We made a lot of major product announcements throughout the year, and we have one more big one for you today. We're excited to announce the new Framework Laptop 16, now with AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors and a graphics upgrade to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU! Pre-orders are open now starting at $1,499 USD, with first shipments this November. We first introduced Framework Laptop 16 in 2023 as a high-performance, desktop-replacement 16" laptop that carried in not only our usual repairability and upgradeability, but two bold new systems: fully customizable input and generational upgradeability of graphics. On the latter, especially since so many other laptop brands have failed at it, we knew that the only way we could prove upgradeability is by actually delivering an upgrade. We've spent the last two years working with the teams at AMD, NVIDIA, and Compal to not only make a new NVIDIA-powered Graphics Module, but also make it fully backwards compatible with the original Framework Laptop 16. That means any current owner can pick up the new module and get the latest generation of graphics!

This is a huge leap in performance and capability. The GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU brings NVIDIA's latest Blackwell architecture with 8 GB of GDDR7 and delivers a 30-40% increase in gaming framerates over our original Radeon RX 7700S Graphics Module. We made a couple of other improvements too. The GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU now enables display output and power input over the rear USB-C port. We also revamped the thermal system, switching to Honeywell phase change thermal interface material and reoptimizing the fan blade geometry and controller IC for reduced noise while supporting 100 W sustained TGP. The discrete GPU in the Graphics Module can send a display signal directly to the internal laptop display through a mux on the Mainboard, and we've updated our 165 Hz 2560x1600 panel to support NVIDIA G-SYNC. We're also keeping the Radeon RX 7700S Graphics Module available as a configuration option with the updated thermal system for all of you who may prefer AMD offerings, especially for the maturity of their open-source Linux drivers.

As AI computing accelerates toward higher density and greater energy efficiency, Compal Electronics (Compal; Stock Ticker: 2324.TW), a global leader in IT and computing solutions, unveiled its latest high-performance server platform: SG720-2A/ OG720-2A at both AMD Advancing AI 2025 in the U.S. and the International Supercomputing Conference (ISC) 2025 in Europe. It features the AMD Instinct MI355X GPU architecture and offers both single-phase and two-phase liquid cooling configurations, showcasing Compal's leadership in thermal innovation and system integration. Tailored for next-generation generative AI and large language model (LLM) training, the SG720-2A/OG720-2A delivers exceptional flexibility and scalability for modern data center operations, drawing significant attention across the industry.

With generative AI and LLMs driving increasingly intensive compute demands, enterprises are placing greater emphasis on infrastructure that offers both performance and adaptability. The SG720-2A/OG720-2A emerges as a robust solution, combining high-density GPU integration and flexible liquid cooling options, positioning itself as an ideal platform for next-generation AI training and inference workloads.

AMD has announced a definitive agreement to sell ZT Systems' data center infrastructure manufacturing business to Sanmina for $3 billion in cash and stock, which includes a contingent payment of up to $450 million. This announcement follows earlier reports from April that AMD was looking to divest the facility it had acquired as part of its $4.9 billion purchase of ZT in March 2025. The deal set to wrap up around late 2025 shows AMD's plan to steer clear of making products that compete with its customers. At the same time, AMD will keep ZT Systems' design and customer support teams to speed up the rollout of AMD AI systems for cloud clients. Sanmina will also become a top choice for introducing new products in AMD's cloud rack and large-scale AI solutions. "By combining the deep experience of our AI systems design team with our new preferred NPI partnership with Sanmina, we expect to strengthen our U.S-based manufacturing capabilities for rack and cluster-scale AI systems and accelerate quality and time-to-market for our cloud customers," said Forrest Norrod, executive vice president and general manager, Data Center Solutions business unit at AMD.

The sale drew a lot of interest from different manufacturers, with early reports showing that Taiwanese OEM makers Compal and Wiwynn were the top choices, along with U.S. electronics firm Jabil. Inventec and Pegatron decided not to take part. Sanmina, the final buyer, is a U.S.-based company that provides integrated manufacturing solutions to the global Electronic Manufacturing Services field. Jure Sola, Chairman and CEO of Sanmina Corporation, said that ZT Systems' skills in liquid cooling, its manufacturing ability, and its know-how in cloud and AI setup will add to Sanmina's worldwide range and vertical integration skills. "Together, we will be better able to deliver a competitive advantage to our customers with solutions for the entire product lifecycle. We look forward to our ongoing partnership with AMD as we work together to set the standard for quality and flexibility to benefit the entire AI ecosystem." said Jure Sola, Chairman and CEO of Sanmina Corporation.

AMD is said to be gearing up to sell its AI server assembly facility in the U.S., and it's drawing a lot of interest from Taiwanese OEM manufacturers and others. Bloomberg reports that Compal and Wiwynn are leading the charge in the bidding, with U.S. electronics company Jabil also in the mix. Interestingly, Inventec and Pegatron, who were once contenders, have pulled out. AMD is looking to speed up the sale process, asking for bids on a short timeline and aiming to finalize the deal by the end of the quarter, with a price range of $3-4 billion. This potential sale comes just months after AMD acquired the facility as part of its $4.9 billion purchase of ZT in March, which included the assembly plant and about 1,500 employees.

Industry experts suggest that AMD's decision to sell is a strategic move to avoid competing with its own clients in manufacturing. Meanwhile, the top bidders seem ready to expand their U.S. manufacturing capabilities. Compal is exploring North American expansion for server production, with Texas emerging as the prime location candidate due to its robust power infrastructure. Meanwhile, Wiwynn has already secured a foothold in the region, having announced the acquisition of a Texas factory in February specifically to establish server manufacturing operations.

Compal is preparing "Adapt X" modular laptop design, which appears scheduled for actual market release according to its listing in the 2025 IF Design Awards catalog. The currently conceptual design features two display variants—14-inch and 16-inch models—that integrate with a specialized HUB system, enabling expanded I/O capabilities and modular AI units, most likely a dedicated NPU module for offloading smaller AI tasks from the CPU/GPU. The modular architecture utilizes USB connectivity between expansion components, with current renders showcasing speaker modules, I/O expansion options, and a primary keyboard unit presumably housing the CPU. Unlike Framework's granular approach, which allows for the choice of individual ports, Compal has opted for a more component-based system. The company claims that components can be used independently or combined, offering multiple usage modes at lower costs and reduced upgrade frequency.

Earlier this month, the company revealed a Hybrid AIO desktop that transforms between desktop, laptop, and tablet configurations and the "Infinite Laptop" featuring an expandable display stretching 14 inches to 18 inches through horizontal extension mechanisms. Compal's direct market entry would be a welcome addition as a significant ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) that typically produces hardware for other brands rather than selling under its own label. The modular laptop segment remains niche but potentially lucrative, with Compal likely targeting consumers already looking at Framework solutions. No official announcements regarding specifications, pricing, or release dates have been made by Compal, with the Adapt X currently only visible through IF Design Award documentation. We could see more prototypes being presented in the coming months, and the coming Computex show is the right time for Compal to showcase its concept. Nonetheless, we are looking for more details about it.

Compal recently showcased a concept for a laptop that can switch from a typical 14-inch laptop, to an ultra-wide 18-inch laptop with the help of foldable display technology. While the concept is undoubtedly quite interesting, there is no denying that the device is pretty far from mass-production. The company seemingly has yet another concept up its sleeve, which has also raked in an iF design award. Essentially, Compal's Hybrid AIO concept consists of an AIO desktop that can transform into a laptop, or even a tablet. Specifications and technical details are scarce, which is to be expected considering that the concept solely depicts the overall form factor of the product.

The AIO seemingly boasts an additional display mounted on one side of the monitor, which can be detached and used as a standalone tablet. This tablet, can then be attached with a keyboard base, which will allow it to function as a laptop. This keyboard base will also function as a wireless keyboard for the AIO, and judging by the images, it might also serve as a smartphone stand. It is not clear if the stand will have wireless charging, which should surely be a nifty feature. For those wondering where the actual guts of the AIO will exist, will likely be surprised to know that it is the tablet which will contain the computer. The AIO's primary display is simply a larger, secondary monitor for the tablet, and the keyboard base is just an accessory. Overall, the concept does look pretty neat, especially for those of us who prefer to switch up workstations every now and then, or are looking for a single system that can serve as a work, travel, as well as an entertainment hub.

Taiwanese ODM Compal Electronics has secured an iF Design Award 2025 for its innovative "Infinite Laptop" concept. It features a horizontally expanding display that transforms from a standard 14-inch screen to an ultrawide 18-inch workspace. Unlike recent expandable display prototypes from Lenovo that unfold vertically, Compal's approach addresses productivity needs through horizontal expansion, potentially offering significant advantages for multi-tasking professionals and content creators. The design appears to leverage cutting-edge rollable OLED technology, with the display extending from both left and right sides of the base unit while maintaining the central viewing area above the keyboard. Award documentation suggests the concept prioritizes a balance between portability and productivity. Additional features may include LED notification indicators integrated into the laptop lid, though specific implementation details remain limited.

As an Original Design Manufacturer, Compal typically creates hardware for other brands rather than marketing products under its own name. The company has a track record of award-winning concept designs that don't always reach commercial production. This raises questions about whether the Infinite Laptop will transition from concept to consumer product. The expandable display trend represents a new frontier in laptop design, offering an alternative to traditional compromises in portable computing. While external monitors solutions have provided workarounds for screen real estate, integrated expandable displays could eliminate the need for additional peripherals while maintaining portability. Lenovo has already developed a few interesting laptop concepts, such as the ThinkBook Flip AI PC concept, which introduces an outward folding OLED display and a solar-powered laptop. To see innovation in the laptop space is very heartwarming, even if it is only a concept/prototype for now.

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. today unveiled the latest additions to the company's suite of premium wearable platforms, Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 and Snapdragon W5 Gen 1. These platforms are designed to advance ultra-low power and breakthrough performance for next generation connected wearables with a focus on extended battery life, premium user experiences, and sleek, innovative designs. By using these platforms, manufacturers can scale, differentiate, and develop products faster in the continuously growing and segmenting wearables industry.

New enhancements to the flagship Snapdragon W5+ platform offer 50% lower power, 2X higher performance, 2X richer features, and 30% smaller size, compared to our previous generation, enabling wearable manufacturers to deliver the differentiated experiences consumers demand. Based on the hybrid architecture, the purpose-built platform is comprised of a 4 nm-based system-on-chip and 22 nm-based highly integrated always-on co-processor. It incorporates a series of platform innovations including new ultra-low power Bluetooth 5.3 architecture, low power islands for Wi-Fi, GNSS, and Audio, and low power states such as Deep Sleep and Hibernate.

In a statement that could refute speculation that Intel processors are in short-supply because the company is allocating its fabs for 9th generation processor launch, Compal President Martin Wong stated that supply issues with Intel processors could go on till the second half of 2019 (at least 9 more months). The issues threaten to undermine worldwide notebook shipments, he added. Compal is a major Taiwan-based notebook ODM and whitebox electronics manufacturer that supplies to major notebook brands.

Wong is miffed that Intel hasn't provided any clear schedule for restoration of supply normalcy. Intel responded that it is "cooperating closely" with its partners to manage the extra orders, and that supply priority will be given to Xeon and Core processors, including Core brand extensions "U-series" (ultraportable) and "Y-series" (ultra low-power).