On-Device Intelligence: Apple Makes AI Make Sense

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 keynote unveiled Apple Intelligence and was another historic moment for the Cupertino company. Apple Intelligence will be implemented in this year's and future devices, and will arrive with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and watchOS 11 updates. Everywhere in the demonstrations of the new features, we could see clear signs of artificial intelligence doing its thing in the background. A true milestone in the history of computing and consumer technology - when AI started to make sense.

Renesas Electronics announced that it has designed and tested a 32-bit CPU core based on the open-standard RISC-V instruction set architecture (ISA). The new RISC-V Core extends Renesas' industry-leading embedded processing portfolio and expands the company's position as a leading supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions. The new RISC-V CPU core will complement Renesas' existing IP portfolio of 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs), including the proprietary RX Family and the RA Family based on the Arm Cortex-M architecture.

Renesas extended its RISC-V embedded processing portfolio with the first RISC-V MCU designed for voice-controlled HMI (human-machine interface) systems. The new R9A06G150 32-bit ASSP (Application Specific Signal Processor), developed in collaboration with RISC-V ecosystem partners, provides a complete, cost-effective, production-ready voice-control system solution that eliminates the need for RISC-V tools and upfront software investment.

NXP expanded its already broad portfolio of voice enablement solutions with the acquisition of Retune DSP, the Denmark-based provider of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) software and algorithms for voice control and communication applications. Announced in July and now confirmed, the acquisition of Retune DSP adds three powerful voice DSP software products that will merge with NXP’s voice solutions. The combination with NXP’s broad customer base, global footprint and scale, promises to expand breakthrough voice solutions through combined R&D, sales force and customer support teams.

As the Internet of Things (IoT) delivers greater connectivity for industrial and home applications and as connected vehicles enhance cabin and operational features, higher-performance microcontrollers are required for better real-time control as well as to enable enhanced human machine interface applications. Microchip Technology announced its next generation AVR DA family of microcontrollers (MCUs) – its first Functional Safety Ready AVR MCU family with Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC).

Voice-enabled devices are quickly becoming commonplace in nearly every region and for every consumer demographic. Whether making cloud-connected or offline products, OEMs need to understand what’s driving this demand for voice. Unlike some new product features, adding a voice interface requires product architects to make a number of highly-impactful, interconnected design decisions. Development teams don’t have it easy either, as integrating microphones in a product introduces another layer of complexity.