Citrix Acquires Unicorn and More Thin Client Media Player News
Several notable developments have emerged this month in the realms of thin client computing, media players, and mini-PCs:
Thin Client Computing
- Citrix Acquires Unicon: Citrix Systems has acquired Unicon GmbH, a thin client provider specializing in hybrid client software. This acquisition aims to strengthen Citrix’s endpoint management and security offerings. The move will allow Citrix to provide customers with secure client OS and endpoint management solutions, improving security, resiliency, and operational costs.
- AWS Upgrades WorkSpaces: Amazon Web Services has introduced new workstation-grade cloud desktop options, including 32-vCPU instances. These high-powered options are recommended for the best experience with video conferencing applications
Media Players
- VLC Introduces AI-Powered Subtitles: At CES 2025, VideoLAN showcased a groundbreaking AI-driven automatic subtitle generation and translation feature for VLC Media PlayerThis offline feature supports over 100 languages and operates entirely on the user’s device, enhancing privacy and accessibility.
Mini-PCs
- Lenovo Launches Snapdragon X Mini-PCs: Lenovo has announced the world’s first mini-PCs featuring Snapdragon X chips: the IdeaCentre Mini X and ThinkCentre Neo 50q. These AI-capable devices can output 45 TOPS and are set to release in April 2025
- Geekom QS1 Announced: Geekom has revealed plans for the QS1, which will be the world’s first Snapdragon X Elite-powered mini PC running Windows 11 Pro
- HP Z2 Mini G1a: HP has introduced the Z2 Mini G1a, a powerful mini PC designed for demanding workflows. It features an AMD Ryzen AI Max Pro Series processor capable of up to 50 NPU TOPS and is expected to launch in Spring 2025
- MSI Returns to Mini-PCs: MSI has re-entered the mini-PC market with the Cubi NUC AI+ 2M, featuring a Copilot button and Intel Core Ultra 258V processor. This device meets the requirements for a Copilot+ PC and can reach up to 115 NPU TOPS
- Gigabyte Unveils New BRIX Series: Gigabyte has introduced three new BRIX Mini PC series at CES 2025: Mainstream, Small Core, and Extreme. The Mainstream series features Intel 15th Gen Arrow Lake processors with NPUs for AI capabilities
These developments highlight the growing trend of AI integration in compact computing devices and the continued evolution of thin client solutions to meet the demands of modern workplaces and consumers.
- Citrix Acquires Unicorn — Citrix Systems Inc. has acquired Unicon GmbH, a thin client provider, to enhance its endpoint management and security offerings. Unicon, based in Karlsruhe, Germany, specializes in hybrid client software, including the eLux endpoint operating system and the Scout enterprise platform1. These solutions help organizations scale, manage, and secure their endpoints while streamlining IT operations and budgets. The acquisition aims to provide Citrix customers with improved endpoint security, resiliency, and operational cost savings
- Lenovo Mini-PC Deal — deal on the Lenovo ThinkCentre M90q mini PC, which is currently available for $1,086, down from its estimated value of $2,129. The mini PC is designed for users with limited workspace and features a 14th-generation Intel Core i7-14700vPro CPU, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage. It comes with a basic USB mouse and keyboard and supports up to four displays. The article highlights the benefits of the mini PC, including its compact size and versatility, making it ideal for multitasking needs
- Chinese mini-PC with most powerful Ryzen — GMK, a Chinese brand in the mini PC market, has announced the upcoming launch of a new product powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395. This mini PC is claimed to be the world’s first featuring the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip, which boasts 16 Zen 5 cores, 32 threads, and a 5.1 GHz peak clock speed. The processor also integrates 40 RDNA 3.5 compute units, delivering solid graphics performance via the Radeon 8060S iGPU. The device is part of GMK’s “ALL IN AI” strategy and is expected to debut in the first or second quarter of 2025
- Free Media Player for Windows — Clapper 0.8, a free and open-source media player, has been released with new features and support for Windows. The update includes plugins for additional functionalities, media caching, and a revamped user interface
Related Links
- VMware grabs the company who trademarked “desktop as a service”(Opens in a new browser tab)
- Intel Thin Client – Mini-PC, NAS, 2.5GbE Router AIO(Opens in a new browser tab)
- Thin Client Media Players & Mini PCs & Managed Endpoints(Opens in a new browser tab)
- Media Player for Digital Signage(Opens in a new browser tab)
- New Mini PC(Opens in a new browser tab)
