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Huawei Kirin 970 SoC announced with dedicated NPU, AI support

Huawei has released a new next-generation processor at IFA 2017. The Kirin 970 processor is a 10nm chipset from Huawei. It is an octa-core processor with a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This is the world’s first mobile chipset with a dedicated NPU.

Clocked at a max speed of 2.4GHz, the Kirin 970 is designed on TSMC’s 10nm technology, making it smaller and more efficient. Apart from a dedicated NPU, the Kirin 970 processor features dual Image Signal Processors (ISP) and 4-Hybrid focus for motion detection and low light imaging.

Kirin 970 specifications

The Kirin range of processors are Huawei’s home-brewed SoCs for their smartphones. The latest in line is the Kirin 970 processor, announced at the IFA 2017. It is the world’s first Mobile AI platform and is based on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) 10nm design, making it more compact.

Coming to the core architecture, you get quad-core ARM Cortex A73 (2.4GHz) and quad-core ARM Cortex A53 (1.8GHz) combination. This will ensure performance and battery efficiency at the same time.

A Smarter Processor?

The Kirin 970 packs a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and inbuilt Artificial Intelligence support. As far as neural processing goes, this chip may be able to identify faces and places more efficiently, making it easier to access your phone.

With Artificial Intelligence support, it is one step ahead of the other chips. It features an open AI ecosystem for Apps to access the Neural Processing Unit for smoother functioning.

More Multimedia Capabilities

We can say so because the Kirin 970 processor has dual Image Signal Processors (ISP) for better low light and motion detection capabilities. It also has a 4-hybrid focus for a more in-focus and crisp imagery. With these capabilities, the Kirin 970 may add to an enhanced VR and AR experience as well.

With HDR10 video support, this processor will allow you to shoot 4K videos at 30fps. It also supports up to 1.2 Gbps download speeds, thanks to an integrated multi-core 4G LTE modem.

Huawei Mate 10 series

While Kirin 970 was Huawei’s highlight on the IFA 2017, they have announced the Mate 10 series to arrive on October 16 in Munich  Germany. The Huawei Mate 10 and Mate 10 Pro will be the first phones to come with Kirin 970 SoC and we can expect a more optimized multimedia performance from these phones.

Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei Consumer Business Group, commented at the launch

“The Kirin 970 is the first in a series of new advances that will bring powerful AI features to our devices and take them beyond the competition.”

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Abhishek Bhatnagar

Abhishek Bhatnagar, a known technology blogger & YouTuber from India. A Software Engineer by qualification, now he works as the editor-In-Chief, Webmaster, & Managing Director at Gadgets To Use. He runs a number of other technology websites as well.