new iPhone 16 range will be announced. This year’s lineup promises a range of exciting products, including the iPhone 16 series, Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 3, AirPods 4, and the 7th […]

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How to use AI in Excel for easier data analysis

How to use AI in Excel

In the rapidly evolving world of data analysis, AI tools like Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and Zebra AI are transforming the way you work with Excel. These innovative technologies harness the power of advanced language models and intuitive interfaces to streamline your workflow, generate valuable insights, and automate repetitive tasks. By understanding the unique capabilities and […]

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How to Attend IFA Berlin 2024: Europe’s Biggest Tech Expo (And watch Bryan Adams perform live)

IFA Berlin, one of the world’s largest consumer electronics expos, is returning for its 100th edition from September 6-10, 2024. Taking place at the sprawling Messe Berlin convention center, IFA promises an exhilarating showcase of the latest gadgets, smart home technologies, and cutting-edge innovations. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a casual observer, here’s a guide on how to make the most of your experience at this must-attend event.

Tickets and Entry

IFA 2024 is open to the general public, with tickets now available for purchase online. A single-day pass for adults is priced at €17, while students can grab their tickets for just €10. If you’re bringing children under 15, they can enter for free, making it a great family outing. To avoid queues, it’s best to secure your tickets in advance on the official IFA website, as no cash payments are accepted at the venue​

Getting Around: The IFA App

Once you’ve secured your ticket, the IFA app is your ultimate companion for navigating the massive Messe Berlin complex. Available on the App Store as well as the Play Store, the app allows you to view detailed maps, schedule your day with event highlights, and explore the exhibitor list. For trade visitors, the app includes access to exclusive matchmaking services to connect with businesses and industry leaders.

The exhibition spans multiple halls, each showcasing different categories of tech. The app can help you navigate these spaces efficiently, ensuring you don’t miss any key displays or product demonstrations.

IFA 2024 Map: Product Categories and Exhibitor Layout

Messe Berlin is known for its vast layout, so having a clear plan of action will save you time. IFA is divided into several key zones, each featuring a specific category of consumer electronics:

  • IFA Next: This innovation hub focuses on startups and groundbreaking technologies. Expect to see the future of smart homes, robotics, and sustainable tech innovations.
  • Audio: This area is for all things audio-tech, from unveiling the newest products on the market to exploring future advancements like noise cancellation, true wireless technology, and spatial audio.
  • Communication & Connectivity: Visit this zone to learn more about 5G products, 6G concepts, IoT, smart devices, AI networks and communications, cloud computing, and Wi-Fi advancements.
  • Computing & Gaming: The title’s rather self-explanatory, isn’t it? This hub is for gamers and geeks to absolutely nerd out! You’ll find monitors, CPUs, laptops, GPUs, and a host of other devices from leading companies like Lenovo, Microsoft, ASUS, Western Digital, Cooler Master, etc.
  • Fitness & Digital Health: Wearables, health monitors, and fitness trackers will be prominently featured, appealing to both the wellness industry and health-conscious consumers.
  • Home Appliances: Whether you’re into sleek kitchen gadgets or smart washing machines, this area is a must-visit for homemakers and tech-savvy chefs.
  • Home & Entertainment: From the latest OLED TVs to immersive sound systems, this section will let you experience the future of home entertainment.
  • Mobility: Humanity is redefining the way we move, and this section is the ultimate destination to experience the latest innovations in mobility. From e-bikes to eVTOL aircraft, connect with the companies shaping the future of transportation, one breakthrough at a time.
  • Photo, Video, & Content Creation: A dedicated space at IFA for content creators and innovators to produce their unique content (and also a relatively new addition to the expo). It’s the perfect place to watch, learn from, and enjoy your favorite online creators, while also having the chance to meet them in person.
  • Smart Home: Smart home technology is transforming the way we live, offering greater convenience, efficiency, and security. As one of the most exciting areas at IFA this year, you’ll have the chance to explore the latest innovations in home automation and connectivity.

A detailed map of each zone will be available via the app and on the IFA website, allowing visitors to plan their route across the exhibition efficiently​

IFA Events and Highlights

IFA 2024 is not just about tech displays; it’s also a pretty massive milestone. As part of its 100th-anniversary festivities, the IFA Sommergarten—a vibrant open-air venue—will host concerts, food trucks, and live performances. Bryan Adams will kick off the celebrations with a special performance on September 5, just before the expo officially opens.

Keynote speeches from leading tech innovators will also be a major draw. These presentations offer a glimpse into the future of industries such as AI, renewable energy, and connectivity. Notably, companies like Intel, LG, AEG, Honor, and Samsung are expected to make major announcements​.

Bryan Adams concert at IFA 2024

Tips for Attendees

To maximize your experience at IFA Berlin 2024, here are a few practical tips:

  • Arrive Early: The exhibition opens daily at 10 AM and closes at 6 PM, so arriving early will give you ample time to explore the numerous halls without the crowds.
  • Use Public Transport: Messe Berlin is well-connected via public transportation, with direct links to the S-Bahn and U-Bahn. However, your IFA ticket does not include free public transport, so be sure to purchase a separate travel ticket.
    Plan Ahead with the App: Use the IFA app to create a personalized itinerary. Identify must-see exhibitors and product categories to avoid wandering aimlessly.
  • Stay Hydrated and Charged: Messe Berlin offers mobile charging stations throughout the venue, and with so many tech booths to visit, keeping your phone charged is essential. Don’t forget to hydrate as well, as the venue is massive.
  • Join the Conversation: Follow IFA’s official social media channels for real-time updates, as well as stay tuned to Yanko Design’s coverage of the event… and don’t hesitate to engage with fellow tech fans during the event. IFA is as much about networking as it is about discovery.

Attending IFA Berlin 2024 is a tech lover’s dream. From groundbreaking innovations to hands-on experiences, there’s something for everyone. Make sure to secure your ticket, download the app, and plan your visit to ensure you don’t miss a moment of this massive celebration of technology. Whether you’re there for the latest AI gadgets or just to soak up the atmosphere, IFA promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Berlin.

The post How to Attend IFA Berlin 2024: Europe’s Biggest Tech Expo (And watch Bryan Adams perform live) first appeared on Yanko Design.

SPARKLE Streamer 4K60 PCIe Capture Card

The new SPARKLE Streamer 4K60 PCIe Capture Card is a catalyst for content creators and gamers alike. This advanced capture card offers unparalleled video capture and pass-through capabilities, making it an essential tool for anyone looking to elevate their streaming quality. With support for 4K@60Hz, 2K@120Hz, and FHD@240Hz, this capture card ensures that every detail […]

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Build an Excel calendar interactive dashboard that updates itself automatically

make an Excel calendar that automatically updates

Creating a dynamic and interactive Excel calendar that updates automatically can significantly enhance your productivity and streamline your scheduling process. This excellent tutorial by My Online Training Hub will walk you through the step-by-step process of building such a calendar, focusing on key elements such as conditional formatting, powerful formulas, and interactive features like the […]

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Lyft’s new price lock feature caps the cost of rides, even during peak hours

Lyft is rolling out a new price lock feature that caps the cost of rides, in an attempt to solve the problem of cost unpredictability for those who rely on the platform for daily commutes. The company says this tool will even work during peak hours, when rides are usually at their most expensive. There are, however, some caveats.

First of all, there’s a required monthly subscription price to use this service, though it’s only $3 per month. There’s also a curious lack of details regarding how exactly the cap works. Does it just average past rides and exclude peak pricing? Is there a limit to just how much can be capped? We reached out to Lyft and will update this post if we hear anything.

The feature in action.
Lyft

One thing is certain. Lyft is planning on this feature being a hit. It has suggested that commuters will take 40 percent more rides once the price lock tool becomes commonplace. However, it's worth noting that Lyft is the one that sets the prices in the first place, so it caused the instability that this tool sets out to solve. 

There’s also a promotion to advertise the price lock mechanism: 100 customers who are starting new jobs will receive free “first day” rides. This will be handled via LinkedIn. Just 100 rides? That seems pretty stingy for a company as large as Lyft, but what do I know?

This isn’t the first time Lyft has tried its hand at a subscription-based service. The company’s Pink subscription service has been an on-again/off-again thing for years. This is more or less a bundle of add-ons at this point. Pink stopped offering ride discounts but began offering perks like free priority pickups and three free cancellations per month. This program is still live, at $10 per month or $100 per year.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/lyfts-new-price-lock-feature-caps-the-cost-of-rides-even-during-peak-hours-100014522.html?src=rss