Originally touted for release before the end of 2015, the AMD Gemini dual-Fiji graphics card is conspicuous by its absence as we approach 2016. Hardware.fr has reached out to AMD to enquire about the delay and received a reply about the delay of the overall VR ecosystem including HMDs (head mounted displays).
AMD CEO Dr Lisa Su showed off an engineering sample of the dual-GPU Fiji card, codename Gemini, back in June when we were also delighted to first see the now familiar Radeon R9 Fury, Radeon R9 Fury X and Radeon R9 Nano. As it was still in development Gemini was shown off in a separate section of the presentation and we were told to expect it in Q4 2015.
Following its reveal, many pundits pondered upon the tasks that Gemini would be put to; it should be a great performer in 4K, multi-screen output and VR applications. Now it looks like AMD has specifically chosen to delay Gemini as the rest of the VR hardware/software industry dithers on the verge of launch - it doesn't want to launch early into such an incomplete ecosystem.
Hardware.fr asked the following question and received the quoted answer from AMD:
Q: "On the E3 Livecast, Lisa committed to shipping Fiji Gemini by Xmas. What happened? Is Fiji Gemini delayed?"
A: "The product schedule for Fiji Gemini had initially been aligned with consumer HMD availability, which had been scheduled for Q415 back in June. Due to some delays in overall VR ecosystem readiness, HMDs are now expected to be available to consumers by early Q216. To ensure the optimal VR experience, we're adjusting the Fiji Gemini launch schedule to better align with the market.
Working samples of Fiji Gemini have shipped to a variety of B2B customers in Q415, and initial customer reaction has been very positive."
The above explanations sounds reasonable but will disappoint some enthusiasts who might have been tempted by a Gemini for various non-VR pursuits. However if the extra time can make a better product launch without any major hardware/software wrinkles then it could be good overall for AMD.
AMD shareholders optimistic
In other news for AMD followers, it looks like the stock market has turned optimistic as far as AMD's prospects are concerned. Despite the news of the delay of Gemini, stock was up nearly 3 per cent yesterday and AMD's shares have risen in value considerably over recent months. Check out the positive looking stock value graph below.
