MSI’s Summit laptops now include an AI Engine, NPU and AI Noise Cancelling on Intel Core Ultra 7 155H architecture, featuring the MSI Pen 2 haptic stylus and Wi-Fi 7 network speeds.
MSI has updated two models in its Summit line-up of laptop computers with AI features, the Summit E16 AI Evo A1M and Summit E13 AI Evo A1M. Users can specify their computers with CPUs up to Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, which have a 24M temporary Cache and processing speeds up to 4.80 GHz, and with Windows 11 Pro or Home.
Hybrid Architecture with NPU
The two models’ hybrid architecture combines CPU cores of varying sizes, named Performance-cores (P-cores), Efficient-cores (E-cores) and a new low power E-Core category called LPE-Cores devoted to low power compute rather than performance. P-cores follow a traditional processing core design with high clock speeds and hyper-threading. The E-cores are physically smaller than P-cores and consume much less power, therefore completing tasks much more slowly, and lack hyper-threading.
The computers are built with six P-cores, eight E-cores and 2 LPE-cores, plus an NPU (neural processing unit), a processor specialised for machine learning algorithms and optimised to handle the complex mathematical computations that artificial neural networks rely on. NPUs are able to process huge amounts of data in parallel, making them suitable for image recognition, natural language processing and similar tasks. Although GPUs are also good at parallel processing and are often used in machine learning, the specialisation in NPUs goes further in terms of neural network operations.
Both the Summit E16 and E13 AI Evo are certified as Intel Evo Edition platform-based designs, all of which are powered by 11th generation through 13th generation Intel Core Processors with Intel Iris Xe Graphics and Intel Core Ultra processors. As a foundation, Evo devices are equipped to give users more than 10 hours of battery life with a 1080p screen, and resume operations from a sleep state in 1.5 seconds or less. They can be re-charged to an equivalent of four hours of battery life in 30 minutes of charging time, and are tested for cool, quiet operation.
MSI AI Engine
Regarding AI features, as part of the MSI Center these laptops include MSI’s AI Engine, which works as a kind of virtual assistant. Originally, MSI Centre was the hub for the device’s task management settings. Instead, you now have an AI engine that monitors your preferences and uses algorithms to change the settings for you. In other words, if allowed, the AI engine will take over your laptop experience.
MSI AI Engine automatically recognises various user scenarios, triggering appropriate adjustments to performance, sound effects, display mode and so on. The new MSI Center keeps the functions modular and customizable. You only install the features you need at a time, and avoid loading the system with unnecessary work.
When the relevant scenario, such as content creation, editing or streaming, is selected, MSI Center will recommend the associated feature sets. Thus, as well as general settings, you can focus on system diagnosis, performance analysis, noise cancellation and other features.
MSI Pen 2
The computers are compatible with the MSI Pen 2, which runs on the Microsoft Pen protocol (MPP) 2.6 that gives haptic feedback for a natural writing experience and accurate reproduction of fine lines and shading. Its small motor, built into the stylus body, generates a slight resistance when the pen is in contact with screen.
The pen also has a graphite tip that can write normally on paper and then transition to a digital surface with no changes. It can also be used on touchscreens without scratching. Its battery lasts up to 10 hrs. Ranging from fine-line drawing to broad shading and paint strokes, the sensors and 4,096 pressure levels calculate the pen’s position, pressure and tilt in real-time.
Conferencing
All of the computers in the Summit series include 3D [image] Noise Reduction+ to remove graininess and lack of clarity from images, and AI Noise Cancellation Pro to improve audio. AI-based approaches use deep learning and fast-learning algorithms that recognise the dominant sound, isolate it, enhance it and remove ambient noise. A sound on a different frequency is produced, and when this new out-of-phase noise meets the undesired noise, the sound waves cancel each other out.
The new Spatial Array Microphone set-up using three mics also improves audio by switching between immersive 3D audio and directional focus – in other words, you can select to hear everything, placed in the environment around you, or choose to concentrate on the sounds that are essential to you.
The Devices
The Summit E16 Evo weighs 2.1kg and measures 16.9x17.35mm and has a 16in QHD+ (2560x1600) resolution touch screen displaying 100% DCI-P3 colour space. The Summit E13 Evo weighs 1.39kg and measures 15.9x16.2mm with a 13.3in FHD+ (1920x1200) touch screen delivering 100% sRGB. The 16:10 aspect ratio expands users' workspace with a more comfortable visual experience, especially during long periods of use.
The Wi-Fi 7 network speed carries more data in each transmission than Wi-Fi 6/6E, to a potential maximum data rate of nearly 5.8 Gbps. This makes it easier and faster to stream high-quality video or download large files.
For connectivity, the body has a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, a HDMI 2.1 port supporting 4K@60Hz, a Thunderbolt 4 port with Power Delivery 3.0 charging allowing delivery of up to 100W through a single cable. Multiple devices can be powered simultaneously instead of using a dedicated AC adapter for each device. An audio combo jack is included and, on the Summit E16, a microSD Card Reader.
Both laptops are designed with MSI’s Dynamic Cooler Boost to dissipate heat from the CPU as far and as efficiently as possible while maintaining less than 35dB background noise.
MSI’s new Summit AI-powered laptops can be purchased now at a special EOFY price. Click here for details. www.msi.com
