With the imminent release of devices featuring AI services as core functions, closely integrated into our daily lives through smartphones and PCs, the true era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) popularization is unfolding. Devices that can summarize conversations, suggest optimal responses automatically, and even provide foreign language simultaneous translation without an internet connection are becoming commonplace. The laptop market is witnessing the initial skirmish in this trend.
According to industry sources on Dec. 17, Samsung Electronics is set to officially launch its Galaxy Book4 series early next year, equipped with Intel’s 14th generation Meteor Lake chips. This series combines Intel’s latest processors, which significantly enhance AI performance, with Samsung’s forte, the dynamic AMOLED 2X speed touch display. The pricing ranges from 1 million to 2 million won for the standard Pro model, 2 million to 3 million won for the Pro 360, and 3 million to 5 million won for the top-tier Ultra model.
LG Electronics is also releasing the 2024 LG Gram equipped with the same chip. This device, too, can perform AI computations without network connectivity. Notably, LG Electronics has strategically priced the latest chip-equipped model at the same level as its predecessor. The laptop market, which has been sluggish this year, is likely to gradually recover from next year, centered around these new products with AI features.
The 14th generation Intel Meteor Lake central processing unit (CPU) chips, equipped in the new laptops from Samsung and LG, incorporate a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) specialized in computational functions. Following the demonstration of limitless possibilities in AI utilization by generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT, the semiconductor industry has moved towards developing PC and mobile chips that can handle extensive AI inference and learning independently, without external network connections. Intel has started implementing AI technology in all its chips, from PCs to servers, under the strategy of “AI Everywhere.”
Chips based on the U.K.’s ARM technology, which dominates the mobile application processor (AP) sector and doesn’t follow Intel’s x86 design, are also being reborn in step with AI popularization. Nearly all mobile devices to be released next year are expected to support features that autonomously create and edit desired images.
The keyword for the AP Exynos2400, to be used in Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy S24 series launching next month, is “on-device AI,” which implements AI functions within the device itself. Qualcomm has also unveiled its smartphone-specific Snapdragon 8 3rd generation and PC-specific Snapdragon X Elite chips, both designed for the first time with generative AI optimization.
Apple, too, is gearing up for AI popularization, extending its ARM-based Apple Silicon across its iPhone, iPad, and Mac lineups. Apple has recently introduced new products equipped with the industry-first 3-nanometer process APs, A17 Pro and M3 chips, emphasizing AI features. This month, Apple introduced its new MacBook Pro lineup with the M3 chip in South Korea, supporting AI functions in services like high-definition video editing, leveraging its overwhelming graphics processing unit performance.