Microsoft has expanded the DirectX CASO (Cross Adapter Scan-Out) feature, which eliminates the need for a multiplexer (MUX) on many laptops.

We are talking about a function that switches between the graphics core integrated into the processor and a discrete video card. Today, almost every laptop on the market equipped with a dGPU also has an iGPU, and in all such cases a multiplexer chip is needed, which is responsible for switching between graphics cores depending on the tasks. However, it is not available everywhere.

AMD has such a solution as part of its Smart Access Graphics technology, while Nvidia uses Optimus technology. The CASO function takes over this work.

Without the MUX switch, two copies of the rendered frame are created and sent. One goes from the dGPU to the shared resource, and the other from the shared resource to the iGPU, which outputs the image. In games, this solution leads to delays and reduced performance.

CASO allows you to get rid of the shared resource as an intermediate link, and at the same time the need for MUX switches. CASO requires just one copy of the rendered frame, which is sent directly to the display, resulting in improved performance, reduced display latency, and improved battery life. According to Microsoft itself, CASO is supported on a wide range of hardware and supports both DX11 and DX12 games. Internal tests showed an average performance increase of 16%, latency reduction of 27%, and Windows TDR reduction of 45%.

The new feature is already available in Windows 11. It was originally announced back in 2021, but now Microsoft has added support for DirectX 12 (previously there was only support for DX11).

Requirements include Windows 11 22000.1817 or later. AMD-based systems require a CPU no older than Ryzen 6000, Intel requires a GPU no older than Iris Xe, and Nvidia says GeForce GPUs currently support CASO starting with driver version r515_00.

India will defer license requirements for importing laptops and tablets, two government officials said. Industry and the US government have previously complained about the move, which could hit Apple, Samsung and other companies.

The plan will be delayed for a year, after which the government will consider introducing a licensing regime, one of the officials, who requested anonymity, told Reuters.

The licensing regime, announced abruptly on August 3, was aimed at “ensuring trusted equipment and systems” enter India, reduce dependence on imports, boost local manufacturing and partially address the country’s trade imbalance with China. But due to industry objections, the original plan was quickly delayed by about three months.

Last month, US trade chief Katherine Tai expressed India’s concerns about the move, which would also affect companies such as Dell and HP. India’s Ministry of Electronics is now proposing to simplify the import registration process, which is set to begin in November.

The new “import management system” will require companies to obtain “certificates of registration” to import laptops, tablets and personal computers, instead of the licenses previously proposed by the August 3 order.

India’s electronics imports, including laptops, tablets and personal computers, totaled $19.7 billion between April and June, up 6.25% year-on-year.

Razer has introduced the Blade 16 x Automobili Lamborghini Edition laptop, which is designed in the style of the famous Italian automobile brand.

Technically it’s a version of the Blade 16, but with a unique design. This design consists primarily of orange accents, but there are also Lamborghini logos on the body.

The parameters here are taken from the top version of the Blade 16. It is based on the Core i9-13950HX processor, and is paired with a 175-watt GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop. That is, this is generally one of the most powerful combinations in the mobile segment. The laptop also offers 32 GB of RAM, a 4 TB SSD and a 16-inch Mini-LED screen that allows you to switch between two modes: 4K at 120 Hz or Full HD+ at 240 Hz.

In total, Razer will release only 150 of these laptops, and you will have to pay a lot for uniqueness. The price of the laptop is $5,000.