Computers
Windows 11 is official with major UI and performance changes
There’s a lot of new changes here!
This is it: Windows 11 is now official. Weeks after an early build leaked to the public, Microsoft took to the stage to announce the next Windows six years after the last major version. Windows 11 is a major departure from its predecessor, featuring big UI and performance changes.
The new Start menu, taskbar, and Teams integration
Booting up Windows 11, users will notice a new and refreshed experience. By default, the taskbar is now centrally aligned. The system tray (systray) icon also sees some major change while invoking a sense of familiarity.
The Start menu is still there, yet gone are the live tiles that defined Windows 10. Simplicity is the norm here, as the Start menu surfaces app icons and recommendations by default. By the way, the recommendations are now tightly integrated with Microsoft 365 and cloud experiences.
The new Start menu. Image Source: Microsoft
However, live tiles aren’t completely gone. Windows 11 introduces Windows Widgets, which is a separate place for AI-powered widgets. It looks like familiar to the one on iOS right now, and frankly, this is where Windows 10’s News & Interests widgets now reside. Still, it is a welcome addition to Windows, considering that Windows 7 also has an almost-similar functionality in the form of Sidebars.
Windows Widgets. Image Source: Microsoft
Microsoft Teams are also getting a much tighter integration on Windows 11. Users can now access the Chat from Microsoft Teams right from the taskbar. In a way, it replaces the People section on the taskbar which is gone from Windows 11.
Tighter Microsoft Teams integration. Image Source: Microsoft
Improved window snapping experience and desktops
Microsoft states that Windows 11 “cuts through complexity and brings simplicity.” One way they did that with the new Windows is by bringing an improved window snapping experience.
With the improved snapping experience, users can take advantage of bigger screens and snap up to three windows. A new fly-out appears when snapping with different layouts for the windows. Snapped windows show as groups in the taskbar too, so users can easily switch on a whim.
Improved snapping experience. Image Source: Microsoft
Desktops — a feature introduced by Windows 10 — is also getting some nifty improvements. Windows 11 will now remember the desktops for each screen. For example, users can use a desktop for work and project it to their second monitor. Upon reconnecting to that second monitor, Windows 11 will automatically surface that desktop for work.
Focus on gaming, Microsoft Store gets an overhaul
Windows 11 will also bring improvements to gaming. Microsoft name three big additions to improve the gaming experience: Direct X 12 Ultimate, DirectStorage, and Auto HDR. It is worth noting though, that Auto HDR is not totally new since Windows 10 users are also getting that feature.
Meanwhile, Microsoft Store is getting a major overhaul for Windows 11. This is welcome news for many Windows users, as Microsoft Store has been traditionally ridden with problems. Big changes include major UI overhaul, as well as changes to the commerce model. Microsoft will now allow app developers to publish their own apps and keep all the revenues to themselves.
The new Microsoft Store. Image Source: Microsoft
Android apps are coming along with new app designs
Microsoft also teased major UI redesigns for some of its in-built apps during a separate session for developers. That includes redesigned Settings, File Explorer, refreshed Microsoft Paint and Notepad, and more. The session also teased a new Microsoft Office design. All in all, these designs feature the Fluent Design that Microsoft has been pushing across all its apps and services for the past few years.
A redesigned Settings app. Image Source: Microsoft
Finally, one of the biggest highlights of the Windows 11 is the capability to run Android apps. Microsoft partnered with Amazon to bring a selection of Android apps to the Microsoft Store. Sure, there are limitations on what Android apps can run in Windows 11. However, this is still a big addition to Windows, since users may now run supported Android apps natively without resorting to any third-party solutions.
By the way, the capability to run Android apps is all thanks to Intel Bridge, a new technology resulting from collaboration between Microsoft and Intel.
Android apps on the Microsoft Store. Image Source: Microsoft
Availability
Microsoft didn’t announce any concrete dates for the launch of Windows 11. Rather, the company announced a general availability during the later part of 2021. The new Windows will be offered as a free update for eligible Windows 10 PCs. Users may check if their PCs are eligible through this website.
Computers
Lenovo accelerates production-ready enterprise AI with NVIDIA
From AI inferencing to gigawatt-scale AI factories
Lenovo has unveiled new Lenovo Hybrid AI Advantage with NVIDIA solutions designed to accelerate AI adoption, reduce time-to-first-token (TTFT), and deliver measurable business results across personal, enterprise, and cloud environments.
Building on the inferencing acceleration introduced at Lenovo Tech World, this next phase of Hybrid AI execution expands the solutions with device to data center to gigawatt-scale AI cloud deployments.
This enables real-time decision-making, operational efficiency, and intelligent automation across industries at global scale. The solutions boost productivity, agility, and innovation by enabling faster AI deployment.
The development comes as AI is seen moving from training models powering real-time decisions. Lenovo is prepared to address the demand for validated hybrid AI platforms built for production-scale inferencing, as organizations will need infrastructure to support such.
In fact, Lenovo’s Hybrid AI Advantage with NVIDIA are now delivering ROI in less than six months. The new inferencing-optimized ThinkSystem and ThinkEdge servers are being utilized for real-time inferencing across retail, manufacturing, healthcare, sports, and smart city scenarios.
The expanded portfolio includes:
- two Lenovo Hybrid AI platforms, featuring NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition and Blackwell Ultra
- Hybrid AI inferencing starter platform with RTX PRO 4500 Blackwell Server Edition
- Lenovo ThinkAgile HX650a with Nutanix Enterprise AI and Nutanix Kubernetes Platform
- Lenovo Hybrid AI platforms with Cloudian
Bringing inferencing directly to professionals
Lenovo and NVIDIA are bringing AI from development environments to real-world production at a global scale. This is thanks to new Lenovo AI inferencing platforms with NVIDIA Dynamo and NVIDIA NIM.
Meanwhile, Lenovo AI Cloud gigafactory platforms are powered by NVIDIA Vera Rubin NVL72. Industry-specific agentic AI solutions are also built with NVIDIA Blueprints and software.
For consumers, there’s next-generation NVIDIA RTX Pro Blackwell-powered mobile and desktop workstations. These will be rolled out across the ThinkPad P14s Gen 7, ThinkPad P16s Gen 5, and ThinkPad P1 Gen 1 lineups.
ThinkStation P5 Gen 2 desktops, meanwhile, will get up to two RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Max-Q GPUs. They will also have support for NVIDIA OpenShell.
For gigawatt-scale scenarios, the next-gen Vera Rubin platform accelerates deployment for hyperscale and sovereign AI cloud providers.
These fully liquid-cooled, rack-scale AI systems are engineered for faster deployment and dramatically improved token economics. They can achieve up to 10x higher throughput and up to 10x lower cost per token.
Computers
CIPTA debuts AI GPU server, edge workstation at CloudFest 2026
Malaysia-made AI infrastructure
CIPTA Industrial Sdn Bhd steps onto the global stage with its European debut at CloudFest 2026. They introduced high-density AI infrastructure and edge-ready systems built for modern enterprise workloads.
Held at Europa-Park in Rust, Germany from March 23 to 26, the event marks the company’s first major international showcase under its own brand. Backed by InWin Development Inc., CIPTA positions itself as a new-generation EMS provider focused on AI, cloud, and enterprise systems.
At Booth R41, the company is highlighting two key platforms: the RG658 PRO GPU server developed with Phison, and the cubePRO edge workstation created in collaboration with Accordance.
Built for scalable AI workloads
Leading the showcase is the RG658 PRO, a high-density GPU server designed to handle large-scale AI training and inference without pushing costs out of reach for enterprises.
The system supports up to eight high-performance GPUs and integrates Phison’s Pascari aiDAPTIV alongside its PASCARI enterprise SSD lineup. This combination aims to improve data throughput, reduce latency, and streamline AI pipelines.
Thermal performance is a key focus. The RG658 PRO uses a dual-chamber design to separate heat zones, paired with up to 14 high-speed PWM fans for sustained cooling under heavy workloads. Power delivery is handled by a 3+1 redundant configuration of 80PLUS Titanium PSUs, scaling up to 9600W.
The result is a platform built to scale AI deployments on-site while maintaining efficiency and reliability.
Edge computing without downtime
Alongside its GPU server, CIPTA is introducing the cubePRO, a compact edge workstation designed for environments where uptime and data integrity are critical.
The system supports up to four PCIe slots for GPU configurations, making it suitable for AI workloads at the edge. It also features high-capacity multi-SSD setups and optimized airflow for continuous 24/7 operation.
Through its partnership with Accordance, the cubePRO integrates the Disk Array ARAID M500 solution, enabling high-availability storage and data protection. This ensures uninterrupted performance for use cases such as industrial systems, remote nodes, and enterprise branch deployments.
The focus here is clear: bring AI processing closer to where data is generated, without sacrificing reliability.
Strengthening Malaysia’s role in AI infrastructure
CIPTA’s debut also reflects a broader shift in global supply chains. Operating from Malaysia, the company offers end-to-end services—from concept to production—along with flexible manufacturing cycles and cost-efficient operations tailored for Southeast Asia and international markets.
With access to InWin’s server chassis ecosystem and infrastructure solutions, CIPTA combines global platform capabilities with localized integration. The goal is to help enterprises deploy AI and cloud infrastructure faster while diversifying their supply chain footprint.
As demand for AI systems continues to grow, CIPTA is positioning Malaysia as a key hub for scalable, production-ready infrastructure.
Visitors can find CIPTA at Booth R41 during CloudFest 2026 in Europa-Park, Rust, Germany.
Computers
AMD expands Ryzen AI Embedded P100 series lineup
Scalable, efficient AI compute for industrial, edge solutions
AMD has recently announced the expansion of its AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P100 Series processor lineup.
This enables scalable and power-efficient AI compute tailor-built for industrial and AI edge systems. Scenarios include factory automation, physical AI in mobile robotics, and other AI-driven edge applications.
With eight to 12 high-performance Zen 5 cores, AMD ROCm support, and up to 80 total system TOPS, the new x86 embedded APUs deliver up to:
- 2x more CPU core counts
- 8x higher GPU compute
- 36% higher system TOPS
This way, developers and system designers get an expanded and scalable portfolio of power-efficient edge computing solutions. These processors support real-time AI from vision to control and reasoning, as well as offer advanced graphics capabilities.
On a single chip, clients get up to 80 TOPS physical AI acceleration, AMD RDNA 3.5 graphics for real-time visualization, and an NPU based on the AMD XDNA 2 architecture.
Moreover, the processors can withstand industrial temperature ranges (-40° C to 105° C) and can support continuous 24/7 operations for up to 10-year life cycles. That’s along with low-latency and power-efficient AI inference.
Real-life applications include intelligent factories, autonomous robots, and medical imaging devices. For instance, the processors can deliver CPU performance required for real-time inspection and process optimization.
For mobile robots, meanwhile, processors can manage navigation, motion, control, and route planning while the GPU processes multi-camera feeds for spatial awareness.
Furthermore, for 3D health imaging, the processors can enable the powering of 3D imaging for ultrasounds, endoscopes, tissue classification, and tumor detection at the edge. This is done with models like U-Net, nnU-Net, and MONAI.
The processors then accelerate image-to-report workflows with MedSigLIP and support clinical reasoning and Q&A with Med-PaLM 2.
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