Technology - Google News

Intel’s Arc GPUs are designed to take on Nvidia and AMD for PC gaming - The Verge

Posted: 16 Aug 2021 06:49 AM PDT

Intel is branding its upcoming consumer GPUs as Intel Arc. This new Arc brand will cover both the hardware and software powering Intel's high-end discrete GPUs, as well as multiple hardware generations. The first of those, known previously as DG2, is expected to arrive in the form of codename "Alchemist" in Q1 2022.

Intel's Arc-based Alchemist GPUs will be available in both desktops and notebooks in early 2022, with Intel seemingly aiming to compete against both AMD and Nvidia here. While we still don't know much about the performance of the first Alchemist GPUs, Intel published a teaser video today that showed prototype silicon powering PUBG, Psychonauts 2, Metro Exodus, and more.

Intel's Arc GPUs will be capable of mesh shading, variable rate shading, video upscaling, and real-time ray tracing. Most importantly, Intel is also promising AI-accelerated super sampling, which sounds like Intel has its own competitor to Nvidia's Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology. AMD launched its own FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) answer to DLSS in June, but it's only using a spatial upscaling technique rather than AI-based temporal upscaling. The aim of all these technologies is to upscale games from a lower resolution to provide smoother frame rates without a noticeable compromise in image quality.

"The launch of the Intel Arc brand and the reveal of future hardware generations signifies Intel's deep and continued commitment to gamers and creators everywhere," says Roger Chandler, head of Intel's client GPU business. "We have teams doing incredible work to ensure we deliver first-class and frictionless experiences when these products are available early next year."

Intel is only teasing the brand of its Arc GPUs today and revealing that "Battlemage," "Celestial," and "Druid" are all codenames for its future generations of Arc GPUs. More details and specifics are planned for later in 2021.

So far, Intel has launched its first Iris Xe graphics cards, codenamed "DG1," that use the company's Xe LP architecture. These lower-power cards were mainly designed for pre-built workstations, instead of dedicated gaming rigs. Intel's upcoming Arc GPUs will be based on the company's Xe-HPG microarchitecture, which is a combination of the work Intel has been putting into its Xe-LP, HP, and HPC microarchitectures.

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Amazon’s latest Fire HD 10 tablets with improved specs are $50 off - The Verge

Posted: 16 Aug 2021 06:17 AM PDT

Amazon refreshed its Fire HD 10 tablets in late April, and it added a faster processor and more RAM to make its biggest budget-friendly model a better value. Now is a great time to buy one, as the Fire HD 10 with 32GB of storage and ads on the lock screen is $50 off its usual price, bringing it down to $100. The ad-free version is $115. And, if 32GB of storage doesn't seem like it'll be enough, you can purchase an affordable 256GB microSD card that can greatly expand its internal storage for things like apps, movies, and more (it supports up to a 1TB microSD card).

The slightly more capable Fire HD 10 Plus is also far less expensive than usual. Normally $180, it's $130. This upgrade won't be for everyone, but it has more RAM (4GB compared to 3GB in the standard Fire HD 10), a "soft-touch finish," and wireless charging.

Excellent deals on the Apple AirPods Pro aren't too tricky to come by. They're regularly $50 or slightly more off their usual $250 price, but seeing them selling for $180 is still rare enough that we thought you ought to know about it. That sale price is happening at Amazon, where they're listed for $190, but $10 will be knocked off the total cost at the checkout page. At the time of publication, Amazon says your order will ship in one or two days.

Accessory brand Satechi is hosting a big back-to-school site-wide promotion, letting you get 20 percent off anything that's available through its online store. Satechi makes all sorts of useful gadgets, like USB-C hubs and clever chargers like this one (pictured above) that plugs in via USB-C and is able to charge an Apple Watch on one side and AirPods on the other (though, not at the same time).

Whenever you find what you're looking for, head to the checkout page and enter the code BK2SCHOOL20 to reap the savings.

Other great deals happening now

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