Stock Markets
Imagination Announces Highest Performance Automotive GPU IP with FuSa Advancement
Imagination DXS GPU Extends Lead in Automotive
Highlights:
- 50% higher peak performance than Imagination’s previous generation automotive GPU, scaling up to 192GPixel/s, 6 TFLOPS and 24 TOPS
- Up to ten times higher performance for compute workloads
- New innovations in distributed functional safety deliver ASIL-B functional safety with minimal overhead
SAN JOSE, Calif. & BEIJING–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Imagination Technologies (Imagination) today unveils Imagination DXS GPU, its latest automotive GPU IP for in-vehicle intelligence and interaction. DXS is a scalable and flexible GPU IP designed to process graphics and compute workloads in cockpit, infotainment and advanced driver assistance systems. It introduces new innovations in distributed safety, eliminating the overhead of achieving ASIL-B functional safety on Imagination processors. It has already been licensed for use in the automotive market.
The Imagination DXS GPU supports the graphics and compute requirements of an entire vehicle line-up with single core configurations starting at 0.25 TFLOPS and scaling up to 1.5 TFLOPS – 50% higher peak performance than Imagination’s previous generation automotive GPU IP. Imagination’s unique multi-core technology allows for two, three and four core configurations, while the low bandwidth bus between cores and support for isolation suits the use of IMG DXS in chiplets. It adopts relevant features introduced into the PowerVR architecture in D-Series, such as Pipelined Data Masters and 2D Dual-Rate Texturing, to boost performance efficiency by 20% over previous generations of automotive GPU IP and ensure that it outperforms competitive cores on real world benchmarks.
Imagination is a leading provider of GPU IP into automotive, says Anshel Sag, Principal Analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy. The demand for pixel processing in cars has grown enormously over the last decade, with digital cockpits, dashboard wide displays and rear entertainment screens offering smartphone-like visual experiences. Imagination’s combination of great performance for 3D graphics, flexible multitasking and a robust approach to safety has seen its popularity explode.
DXS is optimised for the compute workloads needed for next generation vehicle intelligence, such as computer vision and data processing. By combining the raw performance of DXS with an additional FP16 pipeline and a set of new compute libraries and AI toolkits, users can achieve up to ten times higher performance for compute workloads compared to previous generations.
The GPU is no longer just used for graphics in cars, says James Chapman, Chief Product Officer at Imagination. The long-term nature of designing hardware in the era of the software-defined vehicles is making hardware designers choose flexible and programmable processors that can handle the AI workloads of today as well as adapt to whatever the future brings. Today, our automotive GPUs are as much in demand for their compute abilities as for their rendering.
The first Imagination processor to feature Distributed Safety Mechanisms
All functions that a vehicle performs are graded based on potential risk according to the ISO 26262 Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL). Automotive manufacturers and their suppliers must ensure that components involved in that function meet the necessary standards for fault detection and handling, with ASIL-A having the least stringent requirements and ASIL-D the most comprehensive.
Its new Distributed Safety Mechanisms solution means DXS achieves ASIL-B functional safety at a fraction of the Performance, Power or Area (PPA) overhead of the two main existing methods: dual-core lockstep, which increases silicon area by 100%, and workload repetition, which halves processor performance for safety workloads.
Distributed Safety Mechanisms has a near-zero impact on GPU performance and 10% area cost. It does this by taking advantage of the inherent parallelism of today’s processors and the fact that no thread is ever fully utilised. A patented mechanism combines these threads into pairs and injects safety tests in idle moments to identify faults within the timeframe set by the ASIL standard. Further details on the complete Distributed Safety Mechanisms solution can be found on the Imagination website in the whitepaper, Innovations in Distributed Functional Safety.
New Compute Libraries and AI Toolkits
Developed alongside the hardware is a new set of compute libraries (imgBLAS, imgNN, imgFFT) to help software developers achieve up to 80% GPU utilisation. This will also accelerate common compute workloads such as computer vision and pre/post processing perception data for ADAS systems.
The libraries combine with new reference toolkits (oneAPI and TVM) to create a practical software stack based on open standards with which software developers can easily port their compute applications onto Imagination IP based hardware, and from there maximise their performance.
Software portability and the ability to take advantage of heterogeneous hardware is essential to the future of the automotive industry. The UXL Foundation is looking to provide a clear and easy path for developers to do this through the ongoing open source development of the oneAPI standard, says Rod Burns, Chair of the UXL Foundation Steering Committee. Imagination is a long-standing supporter of our ecosystem and the compute software solutions they release today reinforce their commitment to building an optimal developer journey based on open standards.
PerfXLab Technologies develops heterogeneous computing software stacks and infrastructure solutions for companies looking to accelerate AI, says Zhang Xianyi, Chief Executive Office at PerfXLab. We are using Imagination’s compute software solutions to run various AI applications, including our LLM inference engine, PerfXLM, on Imagination GPUs and have so far achieved performance gains of up to 100% compared to the CPU, with minimal time spent porting.
Software
Imagination’s automotive GPUs support OpenGL ® ES, Vulkan ®, OpenGL ® and OpenCL™. They run popular automotive operating systems such as QNX and Green Hills Software’s INTEGRITY RTOS, as well as Linux and Android. Hardware-based virtualisation enables Imagination GPUs to run up to eight operating systems simultaneously, with full memory isolation for fully secure GPU multitasking. Imagination partners with CoreAVI, the global leader in architecting and delivering safety critical graphics and compute software drivers and libraries, on the development of a safety critical driver, supporting OpenGL SC and Vulkan SC for Imagination GPUs.
As vehicles become more autonomous, greater emphasis is placed on their ability to detect and handle faults in an appropriate manner, says Dan Joncas, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer & Deputy CEO, CoreAVI. By working with us, Imagination is able to meet the complex requirements of the automotive industry with a complete safety package covering both hardware and software.”
For more information on the Imagination DXS GPU visit the Imagination website.
About Imagination Technologies
Imagination is a UK-based company that creates silicon and software IP designed to give its customers an edge in competitive global technology markets. Its GPU, CPU, and AI technologies enable outstanding power, performance, and area (PPA), fast time-to-market, and lower total cost of ownership. Products based on Imagination IP are used by billions of people across the globe in their smartphones, cars, homes, and workplaces.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240911969260/en/
press@imgtec.com
Source: Imagination Technologies
Stock Markets
Allbirds stock touches 52-week low at $7.65 amid market challenges
In a challenging market environment, Allbirds Inc. (NASDAQ:) stock has recorded a new 52-week low, dipping to $7.65. The eco-friendly footwear company has faced significant headwinds over the past year, reflected in a substantial 1-year change with a decline of -55.8%. Investors have shown concern as the brand navigates through a competitive retail landscape and supply chain issues, which have pressured the stock to its current low. The company’s efforts to rebound will be closely watched by market participants looking for signs of a turnaround or further indications of industry-wide pressures.
In other recent news, Allbirds disclosed its Q3 2024 financial results, reporting a net revenue of $43 million. This figure reflects a downturn due to reduced unit sales and transitions to a distributor model in certain regions. Despite these challenges, the company managed to increase its gross margin to 44.4%, attributed to lower freight costs and improved inventory management.
The company also launched two new products, the Tree Glider and Lounger Lift, which have been positively received by consumers. Allbirds revised its full-year revenue guidance to between $187 million and $193 million and anticipates an adjusted EBITDA loss of $75 million to $71 million.
Additionally, Allbirds has signed two new international distributor agreements, expanding its reach in Latin America and Europe from mid-2025. The company’s management, led by CEO Joe Vernachio and CFO Annie Mitchell, remains optimistic about future growth, driven by forthcoming product launches and strategic marketing efforts.
InvestingPro Insights
Allbirds Inc. (BIRD) continues to face significant challenges, as reflected in its recent stock performance and financial metrics. According to InvestingPro data, the company’s revenue growth has declined by 22.67% over the last twelve months as of Q3 2024, with a quarterly revenue decline of 24.89% in Q3 2024. This aligns with the InvestingPro Tip that analysts anticipate sales decline in the current year.
The company’s financial health is also concerning, with an operating income margin of -48.08% for the same period. An InvestingPro Tip highlights that Allbirds is quickly burning through cash, which is particularly worrisome given the current market conditions.
Despite these challenges, InvestingPro Tips indicate that Allbirds holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet and its liquid assets exceed short-term obligations. This could provide some financial flexibility as the company navigates its turnaround efforts.
For investors seeking a more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers 17 additional tips for Allbirds, providing a deeper understanding of the company’s financial position and market performance.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.
Stock Markets
Quipt Home Medical stock hits 52-week low at $2.55
Quipt Home Medical (TASE:) Corp. (QIPT) stock has reached a new 52-week low, trading at $2.55. This latest price point marks a significant downturn for the company, which has experienced a 46.87% decline over the past year. Investors are closely monitoring the home medical equipment provider as it navigates through a challenging period marked by this notable decrease in stock value. The 52-week low serves as a critical indicator for the market, reflecting investor sentiment and potential shifts in the company’s financial health and operational performance.
In other recent news, Quipt Home Medical Corp has been making notable strides despite facing several challenges. The company’s third fiscal quarter report revealed a steady increase in revenue, reaching $64 million, a 6.1% rise from the previous year. The customer base also expanded by 9%, serving 153,223 unique patients, and adjusted EBITDA grew by 2.7% to $14.2 million.
Benchmark revised its stock price target for Quipt Home Medical, reducing it to $7 from the previous $9, but maintained a Buy rating for the stock. This adjustment was influenced by several factors including the expiration of Medicare’s 75/25 rate relief, a diminished Managed Care contract, and the repercussions of the Change Healthcare (NASDAQ:) cyberattack. However, the firm predicts that Quipt could achieve an 8%-10% organic growth rate by the second quarter of fiscal year 2025.
In the face of these challenges, Quipt Home Medical has reported a 9% increase in resupply revenue for sleep therapy and supplies, which accounts for half of the company’s revenues. The company’s management has also indicated an active mergers and acquisitions pipeline, which could provide further growth opportunities. These are the recent developments that investors should keep an eye on.
InvestingPro Insights
Despite Quipt Home Medical Corp. (QIPT) hitting a new 52-week low, InvestingPro data reveals some interesting insights that may provide context for investors. The company’s revenue growth remains strong, with a 29.31% increase over the last twelve months as of Q3 2024, reaching $244.23 million. This growth suggests that QIPT continues to expand its market presence in the home medical equipment sector.
However, profitability remains a concern. InvestingPro Tips highlight that QIPT has not been profitable over the last twelve months, with a negative P/E ratio of -24.61. On a more positive note, analysts predict that the company will become profitable this year, which could potentially reverse the stock’s downward trend.
The current market valuation implies a strong free cash flow yield, according to another InvestingPro Tip. This could indicate that the stock may be undervalued at its current price, especially considering that it’s trading near its 52-week low. Investors looking for a deeper analysis can find 7 additional InvestingPro Tips for QIPT, offering a more comprehensive view of the company’s financial situation and market position.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.
Stock Markets
Muslims who voted for Trump upset by his pro-Israel cabinet picks
By Andrea Shalal
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Muslim leaders who supported Republican Donald Trump to protest against the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s war on Gaza and attacks on Lebanon have been deeply disappointed by his Cabinet picks, they tell Reuters.
“Trump won because of us and we’re not happy with his Secretary of State pick and others,” said Rabiul Chowdhury, a Philadelphia investor who chaired the Abandon Harris campaign in Pennsylvania and co-founded Muslims for Trump. Muslim support for Trump helped him win Michigan and may have factored into other swing state wins, strategists believe.
Trump picked Republican senator Marco Rubio, a staunch supporter of Israel for Secretary of State. Rubio said earlier this year he would not call for a ceasefire in Gaza, and that he believed Israel should destroy “every element” of Hamas. “These people are vicious animals,” he added.
Trump also nominated Mike Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor and staunch pro-Israel conservative who backs Israeli occupation of the West Bank and has called a two state solution in Palestine “unworkable”, as the next ambassador to Israel.
He has picked Republican Representative Elise Stefanik, who called the UN a “cesspool of antisemitism” for its condemnation of deaths in Gaza, to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Rexhinaldo Nazarko, executive director of the American Muslim Engagement and Empowerment Network (AMEEN), said Muslim voters had hoped Trump would choose Cabinet officials who work toward peace, and there was no sign of that.
“We are very disappointed,” he said. “It seems like this administration has been packed entirely with neoconservatives and extremely pro-Israel, pro-war people, which is a failure on the on the side of President Trump, to the pro-peace and anti-war movement.”
Nazarko said the community would continue pressing to make its voices heard after rallying votes to help Trump win. “At least we’re on the map.”
Hassan Abdel Salam, a former professor at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and co-founder of the Abandon Harris campaign, which endorsed Green Party candidate Jill Stein, said Trump’s staffing plans were not surprising, but had proven even more extreme that he had feared.
“It’s like he’s going on Zionist overdrive,” he said. “We were always extremely skeptical…Obviously we’re still waiting to see where the administration will go, but it does look like our community has been played.”
The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Several Muslim and Arab supporters of Trump said they hoped Richard Grenell, Trump’s former acting director of national intelligence, would play a key role after he led months of outreach to Muslim and Arab American communities, and was even introduced as a potential next secretary of state at events.
Another key Trump ally, Massad Boulos, the Lebanese father-in-law of Trump’s daughter Tiffany, met repeatedly with Arab American and Muslim leaders.
Both promised Arab American and Muslim voters that Trump was a candidate for peace who would act swiftly to end the wars in the Middle East and beyond. Neither was immediately reachable.
Trump made several visits to cities with large Arab American and Muslim populations, include a stop in Dearborn, a majority Arab city, where he said he loved Muslims, and Pittsburgh, where he called Muslims for Trump “a beautiful movement. They want peace. They want stability.”
Rola Makki, the Lebanese American, Muslim vice chair for outreach of the Michigan Republican Party, shrugged off the criticism.
“I don’t think everyone’s going to be happy with every appointment Trump makes, but the outcome is what matters,” she said. “I do know that Trump wants peace, and what people need to realize is that there’s 50,000 dead Palestinians and 3,000 dead Lebanese, and that’s happened during the current administration.”
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