Shulou(Shulou.com)11/24 Report--

CTOnews.com, September 26, according to the latest report released by market research agency Canalys, in the current wave of AI, personal computers, as the core tools of modern work and leisure for enterprises and consumers, will now face an earth-shaking transformation in terms of software and hardware capabilities, so as to meet the large-scale popularity of AI.

Canalys believes that "AI-compatible" personal computers must be equipped with chipsets or modules that speed up AI computing. In the current market pattern, major examples include Qualcomm's Hexagon Tensor Accelerator, Apple's neural engine, Intel's Movidius VPU and AMD's APU.

▲ image source Canalys official account AI chipsets will become the key to supporting AI personal computers, Canalys said that with the continued popularity of generative AI, enterprises and consumers are actively integrating AI features to enhance work efficiency and leisure experience. Personal computers, as the core of modern work and life, are now preparing to accelerate development in the fields of software and hardware in order to keep up with this trend.

Defining the parameters of this emerging product category is the key to seizing market opportunities. Many personal computers equipped with powerful CPU and GPU have been able to combine cloud applications to take advantage of AI.

However, AI use cases that really make sense on personal computers must give priority to real-time response, low latency, and high security. Therefore, "AI-compatible" personal computers must be equipped with chipsets or modules that speed up AI computing.

Although such a definition provides an entry point, Canalys believes that the definition is likely to be eliminated in the future. In the long run, this single definition of AI personal computers may be meaningless as AI chipsets are expected to become "standard" in all mainstream processors. Therefore, we expect this definition to evolve with the diversification of AI applications, gradually transitioning to a detailed rating system based on each AI function and capability of the personal computer.

In the coming quarters, manufacturers will release more processors optimized for AI. Apple has launched the M1 neural engine integrated with AI in the fourth quarter of 2020. CTOnews.com noted that Apple is expected to launch the Mac with M3 series chips in the third quarter of 2023, when Apple will be the first manufacturer to invest 100% in AI computers. At the same time, Qualcomm has also enhanced the AI capability of its ARM architecture 8cx Gen3 chipset, with the aim of expanding market share in 2024 with the integration of Nuvia architecture and Windows Copilot.

In the x86 area, AMD launched its AI program "Phoenix" Ryzen 7040 series ahead of Intel's Meteor Lake debut in the second quarter of 2023. This move prompted PC manufacturers to adopt AMD technology ahead of time to take full advantage of the market momentum. By the second half of 2024, AMD expects the 8050 series to further enhance AI capabilities.

Intel, as a laggard, focuses on Movidius VPU embedded in the Meteor Lake series. With the blessing of Intel's dominant market, this strategy will accelerate the popularity of the "AI + PC" mix from 2024. With the upcoming versions of Arrow Lake and Lunar Lake, Intel is betting on the AI chipset, leading the revolution in AI-enabled personal computers.

In addition, manufacturers with large shipments can consider using self-developed processors based on ARM or RISC-V architecture. Although self-research involves high upfront costs, it can optimize performance, energy consumption and enhance safety. With the growth of shipments, this strategy can promote cost reduction and give manufacturers greater flexibility and autonomy in their own technology.

The demand for parts and components has also increased with the leap forward of AI tools. Our current definition of AI-compatible personal computers is as a basic benchmark. Personal computers that meet the most basic specifications can run basic functions such as digital assistants such as Cortana and Siri, real-time background visualization and voice text of videoconferencing tools.

For high-end AI software and tools, high-performance components will be the key. Recent research by Canalys outlines four levels of evolution of AI tools. These trends will expand the requirements for components such as memory, storage, and GPU to meet specific use cases. For example, as more and more personal computers are pre-installed with large language models, the combination of large storage capacity and high-speed interfaces will be crucial. Similarly, operating these large language models will require more memory and stable GPU.

▲ Picture Source Canalys official account in 2027, AI personal computers will reach 60% market penetration Canalys predicts that compatible AI personal computers will show a steady upward trend. By the second quarter of 2023, the AI-compatible PC market had shipped more than 5 million units, driven by Apple's neural engine.

As x86 architectures improve their AI capabilities, we expect a new wave of AI enabling models starting in the first half of 2024. Shipments are expected to rise to about 20 million units by the fourth quarter of 2024, accounting for more than 25 per cent of global PC shipments.

Given the expected release of AI-enhanced features of the latest Windows operating system launched at the end of 2024, and the widespread use of AI tools in business and productivity software, the AI-compatible PC market is expected to explode in 2025 and 2026.

Shipments are expected to exceed 175 million units by 2027, accounting for more than 60 per cent of total PC shipments. Between now and then, the sector will have a compound annual growth rate of 94%.

Referenc

Canalys predicts that 60% of PCs will be compatible with AI in 2027

Welcome to subscribe "Shulou Technology Information " to get latest news, interesting things and hot topics in the IT industry, and controls the hottest and latest Internet news, technology news and IT industry trends.