Intel and Microsoft Jointly Introduce AI PCs
At a developer event in Taipei on March 27, Intel introduced the AI PC standard that it is jointly defining with Microsoft-devices with an NPU, CPU, and GPU, support for Microsoft’s Copilot, and Copilot physical keys directly on the keyboard. Each part of the CPU, GPU and NPU has its own AI-specific acceleration, meaning that AI workloads can be distributed among them based on the type of computation required. On this basis, memory capacity will be a key constraint when running large language models, with some workloads requiring 16GB of memory, or even 32GB.
However, the standard does not limit the minimum memory requirements. In addition, Intel has launched an ASUS NUC Pro 14 development kit with Core Ultra Meteor Lake processors, which will come pre-installed with tools including Cmake, Python and OpenVINO. Intel also supports ONNX, DirectML, and WebNN, with more tool support to come.
Microsoft Rolls out Windows 11 Moment 5 Feature Update
On March 27, Microsoft launched the Windows 11 Moment 5 feature update, which integrates the Copilot for Windows app; the lock screen can now add more content, including sports and finance; voice access now supports more languages and can be used on multiple monitors instead of the main monitor; and narration has been updated to include more than 10 natural voices. More than a dozen nature sounds have been added, which can be auditioned and then downloaded locally and used without an Internet connection; Windows Sharing has been updated to take different steps for Microsoft Teams sharing for personal and business or education accounts; Nearby Sharing has been updated to automatically turn on Nearby Sharing when Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on, and turn off Nearby Sharing when turned off; new windows have been added and Nearby Sharing is now supported in more languages and can also be used on multiple displays instead of the main one. Nearby Sharing is turned off when Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on and vice versa; and a new Window Snuggle Layout Suggestions feature automatically pops up when the user is ready to perform an action and then quickly organizes multiple different windows.
Windows 11 22H2 and Windows 11 23H2 are now available with update KB5035942.
Sony Announces Portable Wireless Speaker SRS-XB100
On March 27, Sony launched the new portable wireless speaker SRS-XB100, which is available in four colors: black, grey, orange and blue, weighs 274 grams, has a non-slip silicone bottom design and comes with a removable dual suspension hand strap. Users can either place the speaker vertically or hang it from a backpack or bicycle. The speaker is equipped with Sony’s self-developed off-center design diaphragm with sound diffusion technology and Sony’s unique DSP tuning, resulting in enhanced sound pressure in the 100-200Hz frequency response range.
The SRS-XB100 supports Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, is compatible with the Music Center app, has an IP67 dust and waterproof rating, and has a battery life of about 16 hours. The SRS-XB100 is currently available for pre-order and will go on sale on April 1 for $399 USD.
McDonald’s Launches Disposable Film Camera
On March 27, McDonald’s McMall shelved a “McDonald’s x Fuji 1986” disposable film camera, which is a retro-style disposable film camera with a special McDonald’s pattern. The camera is housed in a plastic case and measures 110 x 32 x 54mm. The rest of the hardware parameters have not yet been announced, but are expected to be the same as the original Fuji 1986.
The camera has 27 sheets of film inside, a 32mm f/10 fixed lens with an ISO of 400, and a built-in electronic flash. Available in white and orange, the camera is limited to 8,000 units with an exclusive gold dust number, and will go on sale at 14:00 on March 31st.