Intel Reveals 4nm Loihi 2 Neuromorphic Research Chip Intel has produced up to 80% of the technology we use in computers, and has an enormous lead in research over the competition, but the competition has focused largely on creating their own alternatives to Intel, and is rapidly making progress in every way imaginable. AMD's Zen chips helped them catch up Intel, and their newest GPUs have led to all AMD laptops, while Nvidia is attempting to produce their own ARM laptops, and Apple is making their usual fumbling attempts as well. This chip is the first indication Intel is preparing to stomp on everyone again. Loihi is a volcano in Hawaii, but these neuromorphic chips could use static electricity to power them, and can imitate any neuromorphic model that isn't quantum mechanical. The only problem people have had with neuromorphic and distributed computing is developing the architecture, because analog logic is much more demanding that you get it, "Just Right", or Three Stooges slapstick is sure to follow. Recent advances in such architectures have made embedded AI a reality, and about a million transistors or "neurons" is about the right number for such applications, and these chips current cost around $350.oo, but in three years could easily come way down in price, if someone comes out with a cheap alternative, such as memristors. This is typical Intel strategy, with their motto being "Good Enough". They want the best architecture and the lead in fabrication technology, and not necessarily make cheap disposable cellphones or whatever. If someone does come out with a cheaper alternative, you can bet your ass this architecture will be part of much more expensive hardware, that might require a security clearance. Terminator robots could make serious use of these kinds of chips, while nobody has heard back from IBM about their newest memristors.
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger Declares 'AMD's Lead Is Over' After Alder Lake, Sapphire Rapids Intel is starting early, bragging about their upcoming processors destroying the competition, namely AMD. Perhaps the most important note this article makes is that Intel is diversifying, making their own ARM chips. The current chip shortage has everyone lining up at the fabrication plants and waiting for a chance to make their chips, and Intel being able to outsource cheaper ARM chips means they'll be able to maintain their lead in producing the lion's share of the hardware in computers. Outsourcing chips means they make less profit, but they are currently investing heavily in building more fabs for making chips. If Google owns a sizable chunk of the internet servers, Intel owns more fabrication plants than anyone, and is still building them faster than anyone. They literally can't keep up with the demand, and something has to give.
