DirectML's Intel NPUs are another step further to the AI PC

Last year, Microsoft and Intel debuted with the first NPU for Windows. So, now, we are one step closer to playing with this new physical chip. However, at the moment, the support for the Intel Core Ultra CPU featuring an NPU is just for the Windows 11 DirectML developer preview.

What is the use of DirectML?

One of the important functions of DirectML, the machine learning API for Windows, is to provide the user with a low-level API and an abstraction layer to support machine learning accelerators. On top of that, it will enable direct machine learning on various hardware.

With DirectML facilitating the machine learning tasks, the performance, power efficiency, and accessibility of AI apps will be improved. In addition, the support for Intel Core Ultra will accelerate the development of hardware compatible with AI technologies and features, such as AI acceleration.

This new release is a great achievement for DirectML. Yet, it doesn’t come without some restrictions. That’s why DirectML 1.13.1 will only support Intel Core Ultra NPUs. On top of that, any other machine learning models were mainly excluded due to compatibility issues.

In a nutshell, DirectML will open the market for better hardware compatible with AI technologies. Furthermore, you can already check the new Intel Core Ultra Processor to discover more about the future of hardware. Moreover, if you are eager to learn more about the Windows 11 DirectML developer preview, stay tuned, and we will update you as soon as possible.

What are your thoughts? Do you think that the AI hardware will be able to improve the overall capabilities of a PC? Let us know in the comments.