We have previously talked about upcoming computer vision algorithms in the next version of ArrayFire. Today we are going to discuss some of the bigger changes and additions to ArrayFire. New CPU backend In addition to CUDA and OpenCL backends, you can now run ArrayFire natively on any CPU. This is another step we’ve taken in our efforts to make ArrayFire truly portable. The biggest benefits the new CPU backend include: Hardware and Software neutrality: You can now build and ship applications without worrying about the hardware and drivers preset on end users’ machines. You can also port your applications easily to embedded and mobile platforms where CUDA and OpenCL may not be available. Heterogeneous Computing: It is now easier …
APU 2013 – Day 2 Recap
Today was the first full day of AMD’s APU 2013 conference. It was a whirlwind of heterogeneous computing. From the morning keynotes, three particular salient points stuck out to us: Mike Muller, CTO at ARM, talked about heterogeneous computing. He said it nicely with, “Heterogeneous computing is the future. It has also been our past, but we didn’t notice because a few shiny companies overshadowed everything else.” That is a great way to describe it. The future of heterogeneous computing involves the rise in importance of non-x86 processors. Throwing a few more MHz onto a CPU no longer is capable of satiating computational demands. Nandini Ramani, VP at Oracle, talked about the importance of Java for heterogeneous computing. She pointed …
APU 2013 – Day 1 Recap
AMD’s APU 2013 kicked off today with keynotes and a welcome reception. The developer summit is themed as the epicenter of heterogeneous computing. AMD has a world class CPU and a world class GPU and is pushing the industry forward by combining both of those devices into the same chip, the APU. AMD’s APUs are programmable via OpenCL, the industry standard for heterogeneous development. AMD is also leading the way with standards for Heterogeneous System Architecture (HSA). APU13 will have many technical sessions, keynotes, and demos around OpenCL and HSA. We are at the APU conference demoing ArrayFire acceleration on two of AMD’s newest hardware offerings: A machine with the latest AMD Radeon R9 209X discrete GPU A machine with the …
Are You Getting Left Behind?
HPCwire posted a nice article today with trends from IDC on computer processing. These trends fall inline and corroborate things we’ve been saying here on this blog. Accelerators (including GPUs and co-processors) are taking off. Are you getting left behind? If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably at the bleeding edge, but nonetheless here are some interesting excerpts from HPCwire’s market report (go read the whole thing): “While they expected to see a jump in coprocessor and accelerator uptake, they were wholly unprepared for the overwhelming positive response to GPUs and new entrants into the market, most notably Intel’s shiny new Phi.” “Conway said that while accelerator and coprocessor adoption growth was anticipated, they had no idea that it would …