Tech
Smartphones to Genius-Phones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Smartphones to Genius-Phones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
I believed that the smartphone industry was beginning to shift from smartphones to “genius-phones” around ten years ago, when the first smartphones began utilizing on-board sensors like the camera and microphone to interact with the outside world.
With hindsight, it’s evident that those were only the beginning of that evolutionary journey. During the first day of the 2023 Snapdragon Summit last week, Qualcomm unveiled the next steps with the release of their mobile SoC, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
The goal of this most recent mobile SoC is to enable generative AI on the device. Previously, Qualcomm used its earlier generation mobile SoC to demonstrate a Stable Diffusion text-to-image generative artificial intelligence (genAI) model with about 1 billion parameters. With over 10 billion parameters on phones and over 13 billion parameters on PCs, this most recent version supports genAI models.
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The speed at which the device can return outputs from those models is another important metric to consider, in addition to model size. Depending on the model, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers 15–30 tokens per second and produces images in less than a second.
Qualcomm’s most recent AI Engine and AI Stack leverage generational improvements to enable the aforementioned capabilities.
The newest Adreno GPU, Kryo CPU, Hexagon neural processing unit (NPU), Sensing Hub, and supporting memory architecture make up the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s AI Engine, which Qualcomm claims offers up to 98% faster performance and 40% more power efficiency than the previous generation.
The GPU has been upgraded to not only enable real-time hardware-accelerated ray tracing but now provides global illumination support, as well as various gaming and hardware-accelerated image and video encoding/decoding enhancements.
Based on a 64-bit Arm Cortex-X4 architecture, Qualcomm upgraded the CPU to have five performance cores and two efficiency cores instead of the previous 4+3 configuration. In conjunction with one primary core, which can be clocked up to 3.3 GHz, the performance cores are capable of running at up to 3.2 GHz, while the efficiency cores support a clock rate of up to 2.3 GHz.
The NPU consists of scalar, vector, and tensor accelerators and has been upgraded with an enhanced power delivery system and micro tile inferencing to help with performance versus power optimization. Micro tile inferencing is the technique Qualcomm uses in its Hexagon NPU’s scalar accelerator. Ignacio Contreras, Qualcomm’s senior director of product marketing, explained that with micro tile inferencing, they can “slice neural network layers up in even smaller micro tiles to speed up the inferencing process of deep and complex neural networks and achieve even better power savings.”
Additionally, to enable multiple model modalities, as well as optimizing model size versus accuracy and latency, the NPU supports INT4, INT8, INT16 and FP16 data types.
Last but certainly not least, given the critical role the on-board sensors like the cameras and microphones play in personalizing the on-device generative AI experience, the Sensing Hub has also been updated to yield up to 3.5× the AI performance compared to the previous generation with two micro NPUs, 30% more memory and two always-sensing image sensor processors (ISPs). The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is also equipped with a 12-layer cognitive ISP.
Upgraded intelligence
Ultimately, it’s not just about performance or increased intelligence. It’s about what you can really do with it. Support for increased model parameter sizes, the Sensing Hub and ISP improvements, and upgraded memory architecture allow the SoC to support one of the most critical features for ensuring maximum AI capability and the most natural way of interacting with those capabilities: multi-modal model support.
Just as humans interact with each other and the world around them through a combination of speech, sight, feel and hearing, interactions with on-device AI should also support voice/audio, text, image, and physical sensor sampling, such as with infrared sensors and video. Multi-modal model capability allows a device to ingest all these types of input prompts, as well as output different types of content from the written or spoken word to pictures and video clips.
For example, increased performance and multi-modal model support enables on-device photo expansion. This feature comes in handy when the user wants to resize an image without distorting it or reducing the image resolution. Take, for instance, a user who shot a picture in portrait mode for use in a social media post.
Using the same image as a banner advertisement now requires nothing more than a finger tap or even a speech prompt to direct the device to expand the image with a new aspect ratio and fill the empty expanded space with new content that seamlessly matches the existing background through the use of generative AI.
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The digital versions of speech, sight and hearing are relatively straightforward. However, how can a device use ‘feel’ as an input? The answer is through the use of different sensors, such as time-of-flight and infrared sensors.
One example Qualcomm demonstrated at the recent Snapdragon Summit was the use of a time-of-flight sensor to sample the number of particles present in the air and, using AI, determine the air quality to see if it’s safe to exercise outside. Another demonstration used infrared sensors with an AI model running on a phone that determined an individual’s hydration level with a touch of their skin or determined a cookie’s freshness after it had been left out.
Next steps
The first wave of devices based on the new Snapdragon 8 gen 3 SoC will appear this quarter from smartphone OEMs. However, this is just the beginning of the transition from smartphones to genius-phones. Ongoing research and development, as well as the competitive landscape, will deliver even more performance, efficiency and ultimately, AI capability over the next few years.
As the industry and use cases mature and become more sophisticated, the AI experience will also be refined. We will carry personalized AI models, that we have fine-tuned by using them, from device to device. It’s not that difficult to imagine a situation where the AI models on our devices will learn about our preferences and interests and we won’t want to start from scratch when we move between phone, laptop and car.
As we continue down this path, it’s clear that the next generation of genius, AI-powered phones is an evolutionary step towards a whole new world of use cases and experiences. It will be exciting to see by this time next year how big the next step will be.
Best PS5 Games To Play Now
The PlayStation 5 is a shining example of cutting-edge technology as the gaming industry develops, offering immersive experiences that push the limits of interactive entertainment. If you’re a happy PS5 owner, you surely have an insatiable appetite for the greatest games out there.
This is a carefully selected list of the games you should not miss in [current year] to elevate your gaming experiences.
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“Demon’s Souls”
“Demon’s Souls” is an amazing reimagining of the iconic action role-playing game that popularized a genre. With its stunning graphics, difficult gameplay, and eerie atmosphere, this game perfectly captures the PS5’s full potential. Get ready to be enthralled with the breathtaking Boletaria as you fight strong opponents and learn the mysteries of this dark fantasy land
Miles Morales in Spider-Man: “
Take off in “Spider-Man: Miles Morales,” a thrilling superhero story that takes place in the colorful streets of New York City. In addition to stunning visuals and an engaging story, this stand-alone “Spider-Man” expansion offers the exhilaration of web-swinging across the well-known skyline. Accompany Miles Morales on his quest to succeed as Spider-Man and protect the city against fresh dangers.
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Clank & Atchet: Rift Apart”
Prepare for an adventure beyond dimensions when you play “Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.” This action-packed platformer, with its smooth transitions between various dimensions, gorgeous graphics, and quick gameplay, perfectly displays the capabilities of the PS5. Accompany Ratchet, Clank, and a brand-new Lombax called Rivet as they engage in cross-multiverse combat with the evil Dr. Nefarious.
“Returnal”
“Returnal” combines elements of roguelikes with an engrossing story to create a singular and difficult experience. As Selene, a space explorer imprisoned on an alien planet caught in a never-ending cycle of death and rebirth, set out on a mysterious adventure. For players looking for a fast-paced, unpredictable gaming experience, “Returnal” stands out thanks to its dynamic environments, fierce combat, and gripping narrative.
Astro’s Playroom
More than just a tech demo, “Astro’s Playroom” is a fun trip through the PlayStation universe that comes with every PS5. This endearing platformer offers a fun and engaging experience while showcasing the capabilities of the DualSense controller. Discover the joy of gaming with Astro Bot and venture into colorful worlds inspired by the past of PlayStation.
In conclusion, the PlayStation 5 establishes itself as a gaming powerhouse by providing a wide variety of experiences that suit the tastes of all gamers with these excellent titles.
The PS5 library includes games for all genres, including inventive platformers, superhero adventures, and difficult role-playing games. Immerse yourself in these games right now to experience previously unheard-of levels of immersion and excitement.
Enjoy your gaming and don’t forget to share your favorite PS5 games in the comments
Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ crowned King of Camera phones in DxOMark test
The well-known Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei is returning to the market in spite of US restrictions. Its limitations on the chips it could use caused performance issues, but its camera quality has remained excellent. Following the Huawei P60 Pro to the top of the DxOMark rankings, the Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ demonstrated a powerful performance for flagship smartphones.
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Specifically, the Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ has dominated the ultra-premium market, outperforming rivals such as the Oppo Find X6 Pro, Pixel 8 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. In the DxOMark camera test, it received 157 points, one point more than the Huawei P60 Pro. It has won the title in two categories: best Bokeh and Photos (primary camera performance for taking still photos in different lighting conditions). This is a more thorough analysis of its entire performance.
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Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ DxOMark test overview
The Huawei Mate 60 Pro+ earns high marks in its DxOMark camera review which makes it great for all kinds of photos and videos in different lighting. Particularly impressive is its capability to deliver outstanding results for Friends & Family photos, ensuring the capture of moments with precision and accurate rendering of skin tones, even in challenging conditions.
The camera’s variable aperture is a noteworthy feature, automatically adjusting to the number of people in the scene, ensuring everyone remains in focus. The ultrawide camera excels in capturing expansive scenes while maintaining a high level of detail. Additionally, the camera performs admirably across all zoom distances, delivering a commendable level of detail. However, it does exhibit slight limitations in capturing videos in challenging low-light conditions, showing some visible constraints in such scenarios.
New firmware updates released for OnePlus Nord N20, Nord N30 and OnePlus 9
OnePlus recently rolled out new firmware updates for three of its popular devices: OnePlus Nord N20, Nord N30, and OnePlus 9. These updates aim to improve system security with the latest Android security patch November 2023.
While each update brings improvements specific tailored to the respective device, all contribute to improving the overall user experience. Let’s take a closer look at what each update entails.
OnePlus Nord N20
With firmware version CPH2459_11.C.17, OnePlus Nord N20 users in North America will receive the latest security patch. The update has begun and will gradually reach all eligible devices in the region. Along with system security improvements, users can expect improved performance and bug fixes.
OnePlus Nord N30
OnePlus Nord N30 users across North America can now install the incremental update, which ships with firmware version CPH2513_13.1.0.622(EX01). Similar to the Nord N20 update, this release focuses on strengthening system security to ensure a safer user experience.
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Additionally, users can anticipate optimizations that could improve the overall performance of the device.
OnePlus 9 Pro
OnePlus 9 Pro receives an exciting new firmware update with version LE2121_13.1.0.592(EX01). This update brings the November 2023 security patch, strengthening the security framework of the device. Once the Pro version update has been successfully rolled out, OnePlus 9 users can expect to receive a similar update shortly after.
As with any incremental update, deployment will take some time. Users should expect to receive updates gradually, with rollouts spanning a few days to a few weeks. However, users can manually check for update availability by accessing the System Settings on their devices.
FAQ
Q: What is an incremental update?
An incremental update is a software update that introduces minor changes to an existing version of a device’s operating system. These updates typically focus on providing bug fixes, security improvements, and performance optimizations.
Q: How long will it take for updates to reach all devices?
The distribution of updates can vary, from a few days to a few weeks. It depends on factors such as device region, carrier involvement, and other considerations.
Q: Where can users report bugs or technical issues?
Users can report bugs and technical issues via the OnePlus community or contact OnePlus support directly. In India, users can also use Google Dialer by dialing *#800# to access additional support options.
These firmware updates from OnePlus demonstrate the company’s commitment to continuously improving the security of its devices and the overall user experience. Users can expect a more secure and enjoyable smartphone experience with these updates installed.
Source: OnePlus Insider
