Intel's NPU drivers expand Arrow Lake support, raising upkeep for AI-enabled PCs

Intel just dropped a new driver update for Neural Processing Units (NPUs) aimed at AI enabled PCs, throwing in some new hardware support and patching up a bunch of performance hiccups. This latest release, version 32.0.100.3053, rolled out on October 11th, sticking with Intel's habit of pushing out monthly updates.

The new driver adds support for:

• OpenVINO 2024.4
• Arrow Lake CPUs (scheduled for launch on October 24th)

Intel has addressed several problems in this update: 

• Tweaks to Microsoft Copilot’s performance and accuracy 
• Adjustments to the UD40 Driver version numbering
• Lenovo View Video enhancer fixes
• Fixed an issue with loading krisp models  
• Improved face/eye tracking and 2D-to-3D conversions  

Intel suggests turning off the NPU in the BIOS. They’re not entirely clear on what could go wrong if you leave it on, but it might mess with your system or create security headaches.

The soon-to-launch Arrow Lake CPUs and Intel Core Ultra designs should smooth out some hardware issues from older Raptor Lake processors (13th and 14th Gen). That said, there’s always a chance some new issues might pop up down the road—it comes with the territory when you’re dealing with fresh platforms and tech.