LAS VEGAS, NV, Apr 17, 2024 – Akamai Technologies, Inc., the cloud company that powers and protects life online, added a new media-optimized offering based on NVIDIA GPUs to its growing cloud portfolio. With the NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada Generation GPU, the new cloud-based service provides better productivity and economics for companies in the media and entertainment industry that are challenged with processing video content faster and more efficiently.

Internal benchmarking conducted by Akamai demonstrated that GPU-based encoding using the NVIDIA RTX 4000 processes frames per second (FPS) 25x faster than traditional CPU-based encoding and transcoding methods, which presents a significant advancement in the way streaming service providers address their typical workload challenges.

Using Akamai’s offering, media and entertainment companies can build scalable, resilient architectures and deploy workloads that will be faster, more reliable, and portable, while taking advantage of the world’s most distributed cloud platform and integrated content delivery and security services.

“Media companies need low-latency, reliable compute resources that maintain the portability of the workloads they create,” said Shawn Michels, vice president of cloud products at Akamai. “NVIDIA GPUs provide superior price performance when deployed on Akamai’s global edge platform. Together with our Qualified Compute Partners and open platform, we give our customers the capability to architect their next-gen workloads to be cloud agnostic and support multicloud architectures.”

The need for industry optimized GPUs

In a market hyper-focused on using NVIDIA GPUs to support large language modeling, Akamai’s media-tailored GPU service homes in on an industry underserved by current industry offerings, which can be expensive. Building on its rich heritage and deep experience in the space, Akamai fine-tuned its new GPU offering to meet the demanding and specific requirements of the media and entertainment industry.

Use cases

The NVIDIA RTX 4000 GPU achieves the speed and power efficiency necessary to tackle demanding creative, design, and engineering workflows for digital content creation, 3D modeling, rendering, inferencing, and video content and streaming. Media-specific use cases include:

• Video transcoding and live video streaming: GPUs can perform faster-than-real-time transcoding of live video streams, improving the streaming experience by reducing buffering and even playback, while GPU-based encoding improves efficiency and reduces processing times compared with traditional CPU-based transcoding. The NVIDIA RTX 4000 GPU is equipped with the latest-generation NVIDIA NVENC and NVDEC hardware, which enables additional capacity for simultaneous encoding and decoding tasks. This is critical for applications requiring high-throughput video processing, such as live streaming. The eighth-generation NVENC engines provide support for the latest video codecs, including the highly efficient AV1 codec, which enables higher-quality video at lower bitrates.
• Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) content: VR and AR applications require the rendering of 3D graphics and multimedia content in real time. GPUs are ideal for processing such content.

While Akamai optimized the new solution for the media market, the new offering also has applicability for developers and companies looking to build apps tied to several other industry use cases, including:

• Generative artificial intelligence and machine learning (Gen AI/ML): One of the primary applications of GPU cloud computing is in generative AI/ML. GPUs are well-suited for tasks such as training and inference with neural networks, as they can perform many calculations in parallel, which allows faster and more efficient training of new models, which can lead to better accuracy and performance. The NVIDIA RTX 4000 GPU harnesses the NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture to deliver exceptional performance in inferencing tasks. A total of 192 fourth-generation Tensor Cores accelerate more data types and include a new Fine-Grained Structured Sparsity feature for up to 4x the throughput for tensor matrix operations when compared with the previous generation. The inclusion of 20 GB of GDDR6 memory provides extensive capacity for large models and datasets.
• Data analysis and scientific computing: GPU cloud computing is also commonly used in data analysis and scientific computing because of the nature of its tasks, which often involve processing large amounts of data. These tasks are time-consuming and computationally intensive. GPUs can help accelerate these tasks by processing large amounts of data in parallel, which enables faster and more efficient analysis and simulation.
• Gaming and graphics rendering: GPUs are widely used in the gaming industry, mainly for graphics rendering and other tasks related to video game development. This is because GPUs are designed to handle complex graphics processing and can provide fast, high-quality rendering of 3D graphics.
• High-performance computing: GPU-enabled cloud computing is commonly used for high-performance computing applications, such as modeling and simulation, that require fast and efficient processing of large amounts of data. GPUs can also be used to accelerate simulations, calculations, and other computationally intensive tasks, which leads to faster results and better performance.

“In order to support a wide range of workloads, you need a wide array of compute instances,” continued Michels. “What we’re doing with industry-optimized GPUs is one of many steps we’re taking for our customers to increase instance diversity across the entire continuum of compute to drive and power edge native applications.”

About Akamai

Akamai powers and protects life online. Leading companies worldwide choose Akamai to build, deliver, and secure their digital experiences — helping billions of people live, work, and play every day. Akamai Connected Cloud, a massively distributed edge and cloud platform, puts apps and experiences closer to users and keeps threats farther away.

Learn more about Akamai’s cloud computing, security, and content delivery solutions at akamai.com.

NUREMBERG, Germany, Apr 11, 2024 – AMD announced the expansion of the AMD Versal adaptive system on chip (SoC) portfolio with the new Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2 and Versal Prime Series Gen 2 adaptive SoCs, which bring preprocessing, AI inference, and postprocessing together in a single device for end-to-end acceleration of AI-driven embedded systems.

These initial devices in the Versal Series Gen 2 portfolio build on the first generation with powerful new AI Engines expected to deliver up to 3x higher TOPs-per-watt than first generation Versal AI Edge Series devicesⁱ, while new high-performance integrated Arm CPUs are expected to offer up to 10x more scalar compute than first gen Versal AI Edge and Prime series devicesⁱⁱ.

“The demand for AI-enabled embedded applications is exploding and driving the need for single-chip solutions for the most efficient end-to-end acceleration within the power and area constraints of embedded systems,” said Salil Raje, senior vice president and general manager, Adaptive and Embedded Computing Group, AMD. “Backed by over 40 years of adaptive computing leadership, these latest generation Versal devices bring together multiple compute engines on a single architecture offering high compute efficiency and performance with scalability from the low-end to high-end.”

Balancing performance, power, area, together with advanced functional safety and security, Versal Series Gen 2 devices deliver new capabilities and features that enable the design of high-performance, edge-optimized products for the automotive, aerospace and defense, industrial, vision, healthcare, broadcast and pro AV markets.

Powering Subaru’s Next-Gen ADAS Vision System

Subaru Corporation has selected Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2 devices for the company’s next-generation advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) vision system, known as EyeSight. The EyeSight system is integrated into select Subaru car models to enable advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pre-collision braking. Subaru is using AMD adaptive SoC technology in current EyeSight-equipped vehicles.

“Subaru has selected Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2 to deliver the next generation of automotive AI performance and safety for future EyeSight-equipped vehicles,” said Satoshi Katahira, general manager, Advanced Integration System Department & ADAS Development Department, Engineering Division, Subaru Corp. “Versal AI Edge Gen 2 devices are designed to provide the AI inference performance, ultra-low latency, and functional safety capabilities required to put cutting-edge AI-based safety features in the hands of drivers.”

Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2

To meet the complex processing needs of real-world systems, AMD Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2 devices incorporate an optimal mix of processors for all three phases of AI-driven embedded system acceleration:

• Preprocessing: FPGA programmable logic for real-time preprocessing with unparalleled flexibility to connect to a wide range of sensors and implement high-throughput, low-latency data-processing pipelines
• AI Inference: An array of vector processors in the form of next-gen AI Engines for efficient AI inference
• Postprocessing: Arm CPU cores providing the postprocessing power needed for complex decision-making and control for safety-critical applications.

This single-chip intelligence can eliminate the need to build multi-chip processing solutions, resulting in smaller, more efficient embedded AI systems with the potential for shorter time-to-market.

Versal Prime Series Gen 2

The AMD Versal Prime Series Gen 2 provides end-to-end acceleration for traditional, non-AI-based embedded systems by combining programmable logic for sensor processing with high-performance embedded Arm CPUs. Designed to offer up to 10x more scalar compute compared to the first generation, these devices can efficiently handle sensor processing and complex scalar workloads.

With new hard IP for high-throughput video processing, including up to 8K multi-channel workflows, Versal Prime Gen 2 devices are ideally suited for applications such as ultra-high-definition (UHD) video streaming and recording, industrial PCs, and flight computers.

Broad and Scalable Portfolio

The Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2 and Versal Prime Series Gen 2 portfolios provide scalability from edge sensors to centralized compute for AI-driven systems. They feature a range of devices with increasing amounts of AI and adaptive compute to allow customers to select the performance, power, and area footprints to efficiently achieve application performance and safety targets.

Streamlined Design Cycles

The AMD Vivado Design Suite tools and libraries help boost productivity and streamline design cycles for embedded hardware system developers, offering fast compile times and enhanced quality of results. For embedded software developers, the AMD Vitis Unified Software Platform enables embedded software, signal processing, and AI design development at users’ preferred levels of abstraction, with no FPGA experience needed.

Designers can get started with AMD Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2 and Versal Prime Series Gen 2 early access documentation and first-generation Versal evaluation kits and design tools available today. AMD expects availability of Versal Series Gen 2 silicon samples in the first half of 2025, followed by evaluation kits and System-on-Modules samples in mid-2025, and production silicon expected in late 2025.

About AMD

For more than 50 years AMD has driven innovation in high-performance computing, graphics, and visualization technologies. Billions of people, leading Fortune 500 businesses, and cutting-edge scientific research institutions around the world rely on AMD technology daily to improve how they live, work, and play. AMD employees are focused on building leadership high-performance and adaptive products that push the boundaries of what is possible.

For more information, visit AMD website.

FREMONT, CA, Apr 10, 2024 – ASUS has announced the all-new Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3406) , a sleek and sophisticated ultraportable laptop. Its thin-and-light chassis houses the power of the latest AI-enabled AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor along with AMD Radeon graphics, allowing users to amplify their efficiency.

Premium ultraportable design

Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3406) delivers uncompromising mobility with its sleek, lightweight, and sturdy all-metal design and enhanced-lifespan 75 Wh battery. At just over half an inch thin and weighing only 2.8 lbs. ^[i], the elegant chassis is around 10% more compact than the previous generation. The specially designed battery supports up to 20% more charging cycles compared to previous models, protecting the user’s investment, and helping to increase the laptop’s longevity. It also offers long-lifespan of unplugged operation for all-day productivity. Additionally, USB-C Easy Charge makes it simple to recharge from any suitable USB-C adapter, power outlet, or power bank.

Premium performance

Built around the latest AI-powered AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor with AMD Radeon graphics, Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3406) packs a powerful punch. Its ultrafast up to 1 TB SSD storage, 16 GB RAM and WiFi 6E (802.11ax) allow users to wait less and work faster, wherever they are.
The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor features the integrated AMD Ryzen AI Accelerator which, combined with intelligent workload optimization, frees up CPU and GPU resources for optimal performance. Beyond performance and power efficiency, Ryzen AI unlocks new possibilities – it accelerates multitasking, enhances real-time video quality, boosts productivity, fosters collaboration, and paves the way for future advancements. For added convenience, Zenbook 14 OLED ^[ii] has a dedicated Copilot key that allows users to effortlessly dive into Windows 11’s AI-powered tools with just one press.

The vivid WUXGA (1920X1200) ASUS Lumina OLED 60 Hz display makes every moment incredible with its 500-nit peak brightness, web-friendly 16:10 aspect ratio, and 87% screen-to-body ratio. Additionally, adaptive sync automatically adjusts the refresh rate for always-smooth visuals.

Despite its ultra-compact form factor, Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3406) includes a comprehensive set of full-size high-speed I/O ports – including USB 4.0 Gen 3 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI 2.1 (TMDS) and a convenient 3.5 mm audio jack – so users don’t need to carry dongles or adapters around with them.

Premium user experience

Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3406) is designed with the user firmly in mind, incorporating a range of advanced features to enhance their on-the-go lifestyle. Whatever the user is listening to, the powerful, crystal-clear sound delivered by new super-linear speakers, smart amplifier, and ASUS Audio Booster in the Harman Kardon-certified audio system will give their ears a treat with the multidimensional Dolby Atmos sound.
When late-night deadlines approach, the new quiet ASUS ErgoSense keyboard reduces aural distractions to a minimum while offering a supremely comfortable typing experience – thanks to the fine-tuned key pitch, dished key caps, and ergonomic key travel.
To guard the user’s privacy, the FHD IR camera has a physical shutter. Additionally, an exceptional video conferencing experience is assured by the AI noise cancelation and built-in camera enhancements for crystal-clear audio and crisp video.

Made for the Earth

ASUS is committed to do more with less through Zenbook. Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3406) aims to minimize its environmental impact across the entire product lifecycle – from material use and manufacturing, through assembly, use, and end of life. We have mitigated its carbon footprint by incorporating up to 50% post-consumer-recycled (PCR) materials and designing eco-conscious packaging that is 100% recyclable. To maximize the lifespan of the laptop – and therefore improve sustainability – strict US military-grade testing under a stringent test regime ensures outstanding durability.

Availability & Pricing

ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3406) is now available starting MSRP $849.99 on the ASUS Store and Walmart. Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.

Specifications^[Iii]

About ASUS

ASUS is a global technology leader that provides the world’s most innovative and intuitive devices, components and solutions to deliver incredible experiences that enhance the lives of people everywhere. With its team of 5,000 in-house R&D experts, ASUS is world-renowned for continuously reimagining today’s technologies for tomorrow, garners more than 11 awards every day for quality, innovation and design, and is ranked among Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies.

^{[i] Weight may vary according to specifications.} 

^{[ii] This feature is exclusive to Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3406).} 

^{[iii] Specifications, content, and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment, and other factors. Full specifications are available at http://www.asus.com.}

FREMONT, CA, Apr 10, 2024 – ASUS has launched the ASUS Vivobook S series laptop, blending both a sleek design and lightweight mobility. Powered by AI-enhanced processors from either AMD Ryzen™ 8040 Series or Intel Core Ultra, these laptops offer up to 50-watt^[i] TDP performance and includes a dedicated Copilot key for easy access to Windows 11 AI tools.

Featuring ASUS Lumina OLED displays with resolutions up to 3.2K and a 120Hz refresh rate, they deliver lifelike visuals with a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 600 certification. It’s also available in three sizes- models powered by Intel include the 14.0-inch ASUS Vivobook S 14 OLED S5406, the 15.6-inch ASUS Vivobook S 15 OLED S5506, and the 16.0-inch ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED S5606. Additionally, we offer a 16.0-inch variant powered by AMD, the ASUS Vivobook S 16 OLED M5606.

The stylish and comfortable ASUS ErgoSense keyboard also offers customizable single-zone RGB backlighting, and alongside is an extra-large ErgoSense touchpad. User experience is further enhanced with a lay-flat 180° hinge, an IR camera with a physical privacy shutter, a full range of I/O ports, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio from Harman Kardon-certified stereo speakers.

Thin, light, and powerful

The ASUS Vivobook S series has been reimagined to be even slimmer and lighter, featuring an elegant all-metal chassis that starts at a mere 0.63” in thickness and weighs as little as 2.87 lb^[ii] . In addition to their portability and minimalist design, these laptops offer uncompromising performance, thanks to the inclusion of the latest AMD Ryzen 8040 Series or Intel Core Ultra 9 processors. The AMD model features AMD Radeon graphics, whereas the Intel model is equipped with Intel Arc graphics, but both go up to 16 GB 7500 MHz LPDDR5X memory, and up to 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD storage. Also, the ASUS IceCool cooling system uses two improved heat pipes, two 97-blade IceBlade fans, and two air vents, helping the laptops to achieve a maximum TDP of 50 W in a slim form factor.

For AMD Ryzen 8040 Series Processors, they include the integrated AMD Ryzen AI accelerator.^[iii] This paired with intelligent workload optimization frees up the CPU and iGPU resources for optimal performance. In addition, Ryzen AI unlocks a realm of new possibilities that’s beyond performance and power efficiency. It accelerates multitasking, elevates video quality, enhances productivity, promotes collaboration, and lays the groundwork for future advancements.
The Intel Core Ultra processors incorporate Intel’s first Neural Processing Unit (NPU), enhancing both power efficiency while ensuring high-quality PC experiences The local AI-processing performance empowers users to complete tasks that typically rely on cloud-based computing.

The new ASUS Vivobook S series also feature ASUS Memory Allocation Management^[iv] function, enabling users to customize memory capacity to iGPU, which can enhance the performance of gaming, creating, and using AI applications.

Lifelike visuals

The ASUS Vivobook S series comes with ASUS Lumina OLED displays, which are recognized for their precision and reliability. The design incorporates a slim-bezel three-sided NanoEdge, delivering an immersive and lifelike visual experience. The ASUS Vivobook S 14 OLED (S5406) sports a 16:10 display with a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, while the Vivobook S 15 (S5506) and Vivobook S 16 (M5606/S5606) have either a stunning 3K or 3.2K resolutions. All of these displays offer a cinema-grade 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, carry up to the VESA DisplayHDR True Black 600 certification, and are recognized for their eye-care features by TÜV Rheinland.

Show your unique vibe

Users can express their unique style with ASUS Vivobook S series laptops using the innovative ASUS ErgoSense RGB-backlit keyboard. When combined with Windows Dynamic Lighting^[v] users can effortlessly customize lighting colors and effects right in Windows setting to match their mood and personality. As the laptop mirrors the user’s distinctive style and vibe, it also enhances versatility, performance, and functionality to further serve and empower users in pursuing their passions and projects.

The ASUS Vivobook S series is an ideal choice for effortlessly displaying premium aesthetics. Its refined new logo represents simplicity and style, and these laptops are available in two modern colors: Neutral Black and Mist Blue.

Unrivaled user experience

Designed with the user’s comfort in mind, the ASUS Vivobook S series laptop simplifies tasks, addressing all work-related, entertainment, or student needs.

ASUS Vivobook S series laptops feature a dedicated Copilot key on all keyboards, granting seamless access to the Copilot app. This Copilot key^[vi] enables instant activation, allowing you to access Windows 11 AI-powered apps with a single press. The Copilot key simplifies your workflow by placing Copilot’s power right at your fingertips.

To easily connect external displays, peripherals, and more, these laptops come with one USB4 port supporting 4K UHD external displays and up to 40 Gbps data transfers^[vii] , two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 (TMDS) port, a MicroSD card reader, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. The inclusion of a 180° lay-flat hinge simplifies collaboration, while the ASUS AiSense camera system improves video calls by ensuring users present their best selves. There’s also our ASUS AI noise-cancelation technology, which minimizes background noise for both mic and audio. The Harman Kardon-certified speaker system delivers outstanding Dolby Atmos multidimensional audio for immersive entertainment, offering clear dialogue.

Availability & Pricing

ASUS Vivobook S series laptops is now available at local resellers below.
Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.

About ASUS

ASUS is a global technology leader that provides the world’s most innovative and intuitive devices, components and solutions to deliver incredible experiences that enhance the lives of people everywhere. With its team of 5,000 in-house R&D experts, ASUS is world-renowned for continuously reimagining today’s technologies for tomorrow, garners more than 11 awards every day for quality, innovation and design, and is ranked among Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies.

^{[i] The figures are based on theoretical performance. Actual performance may vary in real-world situations.}

^{[ii] Product weight may vary according to device configuration.}

^{[iii] Product spec may vary according to device configuration.}

^{[iv] Functionality may vary according to device configuration. For specific information on how Memory Allocation Management operates with your product configuration, please refer to http://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/105179/}

^{[v] Model M5406/M55006/M5606 RGB single-zone keyboard lighting can fully supports the Solid Color, Breathing, Rainbow effects of Windows Dynamic Lighting.}

^{[vi] Screen simulated, subject to change. Copilot in Windows (in preview) is rolling out gradually within the latest update to Windows 11 in selected global markets. Timing of availability varies by device and market. Copilot key feature availability varies by market. Learn more: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/copilot-ai-features?r=1#faq}

^{[vii] I/O ports might vary according to specifications.}

^{[viii] Specifications, content and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment and other factors. Full specifications are available at http://www.asus.com}