AMD and the AI PC Concept

Artificial Intelligence Computer (AI PC) Concept and AMD’s Approach

Recently, the concept of “Artificial Intelligence Computer” (AI PC) has emerged as an innovation that could fundamentally change the way we use computers. An AI PC can be simply defined as any system running a CPU equipped with a neural processing unit (NPU) specifically designed for AI workloads. NPUs have long been present in mobile hardware; however, AMD earned the title of being the first company to integrate this technology into x86 PCs with its Ryzen Pro 7040 chips.

AMD is making its biggest move yet in the AI PC space with the Ryzen AI 300 chips. An interview with Rakesh Anigundi, the leader of Ryzen AI, and Jason Banta, the product leader of Ryzen AI and CVP and General Manager of Customer OEM at AMD, conducted by Devindra Hardawar from Engadget, delves into the company’s approach to AI PCs. This interview discusses AMD’s goals in the AI field, the support it will provide to developers, future plans, and support toolkits.

AMD’s AI Plans and Developer Support

AMD is aware that developers in the AI PC field are currently not widespread and that they “just want things to work“. Therefore, they are outlining a roadmap based on three fundamental principles that they define as “a solid software foundation, high-performance hardware, and open-source solutions“. Moreover, they emphasize that, in line with their philosophy of “following standards instead of developing them“, they prefer ANNX, a cross-platform framework aimed at enhancing system performance.

Executives note that the Amuse 2.0 beta version recently launched by AMD is an important tool for showcasing the AI capabilities of the company’s hardware. Amuse 2.0 is a simple application aimed at generating AI images, operating entirely on NPU-equipped devices without requiring access to OpenAI’s DallE or Google’s Gemini in the cloud. While highlighting the necessity for an effective toolkit and software stack, executives also express that they are working closely with partners like Microsoft to enhance the quality of customer experience.

Customer Experience and Collaboration with Microsoft

When discussing efforts to improve customer experience, executives frequently refer to the relationship between Microsoft and AMD. They point out the Copilot+ experiences offered on Microsoft’s systems. However, while some AI features are present in the first series of Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ devices, such as the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, these features are not yet available in Copilot+ systems using AMD and Intel’s x86 chips. AMD states that it aims to perfect the customer experience.

AMD’s Future Vision and ARM-Based Processors

When asked about speculation regarding AMD developing an ARM-based CPU, it seems the executives did not provide much information. Banta stated, “ARM is a close partner of AMD” and continued: “We are working together on many solutions in our roadmaps… As for the general CPU roadmap, I really can’t speak about what will happen soon.” However, considering that NVIDIA is developing its own ARM chip and the impressive performance seen in the latest mobile chips from Apple and Qualcomm, it wouldn’t be surprising if AMD also moves down a similar ARM path.