The CEO of US computer chip giant Nvidia, Jensen Huang, has unveiled the company’s next-generation gaming chips, the RTX 50-series.
The announcement was made during Huang’s keynote address at CES, the annual technology show in Las Vegas.
The new chips will leverage Nvidia’s Blackwell artificial intelligence (AI) technology to produce movie-quality visuals, Huang revealed to a packed audience.
With prices ranging from $549 (£438) to $1,999, the chips are reportedly twice as fast as their predecessors.
Huang also showcased a real-time demonstration highlighting highly detailed graphics, featuring intricate textures and complex maneuvers.
“It was awesome that they can do this in real time,” said Gary Yang, a graduate student in robotics at the California Institute of Technology.
“Previously we’d think of these graphics as pre-rendered.”
The new chips will start making their way to consumers starting in late January.
“I thought it was incredible,” said Scott Epstein of technology start-up Agenovate AI. “They are continuing to innovate.”
Mr. Yang and Mr. Epstein were among thousands who attended the speech, either in person or virtually, on the eve of CES’s official opening.
The convention is expected to attract more than 150,000 attendees and over 4,500 exhibitors throughout the week.
In the lead-up to Mr. Huang’s highly anticipated address, Nvidia’s stock reached a new record high on Monday.
He began his speech by reflecting on the company’s history.
Founded in 1993, Nvidia initially specialized in creating computer chips for processing graphics, particularly for video games.
Now, 31 years later, Nvidia is at the forefront of developing chips that power AI, with a market valuation exceeding $3 trillion.
However, Nvidia faces significant challenges, particularly from global regulators concerned about its growing dominance in the AI chip market.
Last year, the company revealed it had been contacted by regulators in the US, UK, European Union, South Korea, and China.