Machine learning training sets focus on precise aspects of a domain. A machine learning algorithm trained on the identification of cancer cells does that job with accuracy and precision. The algorithm has seen so many cases that its ability to identify the next case proves uncanny to those not familiar with the underlying technology. Those who do understand the model are not amazed. The cancer identification algorithm reinforces their own learning that machine learning, or in some camps, artificial intelligence, can outpace a human’s ability to identify patterns among often subtle signals.

By Daniel W. Rasmus, Serious Insights

Power was once a peer to X86 technology along with a number of now obsolete processor platforms, but as those others dropped off and X86 became dominant, Power continued. Yes, it had to hit above its weight class in order to compete and remain relevant, but it did, and it continues to have some of the most loyal and outspoken customers today who appreciate what Power uniquely brings to the table. 

The reason it has sustained speaks to both a weakness in X86 execution which allows for competing technologies to exist and a level of continued focus and execution by IBM that has enabled the technology to continue long after many thought it would be obsolete.  

Let’s look at the surprising success of IBM Power this week on top of IBM's latest announcements surrounding the platform.  

By Rob Enderle, Enderle Group

AMD’s historic place in the microprocessor ecosystem is as a second source for Intel. Some of AMD’s biggest problems have resulted from its being unwilling to remain second tier and Intel’s understandable reluctance to allow it to rise to peer level. AMD’s prior push to rise to peer status in the early 2000s ended badly because of AMD execution issues and Intel moving aggressively to prevent a favorable AMD outcome.

Rob Enderle delves into the recent rise of AMD, and the lessons to take away from the successes (and failures) of both companies. 

By Rob Enderle, Enderle Group

Haven't found the perfect gift yet? Look no further! The Serious Insights Holiday Gift Guide for 2022 focuses on our best-reviewed products. They fall into a wide range of prices, from stocking stuffers to “wow, you bought that instead of a diamond ring?” 

– Dan W. Rasmus, Serious Insights

At the height of Covid, before we really knew how it was transmitted, many tech companies reacted with antimicrobial offerings. Global accessory maker Targus started a line that included the mouse and the keyboard reviewed here. While transmission of Covid from hard surfaces ended as a rare transmission method, other bacteria and viruses, however, do travel that way. Many times, I have come home with CES and Comic-Con “crud” long before Covid-19, mostly from a lapse in hygiene after a day of touching well-touched escalator handrails.

The US Chips and Science Act took over a year of negotiations to pass and contain provisions that supply around $11B in semiconductor research and development. To begin to make use of this money, over 100 companies in the technology sector have come together to form the ASIC (American Semiconductor Innovation Coalition). This is a broad effort to help address the dire situation the U.S. Semiconductor industry is in because of the pandemic, Ukraine War, and China’s increasing hostility toward Taiwan. Let’s talk about ASIC this week.

– Rob Enderle, The Enderle Group

Despite still high digital adoption rates, our latest Digital Sentiment Survey finds that consumers are uncertain about the future. But clear opportunities for digital growth exist for companies that know where to look.

- Neira Hajro, Klemens Hjartar, Paul Jenkins, and Benjamim Vieria 

Apple’s World Wide Developer’s Conference, WWDC 2022 announced several updates to chips, devices, and all of the operating systems. We explore the more important announcements below and analyze their impact on users and the market.

– Daniel W. Rasmus, Serious Insights

I received an evaluation copy of TripIt Pro several months ago. Unfortunately, I had to cancel the first trip after that. And the one after that as well. But I have had time to explore the latest version of TripIt Pro, which now sits ready to support a trip in July 2022. Earlier versions of the service proved valuable in trips across the globe. TripIt offers value before trips and during them. The services insights help subscribers realize how many adventures they have shared. A free version will serve for most, while a Pro version at $49 will likely find more than one way to pay for itself.

– Dan W. Rasmus, Serious Insights

The metaverse arms race is really picking up speed and new announcements are being made all the time. The most recent development is the coming together of two great tech worlds: the Metaverse and the cloud. That’s because of tech company Nvidia, which has led the switch to move its metaverse over to the cloud, where it can be more easily accessed. The question remains: will the rest of the metaverse do the same?

– TGDaily