Seattle, a vibrant hub of technological innovation, hosted Lenovo's Tech World conference on October 15, 2024. The event brought together an impressive lineup of AI leaders, including NVIDIA, Microsoft, Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, and Meta, forming what Lenovo called its "strongest network."

At the conference, Lenovo introduced exciting advancements in hybrid AI technologies that are transforming the "cloud-to-edge" ecosystem, along with AI PCs featuring local assistants to enhance user interactions. In a notable move, Intel and AMD are teaming up to challenge ARM, bringing Lenovo and Meta into their alliance for an even bigger impact.

Hybrid AI: Efficient, Low-Latency Data Processing with Privacy and Security

As cloud computing platforms like Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud have risen to prominence, concerns about data privacy, latency, and sovereignty have increasingly challenged the traditional cloud model.

Stricter regulations, such as the EU's GDPR and California's CCPA, impose rigorous data handling and storage requirements, particularly in sensitive sectors like finance and healthcare.

IDC reports that over 70% of financial institutions prioritize compliance and data security in their operations.

Latency issues in cloud computing can also impede applications that require immediate responses. For example, in autonomous driving and emergency medical services, delays in data transmission can lead to critical safety risks.

As we embrace the AI era, the demand for data processing and storage is surging, and it's clear that not all challenges can be addressed through cloud solutions alone.

To tackle these issues, Lenovo has introduced a hybrid AI solution at Tech World 2024.

"We introduced the concept of hybrid AI at last year's Tech World, and its relevance is now more pronounced. Private AI—including personal and enterprise AI—will coexist with public AI to provide optimized solutions for diverse customer needs," said Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing.

This hybrid model merges public and private AI with the benefits of both cloud and edge computing, enabling local data processing while retaining necessary cloud interactions. The architecture minimizes latency, enhances response times, and ensures secure data processing within compliance frameworks.

Particularly fit for industries requiring real-time processing and data sovereignty, Lenovo's approach allows initial computations on edge devices, reducing reliance on remote data centers and keeping sensitive data local for extra security.

By integrating AI models on edge devices, Lenovo facilitates real-time analysis and decision-making. For instance, in smart manufacturing, Lenovo’s edge devices can instantly process production data, ensuring efficiency and quality while complementing traditional cloud capabilities.

Lenovo's hybrid AI model effectively integrates private and public AI. Private AI excels in security and local processing, making it ideal for finance and healthcare, while public AI leverages large-scale cloud platforms and model resources like ChatGPT and Meta's Llama to offer robust computing capabilities. This flexibility enables businesses to maximize resources while ensuring data security.

On the hardware front, Lenovo showcased a vertical liquid cooling system, essential for supporting the hybrid AI model. This technology efficiently manages temperatures for high-density computing, allowing AI models to run effectively on local edge devices.

The launch of the sixth-generation vertical liquid cooling solution, the ThinkSystem N1380 Neptune, represents a significant advancement, enabling organizations to accelerate generative AI development while reducing data center energy consumption by up to 40%.

Additionally, Lenovo introduced the ThinkSystem SC777 V4 Neptune, a server designed for enterprise AI and high-performance computing (HPC). This system features the NVIDIA Grace Blackwell GB200 chip and NVIDIA NVLink technology, providing robust computing support on both hardware and software fronts. This announcement was made by NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang alongside Lenovo’s Yang Yuanqing.

Together, the ThinkSystem N1380 Neptune and SC777 V4 Neptune allow server racks exceeding 100KW to operate without traditional air conditioning, offering innovative solutions for high-density computing scenarios.

Under Lenovo's new IT architecture, the hybrid AI solution seamlessly integrates devices, edge computing, cloud computing, networking, and intelligent applications. This comprehensive framework addresses efficiency bottlenecks caused by uneven resource distribution and latency in traditional cloud models, laying a robust foundation for future multi-layered AI applications.

AI PCs Get an Upgrade with Local AI Assistant Lenovo AI Now

AI PCs are poised to be a game changer in the tech industry, redefining our digital interactions through advanced AI integration. By seamlessly merging hardware and software, these next-gen personal computers enhance device intelligence and deliver personalized user experiences like never before.

While traditional PCs rely on CPUs and GPUs, AI PCs elevate performance with neural processing units (NPUs).

This innovation enables complex AI tasks to be executed directly on the device, resulting in smarter, more tailored computing experiences while maintaining user privacy.

Lenovo, a leader in the PC market, launched its AI PC line last year. At this year's Tech World, they made a significant leap forward with the introduction of Lenovo AI Now, a local AI assistant designed specifically for their AI PCs.

Built on the Meta Llama model, Lenovo AI Now interacts with users in real time, assisting with scheduling, document management, and task reminders. Unlike cloud-based assistants like ChatGPT, Lenovo AI Now emphasizes data privacy and quick responsiveness.

In office environments, Lenovo AI Now truly excels, automating tasks such as scheduling and document handling. With voice control and natural language processing, users can engage directly with their devices, reducing reliance on traditional input methods.

At Tech World 2024, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger noted that IDC predicts AI PCs will capture half of the market share by next year and possibly reach 100% by 2030.

However, this optimistic outlook may be overly ambitious.

Recent data from IDC and Gartner reveals a 2.4% decline in global PC shipments year-on-year for Q3 2024, totaling around 68.8 million units. After two quarters of growth, AI PCs have yet to ignite the market demand many anticipated.

Gartner analyst Mikako Kitagawa pointed out that even with the launch of new Windows-based AI PCs using Arm and x86 architectures in Q3, the market response has been lukewarm. Many buyers are not yet perceiving significant advantages or value in these devices.

Then IDC analyst Linn Huang echoed this sentiment, predicting that while AI PCs are likely to become mainstream, widespread adoption may take longer than expected, with meaningful market changes not anticipated until after 2026.

Despite showcasing strong local computing capabilities, AI PCs have yet to prove their everyday advantages to consumers. Many people still lean on cloud tools like ChatGPT for natural language processing and text generation. For most, traditional PCs connected to cloud services are doing just fine for daily tasks, which lowers the urgency for new hardware.

On top of that, the higher costs associated with AI PC hardware make it tough for the average consumer, who typically prioritizes value for money. As a result, AI PCs mainly appeal to professional users, representing a small slice of the overall market.

Looking ahead, as hardware prices drop and technology evolves to meet rising user demands, AI PCs still have the potential to truly transform the computing landscape.

Despite an overall decline in the global PC market, Lenovo achieved a 3% growth in Q3 2024, capturing 24% of the market share and reinforcing its leadership position.

These figures underscore the company's strong market performance and demonstrate its solid footing for long-term success in the AI PC sector.

Intel and AMD Team Up Against ARM Architecture

Nothing brings competitors together like a common enemy, and the rise of ARM has pushed Intel and AMD closer than ever.

At the conference, the two tech giants announced the formation of the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group, designed to simplify software development, ensure consistent interfaces, and provide standardized tools and guidance for developers.

Shortly after, Lenovo joined the effort to help advance and standardize the x86 ecosystem.

As we dive deeper into the AI era, the choice of architecture becomes increasingly crucial. Intel's x86 architecture has dominated the PC and data center landscapes for years, but ARM's unique advantages are gaining ground due to the rapid growth of edge computing and mobile devices.

ARM excels with its low-power design, making it ideal for battery-powered devices like smartphones, drones, and smart home tech. While x86 offers superior performance, its higher power consumption is better suited for data centers and high-performance computing, limiting its flexibility for mobile and embedded applications.

Flexibility is where ARM shines. Its modular design allows chip manufacturers to optimize for specific AI tasks, such as integrating NPUs and boosting GPU performance, giving it a significant edge in specialized AI hardware.

Additionally, ARM's close ties with mobile platforms like Android and iOS provide rich development tools and optimization frameworks that enhance its ecosystem's growth. In contrast, x86, though well-supported in PCs and data centers, has fallen behind in mobile applications.

Even though x86 remains strong in high-performance computing, ARM is proving its worth in emerging AI applications.

In response to doubts about the future of x86, Gelsinger confidently stated, "Is x86 done  Well, I'll tell you, rumors of my death are severely exaggerated. We are alive and well, and x86 is thriving."

The formation of the x86 Alliance is a strategic move by Intel to capture more market share. By bringing together hardware manufacturers like Lenovo, software developers like Meta, and competitors like AMD, the alliance aims to create a unified, open ecosystem that reduces AI development costs and accelerates global adoption of AI technologies.

AMD's Chair and CEO, Dr. Lisa Su, voiced her support for the x86 open ecosystem: "I completely agree with what Yuanqing said about the importance of an open ecosystem. For next-gen AI, we need a software ecosystem that fosters innovation on top of foundational hardware."

As a key player in the x86 Alliance, Lenovo leverages its extensive resources in the PC and data center sectors to promote and optimize the x86 architecture.

The x86 Alliance is set to continue integrating resources and driving innovation, paving the way for technological breakthroughs in the industry.

Human-Centric AI

Lenovo is taking its tech innovations beyond the commercial space and focusing on social and cultural impacts.

At the conference, they unveiled "Alzheimer's Intelligence," an AI companion designed specifically for Alzheimer’s patients, offering meaningful companionship and emotional support.

This groundbreaking tech uses insights from hundreds of dementia and Alzheimer’s patients to create a responsive, lifelike 3D avatar that engages in natural, unscripted conversations.

With this proof-of-concept service, patients can easily access real-time conversational support with just a click.

On the cultural heritage side, Lenovo has partnered with Tsinghua University for the “AI-Enabled Intelligent Yinchun Wooden Pagoda” project, which combines spatial computing with generative AI to preserve ancient architecture.

This initiative meticulously recreates the Yinchun Wooden Pagoda in 3D, capturing its intricate details and setting a new standard for digital preservation. It adds value to cultural tourism while providing robust tools for historical research.

By blending commercial goals with social responsibility, Lenovo is pioneering "human-centric" AI.

At Tech World, Lenovo also showcased a lineup of innovative products:

1. ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition: This 2-in-1 device is designed for professionals needing flexibility and performance in hybrid work. It features an OLED display (up to 120Hz), Intel® Core™ Ultra processors, and a 48 TOPS NPU for efficient AI tasks. It offers up to 18 hours of battery life and an eco-friendly design with recyclable materials.

2. AI Education Platform: Lenovo Learning Zone: This platform helps students capture key classroom information through real-time transcription and AI-generated notes and quizzes, supporting cross-device synchronization while focusing on user privacy and data protection.

3. ThinkSmart Core Gen 2: Designed for video conferencing, it utilizes AI to optimize audio and video experiences, integrating Microsoft Copilot and Zoom AI Companion features for real-time transcription, smart video adjustments, and enhanced meeting security.

4. Smart Connect Platform: A unified multi-device integration experience for Lenovo and Motorola ecosystems.

5. ThinkStation Workstations: AI development platforms that support multiple GPUs, optimizing various AI workloads.

By prioritizing innovation, Lenovo illustrates that the future of computing transcends mere devices; it’s about enriching lives and fostering meaningful connections.

It seems like the company is well-positioned to move beyond traditional hardware manufacturing and is poised to excel in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

來源：DIYuan