Intel ARC Graphics Cards Will Ship Without Anti-Crypto Mining Software

Intel’s ARC Alchemist desktop graphics cards are not slated for launch until sometime within the second quarter of 2022, and as it stands, the chipmaker is reportedly focusing on its mobile ARC GPUs first. Interestingly, when asked if the GPUs will have some form of cryptomining prevention, the answer was, surprisingly, a shaky no.

During an interview with Gadgets 360, Roger Chandler, vice president and general manager for Client Graphics Products and Solutions, Intel, told the news site that Intel has no plans on implementing such mechanisms into its graphics lineup. Simply put, the man said that such measures were not a priority for the chipmaker and that it was not designing a “product or building any features at this point that specifically target miners”.

That last bit is crucial as it could swing interest for Intel ARC graphics cards towards the cryptomining community when they are readily available next year. Of course, it’s still too early to tell if that will be the case, considering that no engineering sample or full-fledge ARC Alchemist graphics cards are even out in the wild for testing.

Beyond that, the interview saw Chandler and Raja Koduri, senior vice president and general manager for Accelerated Computing Systems and Graphics (AXG) Group at Intel, also said on the subject of supply that, while he couldn’t promise Intel’s adequate supply of ARC Alchemist cards next year, neither could his competitors, NVIDIA and AMD.

You can check out the transcript in the source, should you wish to read the interview in-depth.

AMD Radeon Software Adrenalin 21.9.1 Bring Auto-Overclock, Windows 11 Support

AMD’s latest Radeon Software Adrenalin drivers, version 21.9.1, is now live and as with all GPU drivers, it comes pack with several updates. Included in the new update is a new Auto-overclocking feature, and support for Microsoft’s Windows 11.

The support for Windows 11 is pretty much self-explanatory for Radeon users who are part of the Microsoft Windows Insider Program. With Adrenalin 21.9.1, you effectively gain access to the full suite of Radeon-related features, including Radeon boost, Radeon Anti-Lag, and Radeon Image Sharpening. In addition, the new drivers will also allow users to use the AMD Link app with the Windows 11 insider build.

Moving on, the new Radeon Auto-Overclock is the latest addition to AMD’s Radeon Software and is easily accessible via program’s Tuning tab. The feature is a one-button does all, conveniently located in the Tuning Control section and as the name suggests, clicking the button will automatically adjust the performance of your Radeon GPU and Ryzen CPU. Do note that, as per AMD’s blog, the Auto-Overclocking feature will only function with Radeon RX 6000 Series GPUs and Ryzen 5000 Series CPUs.

Last but not least, the Adrenalin 21.9.1 drivers also carry FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) support for several titles, which includes Resident Evil Village, Chernobylite, and Arkane’s newly launched title, Deathloop, among many others.

Huawei Founder Reportedly Urging Staff To Focus On Software Development

Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei is urging staff to shift their focus on software development instead of hardware, according to an alleged internal memo spotted by Reuters. With the company’s smartphone production now at limited capacity, a change in direction is necessary in order to counter the ongoing sanctions that were imposed by the US government, he explained.

Ren added that development in the software field is “outside of US control”, which would grant Huawei “greater independence and autonomy.” The memo also mentioned that software such as its own HarmonyOS mobile operating system, Mindspore AI cloud framework, and other IT products will be given priority. It’s worth noting that the company had recently confirmed that it will be launching its mobile OS in early June.

Huawei’s shift in focus to software would depend on finding the right business model and is envisioned to adopt an open source approach, the founder wrote. In addition, Ren encouraged staff to strengthen the company’s position in China and also build up its territory in regions, with the possibility of excluding the United States altogether. “Once we dominate Europe, the Asia Pacific and Africa, if U.S. standards don’t match ours, and we can’t enter the U.S., then the U.S. can’t enter our territory,” he said.

While it may be shifting its focus to the software market for its future endeavors, Huawei still has ongoing plans on hardware production. This includes the newly announced collaboration with Changan Automobile to include the design and development of automotive-based semiconductors. On the unofficial side of things, the company has yet to officially announce its latest flagship, the Huawei P50 series, which has seen numerous leaks since the beginning of the year.