Spending on digital transformation could reach nearly $1.2 trillion this year. Eight trends are about to change how supply chains are managed. And augmented realty could help warehouses cope with increased demands.

That’s some of the latest from top market researchers. Here’s your tech provider’s roundup:

Digital-transformation spending: huge and growing fast

You already knew digital transformation was big. But how about $1.18 trillion big?

Gamers and content creators are a power-hungry lot. To serve them, Intel today introduced a line of mobile processors that includes an unclocked high-end processor with a maximum speed of 5.0 GHz.

The new CPU line is officially known as the 9th Generation Intel Core mobile H-series processors. As of today, there are 6 SKUs spanning the full range of i5, i7 and i9 processors.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning may seem like technologies for the future. But large enterprises are implementing AI, ML and other related technologies, and getting real business benefits today.

While small and midsize businesses may not be able to afford these advanced technologies quite yet, it’s just a matter for time. For now, you and your SMB customers can take some lessons from the big guys.

Microsoft this week announced it will start shipping a new version of its Surface Hub meeting system in June.

That’s interesting, but even more important are the trends behind this system. Even if you or your customers never use a Surface Hub, these trends will affect how you work.

Under the hood

First, a bit about the new Microsoft device.

Today’s workforce is more mobile than ever. New PCs need to stay ahead.

That’s why Intel has introduced two 8th Gen Intel Core vPro processors. These new CPUs, based on Intel’s Whiskey Lake architecture, will make PCs responsive wherever your customers want to work.

Creators, unlike the rest of us mere mortals, need a whole lot of computing horsepower. Acer feels their pain, and late last week introduced new hardware to help.

Cloud infrastructure spending grew last year by more than 45%. More women would like jobs in tech. Europeans are buying smart-home systems. And augmented reality is catching on with consumers.

These are some of the latest insights from top market watchers. Here’s your tech provider’s roundup.

Cloud infrastructure services: sky high

Intel Optane memory, which combines the speed of DRAM with the persistence of a solid-state drive (SSD), is now available in a form factor that works for ultra-slim notebooks, all-in-one PCs and mini-PCs.

Eager to learn how the new 2nd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors can help your data-center customers — and your business?

You’re in luck. The Spring 2019 Intel Virtual Technology Conference, coming on May 15, will feature 4 sessions related to the new Intel Xeon Scalable processors:

> 2nd generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors and Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory

That uptick in the PC market? It’s not going to happen this year, predicts Gartner.

In a report issued today, the analyst firm says it expects total worldwide shipments of PCs to drop this year by 0.6%.

Last year, total worldwide shipments of PCs reached 259 million units. This year, Gartner predicts, that will fall to 258 million units.