Pages

Sunday, 31 October 2021

Netflix Millions: 5 Highest Earning Netflix Originals

RELATED: The Boys Was Going To Be A Movie Long Before It Was Ever A TV Show

4 La Casa De Papel (Season 5)

La Casa De Papel or Money Heist to most people is one of Netflix most popular creations. The show is about eight thieves who took hostages and locked themselves in Royal Mint of Spain, the story revolved and developed from there. All the seasons of the said show gathered huge amount of viewers, however, the season 5 which happen to be last and final season of the series garnered over 69 Million viewership topping all the previous seasons. The viewership will still gather more as finale will premiere in two volumes, first volume came out last September 3, 2021 and the ultimate finale part 2 is yet to come out on December 3, 2021. The total costs of the production was not disclosed yet but the per episode salary of the main characters alone costs $1,035,000 with Álvaro Morte, known as The Professor in the series, being the highest paid at $150,000 salary per episode. Total earnings of the show is yet to be disclosed as well since the part 2 of the finale has not been shown yet.

3 The Witcher (Season 1) And Lupin (Season 1)

The Witcher Season 1 and Lupin Season 1 both landed in fourth place both with 76 Million Viewership. The Witcher revolves around Geralt, a mutated hunter of monster who strives to find a place in the world of humans where he finds people eviler than beasts. The budget for the entire season was not officially confirmed, but rumor has it that the entire production costs for season 1 of The Witcher are $70-80 Million. The costs per episode were reported to be $10 Million, with Henry Cavill getting $400,000 as salary for each episode which totals to $3.2 Million for the entire season. With the addition of The Witcher on Netflix in the last quarter of 2019, it was reported that the earnings of Netflix have increased by $133.9 million compared to the previous year’s earnings.

Lupin, on the other hand, is a series about a world-famous thief and the master of disguise, Arsene Lupin. The series was labeled as the most surprising Netflix hit, considering the production costs are not as big as the other shows on this list. The production costs and financial gains of Lupin to the company were not disclosed, but Netflix claims the series is their ‘biggest French hit’, and about 4 million subscribers were added to their customers in the first quarter of 2021, the same period when Lupin was released.

2 Bridgerton (Season 1)

Landing on 2nd spot, Bridgerton makes history as it brings in 82 Million viewership to Netflix. The show is an adaptation of romance novel creations of American best-selling author Julia Quinn. The Bridgerton is one of the shows which was included in the $100 Million deal made with TV Producer Shonda Rhimes where the mega-producer is expected to produce hit shows for Netflix. The deal might seem overpriced, but considering the success and profit Bridgeton brought in, the deal might be worth it. The cost per episode of the series is reported to be £5million, which is about $6.8 Million. The series is said to have boosted the Revenue of Netflix UK in 2020; it was reported that revenue right after the Bridgeton was released totaled $239 Million in the UK alone.

1 Squid Game

Squid Game is now considered to be Netflix’s biggest show ever as it brought in 142 million viewership just after four weeks after the release of the series. The South Korean series tackles the risks people are willing to take to get out of debt and earn money. It revolves around the players of a survival game who are all in a huge amount of debt, the losers of each game being played will be killed off by the game staff, and the winners will have a chance to get the prize money at the end of the final game. The show has reportedly generated $900 Million of financial value for Netflix just recently. The show also brought in the biggest profit for Netflix since the production costs for the series are only at $21.4 Million, which is only about $2.4 Million per episode. Squid Game is also part of the $500 Million Netflix investment to produce TV and Movies in South Korea this year.

READ NEXT: South Park Creators Sign Massive $900 Million TV & Movie Deal With Viacom

Sources: HollywoodReporter, Quartz, Cnet, LATimes, IndiaGlitz



from TheRichest - Feed https://ift.tt/3pUlfqs

Tom Brady Pays Fan $60,000 To Return Ball From The 600th Touchdown Pass

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady is giving a fan one bitcoin in exchange for his 600th career touchdown ball. The fan, Byron Kennedy, mistakenly ended up with the ball and was reluctant to return it when the team asked. Instead, he negotiated with the Buccaneers before eventually giving the ball back to the team.

It happened last Sunday when Brady threw the 600th touchdown of his career, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to reach the milestone. Unfortunately, wide receiver Mike Evans handed the ball off to Kennedy who was sitting in the crowd before realizing the significance of the score.

"He asked for the ball back. I didn't really need the ball. It was cool, I got to hold it, take pictures with it. And then Tom Brady wanted it, so I gave it back." Kennedy said of the experience.

But he didn’t just give the ball back without getting something in return.

The fan walked away from the negotiations with two signed jerseys and a helmet from Brady, a signed Mike Evans jersey & his game cleats, a $1,000 credit at the team store, and two season passes for the remainder of this season as well as next season, according to UPROXX.

But Brady decided to sweeten the deal by sending Kennedy a bitcoin, worth $62,000. The bonus is a nice tie-in for Brady who currently serves as a pitchman for the FTX cryptocurrency exchange.

RELATED: 8 Highest Selling Sports Jerseys

But apparently, Kennedy should have held out for a better deal.

Sportico got in contact with Ken Goldin, founder of Goldin Auctions, who estimated that Brady’s 600-touchdown ball is worth at least $500,000. Goldin said that most fans don’t understand the market value for these items. Trading cards typically receive more mainstream media attention than sports memorabilia, although it can often be worth more.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Goldin told Sportico. “And I wonder if the fan even knew the significance of the ball when it was handed to them.”

“I know I could call two or three people and sell that for $500,000,” Goldin said of the ball.

But Brady believes the fan did alright all things considered, "I think it worked out," Brady in an interview. "I am also giving him a Bitcoin. That's pretty cool too. At the end of the day, I think he's still making out pretty well."

READ NEXT: ESPN Looking To Venture Into Sports-Betting Business With $3 Billion Deal 

Sources: SporticoUPROXX



from TheRichest - Feed https://ift.tt/3BrmAap

Inside Axioma: The Kardashians' Sensational $75 Million Superyacht

Initially named Red Square, Axioma is a motor yacht that provides a safe retreat for renters to leisure in style. It features four outdoor locations that seamlessly submerge into one. Equipped with a top-of-the-line crew and numerous luxurious for relaxation, let’s take a look inside this outstanding mega yacht.

Axioma, the 236-foot superyacht, was built in 2013 by Dunya Yachts, and it’s the largest yacht built by the company. It was first displayed at the Monaco Yacht Show as Red Square and received a rave response from the onlookers. The owner of the yacht is a Russian businessman Dmitry Pumpyanskiy. It is created with expert craftsmanship, materials, and engineering to produce a top-notch water transport. Diana and Sterling Scott designed the exterior of the water transport.

Late photographer and interior designer Alberto Pinto decorated the superyacht before his passing in 2012. Pinto always took inspiration from cultural motifs and used the same principle for the yacht. He gave the yacht a beach house-style interior combined with glamorous hotel-inspired designs. Pinto dedicated the design to create a summertime feel and used light-colored woods and straws, and leather as natural fabrics to decorate the ample space, as noted by Yacht Charter Fleet.

Axioma has an ultra-modern stabilizing system that works at zero speeds and rocky waves to reduce roll motion for performance and range. This way, guests can have an effortless cruising journey without experiencing seasickness. The superyacht has a cruising speed of 14 knots with a top speed of 17 knots. It has a range of 6,000 nautical miles with 172,400-liter fuel tanks for a long journey.

RELATED: Inside Russian Billionaire's $100 Million Yacht That Can Break Through Ice

Axioma has a myriad of amenities and keeps it limited to a few guests. As mentioned by Super Yacht Fan, the superyacht can accommodate 12 guests and 20 crew members. It has five exteriors, each featuring gorgeous views of the blue lagoons. The master suite is designed in neutral colors and has wide windows with a circular skylight for basking in the sunlight. There are additional five staterooms: a VIP suite, two double rooms, and two convertible twin cabins. All the rooms are located on the main deck and are designed with a specific color scheme.

As stated by Boat International, the superyacht features a bar, a spacious salon, a gym, and a cinema room on the lower deck for a theatre-like experience. The sun deck has ample space to host a party using the barbecue station on board. For wellness and relaxation, Axioma has a steam room and sauna on the bridge deck, accessible to all guests from every direction. One of the unique features of the boat is the double-deck gallery that is created by combing two decks so guests can have easy access to the bar and lounge areas.

A humongous superyacht that features amenities, good lighting, and helpful staff. Axioma checks off the celebrity requirements for every vacation. The company also provides essential toys with the yacht, such as paddleboards, kayaks, inflatable slides, and diving equipment. The RYA sports center approves Axioma so that guests can get their Jet Ski certification on the luxury charter.

With the help of these amenities, celebrities usually turn the Mediterranean Sea into their private playground. The inflatable slide can be directly connected from the sun deck into the water for a dive down into the sea. In 2015, Kendall Jenner was spotted enjoying the Axioma experience in Monaco with her friends Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Hailey Baldwin, and her then-boyfriend Lewis Hamilton. According to The Daily Mail, the best friends had vacationed on the yacht following the Monte Carlo Grand Prix. The celebrities were spotted jet skiing, diving, and cruising down the inflatable pool into the luminous water.

Axioma the superyacht has become a celebrity favorite and is still chartered around for relaxing vacations by elite families. It features an experienced crew of 20 people that will be available any time of the day to help, and the amenities speak for themselves. The yacht is available for seasonal charter, and it has a weekly rate of $523,500 for the summers and $343,000 for the winters.

READ NEXT: Inside The Migaloo: A $2.3 Billion Submarine Yacht

Sources: Yacht Charter Fleet, Super Yacht Fan, Boat International, The Daily Mail



from TheRichest - Feed https://ift.tt/3jPsJqU

The Biggest Deals In LA: A Peek Inside The Weeknd's $70 Million Mega Mansion

The Weeknd has worked his way from the streets of Toronto to performing at sold-out concert venues around the world. After discovering his musical talent, the artist began collaborating with famous artists like Drake and Ariana Grande to build a strong fanbase. Today, the star has a $100 million net worth and a fleet of luxury cars and real estate properties to show for his growing fortune. His most recent purchase is a gorgeous Bel Air Mansion that he bought for an astonishing $70 million in October 2021. A few months before purchasing the luxurious property, the artist sold his Hidden Hills Home to Madonna for $19.3 million. While the home was just as lavish and opulent, The Weeknd wanted to make a shift to an even more stylish home.

Adding to his real estate profile that contains two penthouses in LA and New York respectively and a Starboy mansion in Los Angeles, The Weeknd’s newest is his most extravagant purchase and the biggest real estate deal LA has witnessed this year. From having nothing at one point to having everything, let’s take a look inside The Weeknd’s $70 million mega-mansion.

The home was previously owned by a Dutch media mogul Reinout Oerlemans and his wife Danielle Oerlemans, a competitive cyclist. The couple purchased the home in 2015 for $12.4 million, and during the next three years, they added 13,000 sq. ft. of space to their dwelling to add more amenities, as stated by Architecture Digest. When the home was purchased, Oerlemans stated that the home's interior was shabby, but the couple saw potential and liked the location. They redesigned the entire interior working with renowned interior designers and importing furniture from around the world, including their homeland of the Netherlands.

RELATED: Beyoncé And JAY-Z List Their New Orleans Mansion For $4.45 Million

The couple had no plans to sell their property until Rayni, and Branden Williams from Beverly Hills Estate showed an interest in the home. They gave The Weeknd a tour of the estate, who immediately loved the home. The Williams represented Oerlemans while another agent from Beverly Hills Estate, Angel Salvador, repped for The Weeknd. The off-market deal came with a $70 million price tag, which was multiple times more than the amount the couple spent.

The 33,000 sq. ft. mega-mansion is three times bigger than his previous Hidden Hills home. While the home had a Tuscan-style feel, the previous owners changed it into a chic and luxurious abode. The entrance of the property has giant double gates and a long driveway to reach the house. The formal living room features coffered ceilings with mirror panels, a black marble fireplace, and shiny orange walls. According to Dirt, the home has nine bedrooms with lavishly decorated interiors.

The sprawling kitchen has two marble islands and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a scenic view of the pool and golf courses. The kitchen is equipped with customized copper cabinets with leather belt handles that give it a rustic feel. The gourmet kitchen also comes with an array of high-end appliances that can fulfill every artist's need. For entertaining the guests, the Bel Air mansion features a great outdoor bar and a lounge area near a fire pit for guests to sit and enjoy.

Everywhere the eye can go, the home has windows and glass walls to allow good lighting inside the rooms. Some rooms in the house have a hint of track lighting on ceilings, whereas the spacious formal dining room has an extravagant chandelier that looks like an exploding star, as noted by Financial Post.

The curvy three-story home offers ample terraces everywhere to bask in the warm Californian climate by interlinking the indoor structures to the outdoors. The house is equipped with every luxury amenity imaginable. It has a spa, a Turkish-style hammam, a movie theatre, a gym, and a music studio indoors. For the outdoors, the mansion has an infinity pool with waterfalls and an open tennis court that offer a direct view of the Bel-Air Country Club.

The landscape of lush green trees and shrubs surrounds the entire estate, giving it a mysterious feel. As mentioned by Fancy Pants Homes, The Weeknd’s exclusive estate has no neighbors around, which is a perfect escape for the artist to wind down and get some privacy that he needs away from the media. The modern extravagance of this home is the epitome of luxury and truly suits the larger-than-life personality of The Weeknd.

Once a couch-surfer from Canada, The Weeknd has come a long way from his days living in low-grade apartments. His ever-growing fortune and expenses are proof that pure talent can take success to bigger heights every time. While the artist has just bought the property in October 2021, everyone is waiting to see how the Grammy winner redesigns his home.

READ NEXT: An Aerial Arsenal: Inside Bill Gates' Aircraft Collection

Sources: Architecture Digest, Dirt, Financial Post, Fancy Pants Homes



from TheRichest - Feed https://ift.tt/3pRDxZr

Jeremy Piven's House Was Robbed With $20K Worth Of Clothing Stolen

Entourage star Jeremy Piven is the latest celebrity to fall victim to a home robbery. Thieves were reportedly able to make away with $20,000 in clothing taken directly from the actor’s Los Angeles home.

According to TMZ, the perpetrators were able to access Piven’s home by smashing a window. Piven was not home at the time of the robbery. Rather, his representative told the outlet he’s currently in the United Kingdom performing stand-up comedy.

RELATED: Chris Harrison Proposes To Lauren Zima With A $100,000 Ring

No arrests have been made in the case, but police are asking for the public’s help in finding footage that can assist them in identifying those responsible for the crime. At this time, it’s also unclear if Piven’s home was targeted or if the home robbery was done at random.

9Honey Celebrity reports that he bought the Hollywood Hills home in 2017 for $7 million. The mansion has a view of downtown LA as well as the Pacific Ocean and has features like glass walls and infinity pool.

It hasn’t been confirmed if Piven will return to the United States following the theft. He made his stand-up debut earlier this month in the U.K. on October 15th.

He previously told Sunday Express that it was important to have his first shows in London, saying, “I know how much comedy means to the UK. There are no harsher critics than the Brits.” He added that sarcasm isn’t understood well in America, rather, it’s better received in the United Kingdom.

Unfortunately, theft is nothing new in the celebrity world. This year alone, several high-profile celebrities have had personal items stolen. In May, it was reported that three storage units belonging to Beyonce’s production company, Parkwood Entertainment, were broken into. The robbers managed to take $1 million in accessories and clothing.

Earlier in January, Miley Cyrus also had a storage locker broken into. Those responsible took an assortment of personal items, including clothes and family photos, though a dollar amount for the robbery wasn’t made public. It appeared Miley wasn’t specifically targeted in the theft, as other storage units were also hit.

Shawn Mendes and Camilla Cabello also got a fright in March when thieves targeted their Los Angeles mansion, though they were home at the time. The perpetrators reportedly left quickly upon realizing people were in the house, but they took off with Shawn’s G-wagon, which generally start at a minimum of $120,000.

NEXT: Adele Is Releasing A New Album Inspired By Her Divorce

Sources: TMZ, 9Honey Celebrity, Sunday Express,



from TheRichest - Feed https://ift.tt/3vZAbVm

The $900 Billion Social Media Giant, Facebook, Is Now Meta

Facebook is changing its corporate name to Meta Mark Zuckerberg announced on Thursday. The $900 billion company has been synonymous with social media for years but lately has come under fire for its business practices.

The name change is a similar strategy that Google employed in 2015. Google, as it was then known corporately, had become much more than a search engine. They opted to rename the company Alphabet, which acted as a parent company that owned Google, the search engine.

As with Google, the social media platform will keep its name. Facebook has expanded to include Instagram, WhatsApp, and the virtual reality headset Oculus.

"It is time for us to adopt a new company brand to encompass everything that we do," Zuckerberg said. "From now on, we're going to be metaverse first, not Facebook first."

The move comes at a time of increased scrutiny of the company over its controversial business practices. According to Business Insider, former Facebook employee Frances Haugen publicly came forward after leaking thousands of documents that showed company executives knew the platform helped spread misinformation for years but did not do enough to combat the negative effects.

Facebook has also faced criticism for how much information on users it collects. In a nod to this Zuckerberg devoted part of his presentation, where he introduced “Metaverse,” to emphasize that the company will center privacy and safety as it builds its new virtual services and hardware.

RELATED: 10 Highest-Grossing Video Game Franchises

"You will get to decide when you want to be with other people, when you want to block someone from appearing in your space or when you want to take a break and teleport to a private place to be alone," Zuckerberg said.

Zuckerberg described the metaverse as a three-dimensional virtual space where users can create avatars that represent them. Zuckerberg said the new virtual reality world will allow users to play video games, watch movies, attend concerts, collaborate with colleagues, and gather with friends without leaving their living room.

It makes sense.

The company’s earnings revealed that it was hemorrhaging younger users to rivals like TikTok. Zuckerberg said Monday that he's "retooling" the company to appeal to younger users and it looks like the metaverse project is his plan.

READ NEXT: Check Out Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's Insane Collection Of Homes

Sources: Business InsiderNPR



from TheRichest - Feed https://ift.tt/2ZC7RNj

What Makes Villa Leopolda The Most Expensive Private Home In Europe

Located on the beautiful lagoons of the French Riviera in France, Villa Leopolda is the world’s third-largest home. It is spread across a massive 8 acres of land and offers the best sea views imaginable. The house has always been a massive part of European history as it has a blend of royal history and a modern touch of masterful architecture and interior design. While the home's interior hasn’t been viewed by many, it is known to have antique artworks that are rare in the world. Villa Leopolda has been owned by many people over the years who have constructed, restyled, and decorated it according to their tastes.

From kings to businessmen, the villa has been a residence for many elites over the years. Being the most expensive home in Europe gives it a luxurious feel. Let’s see what features truly make Villa Leopolda so beautiful.

5 A Deeply Embedded History

The history begins with royalty as the home was constructed for the Belgian King Leopold II, who bought the property for 1 Franc in 1902, as stated by Amazing Zone. The home was purchased for his mistress Blanche Zélia Joséphine Delacroix, paying her regular visits. After Leopold passed away, Blanche was evicted from the property, and the king’s nephew King Albert I, overtook the property. In 1915, the property was used as a hospital to treat the injured and sick during World War. The home was purchased by the owner of Italian auto brands Fiat and Ferrari Giovanni Agnelli in 1950. Later on, Edmund Safra and his wife Lily purchased the property. After Safra’s tragic death, Lily was seeking a potential buyer.

Luxury real estate entrepreneur Ignace Meuwissen wanted to get his hands on the property, and he made several attempts to persuade Lily. After he offered her $555 million, Lily caved in. However, the 2008 economic downturn saw Meuwissen unable to pay more than the $58 million deposit he made. When he withdrew the deposit, a battle ensued, but the French court ordered him to pay the amount. Villa Leopolda is currently owned by Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov who bought the mansion for $750 million in 2008.

RELATED: Check Out Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's Insane Collection Of Homes

4 The Stunning Architecture

Ogden Codman was the architect who imagined the majestic property and brought it to life between 1929 and 1931. He designed the villa in a Neo-Palladian style by purchasing existing structures to create the landscape. The first pictures and artworks designed by the architect are preserved at the New England Antiquities in Boston, Massachusetts. As mentioned by Alux, after the Safras purchased the property, they commissioned Lorenzo Mongiardino, who is known for his art decorations on movie sets to create the interior design of the property. The couple also asked acclaimed designer Mica Ertegün to decorate the second-floor bedrooms of the villa.

3 A Museum-Like Artwork

Just a few miles away from the Mediterranean Sea, the home features artwork inspired by the beauty of France. The home has 19 deluxe bedrooms, antique furniture, and 14 bathrooms. The interior also has a bowling alley and multiple dining rooms. Along with a movie theatre, the home also has old piece artworks and valuable marble sculptures that give austere to the luxurious villa. The vintage aura of the home has made it an important part of European history.

2 Stunning Views From Everywhere

This 50 acres of sprawling property offers fantastic sea views from the terrace that overlooks the French Riviera. It also gives a glimpse at the 1200 trees from different varieties that surround the property. According to The Richest, the home has 50 full-time workers that work hard to keep the vegetation fresh and well-maintained. The outdoors also has a greenhouse for guests to relax in and multiple gardens and courtyards. From the aerial view, the home gives a glimpse at the glorious blue pool with a lounge area for leisure. The manicured hedges and well-sculpted statues give a feel of true luxury. It is reported that the home also consists of additional pools inside. The exterior also has a fountain, a sports court, helipad, and exterior staircases for easy travel from one spot to another.

1 Featured In Several Movies

The private residency is registered as a French Monument due to its impact on Europe and pop culture. Red Shoes, the 1984 classic film sees the lead character climbing the stairs of the gorgeous villa, thinking she was invited to dinner but is instead given a role as a ballet dancer. Alfred Hitchcock used the backdrop and set of Leopolda for his film To Catch A Thief starring legendary actors Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. The story revolves around a retired cat burglar who plans to catch a jewel thief. Along with movies, Leopolda was mentioned in the memoir Red Notice where banker Bill Browder detailed his experience about visiting the villa.

From gorgeous views of the blue lagoons to the breathtaking interior that offers every amenity possible, the most expensive private residence in Europe, Villa Leopolda, stands true to its name. The home is a pinnacle of European luxury and has become an iconic structure. Given its popularity, the French Historic Properties has also dedicated a website to Villa Leopolda.

READ NEXT: Mission 'Own No Home': The Properties Sold By Elon Musk After His Vow

Sources: Amazing Zone, Alux, The Richest, Villa Leopolda



from TheRichest - Feed https://ift.tt/3CuEU3H

Saturday, 30 October 2021

Sir Richard's Pricey Toys: 10 Ridiculously Expensive Things Owned By Richard Branson

He's a billionaire with ownership in everything from real estate to airlines to record labels, and it looks like Sir Richard Branson isn't stopping there.

The entrepreneur is worth nearly $5 billion, getting his start at just 16-years-old when he founded a magazine called Student. Though the magazine is no longer published, Branson has made a name for himself with his keen eye on a business deal and the lavish purchases he's made over the years.

According to Market Realist, the Virgin Group brings in $21 billion annually, revenue for Branson's many business ventures, and allows the man to rub elbows with some A-list celebrities, presidents, and royalty, to name a few.

Check out some of the most expensive things Branson has purchased to date.

10 Necker Belle Yacht

First launched as Lady Barbaretta in 2003, the Necker Belle underwent renovations for more than two years. It's one of the few luxury catamarans in the world and includes a beautiful interior and exterior. With four suite bedrooms and a capacity to invite ten guests with a crew of seven, Branson has opened the yacht for charter. Guests can rent the boat for $88,000 per week.

9 Necker Island

Perhaps Branson's most well-known property is the once uninhabited island he purchased and created into a luxury haven and resort. He bought the island in 1978, and not only has Branson called the island home for decades, but he's also invited the likes of Princess Diana, Oprah Winfrey, Robert De Niro, and Orlando Bloom to enjoy the spoils. The ten-bedroom Balinese style villa includes a second-floor jacuzzi, airy and spacious dining, and a kitchen full of the scents of ingredients flown in daily from Miami. Aside from the main home, three other homes provide guest accommodations. An evening on Necker Island will cost approximately $54,000.

8 Necker Nymph

A luxury stay at Necker Island wouldn't be complete without an adventure on the Necker Nymph. The one-of-a-kind underwater aircraft was built specifically for Branson. The three-person submarine with an open cockpit is 15-feet long and can last up to two hours underwater—the special aircraft compliments other recreational activities like sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, and more.

7 The Roof Gardens

Branson owns several Virgin Limited-Edition properties, including a unique retreat in Central London called The Roof Gardens. Sitting 100 feet above Kensington, the private club includes themed gardens, more than 70 full-sized trees, fountains, and flamingos. According to List Hogs, guests are treated to several VIP areas, two bars, and a staff of 100 professionals to tend to guests.

RELATED: Elon Musk Has Ticket For Richard Branson's Galactic Space Flights

6 Falcon 900 EX

The private corporate jet is a mobile advertisement for the Virgin Galactic, the space travel arm of Branson's Virgin empire, and can carry 14 passengers with luxury seating, a business center, and an onboard bedroom. Branson paid roughly $36 million for the plane that dons the named 'Galactic Girl'.

5 VSS Enterprise & VSS Unity

The competition to Elon Musk's SpaceX, Branson created a 60-foot-long spaceship designed for six passengers and two pilots. Passengers can buy a ticket for $200,000 for a two-hour flight in suborbital space. Unfortunately, in 2014, the ship crashed during a routine test flight over California's Mojave Desert, and Branson commissioned a new version of the ship, VSS Unity, which Branson launched in the summer of 2021.

4 Ulusaba Safari Lodge

The private game reserve and lodge in South Africa is located in the Sabi Sand Reserve near Johannesburg. Branson owns two properties in the region. The Rock Lodge, featuring 21 luxury suites with spa treatments, aromatherapy, and a full gym. The second property, the Safari Lodge, is a rustic treehouse-style accommodation in which the guests in 21 rooms can live among the jungle with views of natural habitats and wild animals.

3 Makepeace Island

According to Born Rich, Branson has opened the island doors for guests to rent the 25-acre world off of the Australian coast. He purchased the island in 2003, planning an eco-retreat space with complete privacy. For just $8,000 per night, guests can enjoy a lagoon pool, bar, beach areas, tennis court, spa facilities, and nature walks.

2 Morris Mini-Minor

The economy car launched in 1848 was a two-door convertible, later upgraded to a four-door in the 1950s. Branson is the owner of the classic car with fixed rear windows and rubber floor mats. The car tops the list for auto collectors, and in his typical fashion, Branson has added one to his collection.

1 Moskito Island

The mega-rich businessman has a clear devotion to privacy and remote resorts. In 2007, he bought Moskito Island for $10 million. Branson's plan for the 120 acres is to develop the island as a showcase for biodiversity and exotic species. Once again, he plans to build a home for his family, plus a few luxury homes for families that want to live environmentally friendly. Plans for the island include carbon-neutral, Balinese-style villas built with ecologically sound cement. Solar, wind, and wave sources will be used for power, and Branson hopes to include a butterfly park on the property.

READ NEXT: Billionaire Richard Branson Wins The Race & Launches Into Space

Sources: Market Realist, List Hogs, Born Rich



from TheRichest - Feed https://ift.tt/3nHmN4G

T.I And Tiny Are Building Affordable Housing Solutions For The Needy

Rapper T.I. and his wife, Tiny, certainly live a lavish lifestyle. After all, T.I. alone has a net worth that hovers around the $50 million mark, so money isn't an issue for this family at all. However, while so many other artists are rushing to fill their closets full of designer clothes and purses, and their garages are stacked with fine cars, T.I. and Tiny are opting to spend their hard earned fortune in a very different way. Dedicated to being humble and gracious for all that life has afforded them, they have opted to invest their money to create affordable housing options for those in need. Revolt reports that they're dropping millions to develop land, and it's not for their own mansion, it's for homes for many families that are disadvantaged and in dire need of assistance.

RELATED: The Heart of NYC: How New York Nico Has Rebuilt The Community

T.I. and Tiny saw a need in their community, and they stepped up to offer tangible assistance. They have become increasingly aware of the challenges facing many families in the Bankhead neighborhood in Atlanta, and they rose to the occasion by investing their personal money towards making a change for those who aren't in a position to create their own opportunities and secure proper housing for their families.

The husband and wife duo have stepped up in a big way to offer an affordable housing community that has not just already made it to development, but is actually already 40% of the way completed!

Sharing a post of their progress to Instagram, T.I. took fans along a tour of the massive property that he is overhauling in order to assist those that require more affordable housing options.

Revolt quotes his video by saying, “Checking up on my development in Bankhead right here. We've got affordable housing, 143 units going up. Mixed-use community. We about 40 percent done, we supposed to be done sometime next year.”

T.I.  went on to indicate that the community center would also boast some incredible amenities for people to enjoy as well, so they can truly feel that they are part of the social setting when they settle in to their new environment. That is said to include a garden, an elaborate greenhouse, and a local community center for youth and adults alike.

 The Low Income Housing Authority pegged this development as costing roughly $3 million, and that estimate was generated in the early stages of the project, and is likely to have increased significantly.

As for his motivation to do such a good deed, T.I. revealed that this site used to be a shopping centre that he frequented with his grandmother when he was young. He, too, grew up not far from this area, which clearly holds significant emotional value.

READ NEXT: A Million-Dollar Bag: Young Thug Loses A Bag With $1.1 Million Worth Of Valuables Inside

Sources: The Low Income Housing Authority, Revolt 



from TheRichest - Feed https://ift.tt/3Cw4ghU

Ron Howard's Age, Family, And How He Spends His $200 Million Net Worth

Born in Duncan, Oklahoma, Ron Howard had known the behind-the-scenes of a movie set all his life. His parents, Rance and Jean Speegle Howard were acclaimed actors who had worked in film and television shows. Howard decided to follow in their footsteps and took small acting parts as a child. He was determined to become a director and pursued his dream until he achieved it. While he excelled in his career, his family was right by his side, supporting him through it all. Ron Howard and his wife Cheryl have four children, two of whom became successful Hollywood stars. He also entered the production business, and his venture has produced popular movies and television shows over the years.

His prolific career and business has amassed him a $200 million net worth. Way before winning two Academy Awards, Howard’s journey began when he made a debut on stage at four. Let’s take a look at the life of Ron Howard.

A first on-screen appearance at the age of 18 months followed by a memorable role in The Music Man at four, Howard became a familiar face soon after. He played the role of Opie on the primetime show The Andy Griffith Show. Following the sitcom, he joined another long-time running cast of Happy Days, where he played the role of Richard Cunningham.

His movie career began with American Graffiti around the same time, and he was a part of John Wayne’s final movie, The Shootist. While Howard garnered positive reviews for his performances, he had plans to become a director. He had directed several episodes on Happy Days, but studios were unwilling to entrust a feature film on a 23-year old, as stated by Achievement.

Things changed when he struck a deal with Roger Corman, who gave unknown directors a chance in the industry. He was one of the people who helped everyone see the genius of Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola. Howard starred in a movie for Corman and asked to be the director in exchange for his acting role.

Corman booked the film in the theaters without a script or story in hand. Howard and his father Rance prepared the script in two weeks before going into production. Grand Theft Auto was made on a $600,000 budget and garnered $15 million at the box office. This gave him a mainstream break in Hollywood. For his acting career, he saw himself getting typecast as an all-American boy. He broke out of that segment when Producer Geroge Lucas asked him to direct and star in the fantasy adventure Willow. Ron Howard started exploring the fantasy/comedy genre with his popular films Splash and Cocoon.

RELATED: The Kevin Costner Story: How The Robin Hood Grew His $250 Million Fortune

In 1985, Ron Howard opened his own production company called Imagine Entertainment alongside Brian Grazer, the producer of his movie Splash, as noted by Arts And Culture. His production company went on to produce hits such as My Girl and Kindergarten Cop. While directing comedies such as The Paper and Parenthood, Howard directed and produced dramas like Backdraft, a suspense film about Chicago firefighters. His directorial work for Apollo 13 in 1995 earned him an award at Directors Guild America.

As Howard had been recognized as one of the best filmmakers in Hollywood, he also produced television shows Arrested Development, Felicity, and 24. He bagged a significant win with the 2001 film A Beautiful Mind. He won two Oscars in the same year for Best Director and Best Picture. He began producing movie adaptations of Dan Brown books starring Tom Hanks in The Da Vinci Code and Angels And Demons.

While his ongoing works were getting outstanding results at the box office, Howard and his business partner decided to expand Imagine Entertainment. In 2016, Imagine received a $100 million cash influx from the investment company Raine Group. In 2018, the company acquired a majority stake in Marginal Mediaworks, a controlled-budget producing film company. According to Variety, Imagine also acquired Jax Media, another production company that made comedy films in the same year. Two years later, Imagine made a substantial investment in Jigsaw Productions to boost Imagine documentaries.

During his sprawling career, his wife was the only person constant by his side. Ron Howard met his wife Cheryl in high school in the 1970s, and the couple tied the knot in 1975. They have four children: Bryce Dallas Howard, Paige Howard, Jocelyn Howard, and Reed Howard. His wife is a gifted writer who has worked with him on movies such as A Beautiful Mind and The Paper. His daughters Bryce and Paige have starred in hit movies, with the former bagging roles in Jurassic and Twilight franchises.

His directorial career added another feather to the cap when he directed and produced Star Wars, a movie created by George Lucas. The latter offered him a breakthrough role with Willow in 1998. As mentioned by Deadline, Howard and his production company have recently produced popular television shows such as Russian Doll, Inside Amy Schumer, and Emily In Paris.

The 67-year old is also a published author, and he recently wrote a book titled The Boys: A Memoir Of Hollywood And Family with his brother Clint Howard. With a sprawling net worth of $200 million from his acting, directing, and business strategies, Howard has gained more in his career than any can wish to achieve. Howard is set to produce the highly anticipated musical drama Tick, Tick… Boom!, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Andrew Garfield.

READ NEXT: The Louis Vuitton Story: How A Homeless Boy Created A Multi-Billion Dollar Luxury Brand

Sources: Achievement, Arts And Culture, Variety, Deadline



from TheRichest - Feed https://ift.tt/2Y3wemc

Ellen DeGeneres Sells Her $55 Million Mansion Only To Buy Two New Homes

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi recently sold one of their Montecito, California properties for a cool $55 million, only to purchase two other homes.

Siteline Santa Barbara was the first to report that the famous couple had offboarded their property to an anonymous buyer. The deal was done off-market, so the terms of the agreement are unknown, such as whether the price also included the furniture.

RELATED: Kylie Jenner Releases New 'Nightmare On Elm Street' Makeup Collaboration

This is reportedly the second largest sale to have ever occurred in Santa Barbara County, Dirt notes. It trails a $63 million property that was purchased by billionaire Riley Bechtel last year, though the land is much larger than the property sold by DeGeneres and de Rossi. Bechtel’s property sits on 237 acres, while the couple’s is only 4.3.

DeGeneres and de Rossie only owned the property for a year after buying it from radio host Dennis Miller for $49 million in late 2020. The compound features three lots -- 588 Picacho, 592 Picacho, and 596 Picacho. The property was originally four lots, but two of them were merged prior to the sale.

When DeGeneres and de Rossi purchased the compound, it came with three structures built in 2012. The structures total more than 16,000 square feet, including a 9,000 square feet mansion that features a South African Cape Dutch architectural style. The compound’s other amenities include a detached garage, a pool house, a guesthouse, and a barn designed by Tom Kundig.

DeGeneres and de Rossi have owned many homes in Southern California throughout the years and are open about their love for flipping homes – remodelling to sell for a profit.

“The first thing I did when I made money was buy a house. And then…” DeGeneres told Architectural Digest in 2011. De Rossi added, “Another one, and another one, and another one, and another one.”

It appears the pair are already onto their next project, as real estate records reveal they’ve purchased two more homes in the area. This includes their Rancho San Leandro home, also located in Montecito, which they previously owned from 2017 to 2018.

DeGeneres and de Rossi paid $14.3 million to buy back the historic property earlier this year, which is almost double what they paid for the property the first time they bought it. But they also paid $12 million for the house across the street in order to double the property acreage.

Even more, the couple recently put down $2.9 million for a 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom cottage in Montecito. The property reportedly has 1,400 square feet of living space, though it’s unclear what DeGeneres and de Rossi plan to do with it.

NEXT: Peaches Out In California: Justin Bieber To Launch New Cannabis Line Named After His Single 'Peaches'

Sources: Siteline Santa Barbara, Dirt, Architectural Digest,



from TheRichest - Feed https://ift.tt/3nJyyHx

Sony Sells GSN Games Studio To Scopely For $1B | TheRichest.com

Sony is not backing out of the scene. The deal, which is a mix of Scopely stock and cash, will make Sony a considerable minority shareholder in the gaming company. GSN CEO Mark Feldman will oversee GSN Games under the Scopely umbrella. GSN develops online and mobile casino games based on poker, bingo, solitaire, and other games. The firm had previously been a component of Game Show Network, which Sony took control of in 2019. It also produced a slot game based on Wheel of Fortune.

RELATED: A King-Size Deal: LeBron James Sells A Small Stake In SpringHill Co. For $725 Million

GSN Games’ impressive profile of free mobile games includes 'Wheel of Fortune Slots', 'Bingo Bash', and 'Solitaire TriPeaks'. Scopely won't be paying all cash, though. The company is planning to pay half the $1 billion purchase price in cash and the difference in preferred equity, which will give Sony a minority interest in Scopely. The deal is naturally susceptible to regulatory approbations and other customary closing conditions.

Scopely is on a roll now as the company's valuation has climbed to $5.4 billion after the Sony Pictures-GSN Games deal. Sony is synonymous with PlayStation, and the firm predominantly engages in the video game business through its Sony Interactive Entertainment division, which owns several game studios that customarily create content for the PlayStation platform. GSN Games, with its emphasis on casino-themed and mobile fare, didn’t quite click with the larger gaming strategy.

Scopely’s prospects seem greatly promising. In recent years, it has seen rapid growth, raising more than $500 million last year from investors like the Newhouse family’s Advance, Peter Chernin’s The Chernin Group, and private equity firm TSG. Founded in 2011, the company has raised an astonishing $990 million in funding to date.

The gaming firm has cleverly used that capital to invest in remarkable acquisitions. Last year, it took possession of the studio PierPlay, which released the popular Scrabble Go mobile game based on the classic Scrabble as per The Hollywood Reporter. It next secured FoxNext, the game studio behind 'Marvel Strike Force' from The Walt Disney Co. Disney had procured the studio as part of its 21st Century Fox acquisition. Scopely partnered with DIGIT, a Dublin-based game studio, and produced one of its top titles, 'Star Trek Fleet Command', while it was later obtained in 2019.

Ravi Ahuja, chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment corporate development and global television studios, reportedly said that the company's 14-year old business had been a fruitful venture. They found the perfect organization to support and accelerate the GSN business Scopely. He also expressed confidence in taking GSN Games to new heights and his satisfaction with being a minority shareholder in Scopely.

READ NEXT: Blinding Sales: The Weeknd's Albums That Have Sold Over A Million Copies

Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Variety



from TheRichest - Feed https://ift.tt/3mpIkPK

An Aerial Arsenal: Inside Bill Gates' Aircraft Collection

Bill Gates founded Microsoft in 1997, and the company was valued at $61 million when it went public. As their products gained success, Microsoft began to reach new heights in the growing IT sector. The strong growth of his company has made Gates one of the richest people in the world, with a net worth of an astonishing $135.2 billion. His multi-billion dollar bank balance allows him to buy the most extravagant things money can buy. Nothing tops the list than owning an aircraft. But Gates doesn’t just own one aircraft, and he owns six of them. Gates once stated that his guilty pleasures were private planes and Porsches, so it’s not a surprise that the billionaire indulged in his interest and spent a few hundred million.

Bill Gates not only owns multiple aircraft, but he has also entered the private jet segment with a $4.7 billion deal to buy the Signature Aviation company. While his deal is still underway, let’s take a look at the amazing airplanes and choppers in his collection.

6 Bombardier Challenger 350 - $28 million

The first out of the six in the aircraft collection is the Bombardier Challenger 350, which Bill Gates owns through his partnership with NetJets. NetJets sells fractional ownership shares in the private jet segment, as stated by Super Yacht Fan.

RELATED: A Golden Flight: Inside Donald Trump's $100 Million Gold Plated Private Jet

The first Bombardier is registered as N769QS and has the quietest and largest cabin in the class. It can carry 10 passengers at a time and has a maximum range of 3,666 miles. The Challenger 350 has won many awards and is the best-selling business jet amongst charter operators.

5 Bombardier Challenger 350 - $28 million

Bill Gates’ second jet is another Challenger 350 costing $28 million. His business jet is registered as N754QS and also has a seating capacity of 10 people. The cabin has metal trims and foldout tables carefully designed for a seamless private jet experience. The Challenger 350 offers high-speed Ka-band air-to-ground internet for conducting a video conference meeting or catching a football game.

Designed to suppress sounds, the Challenger 350 has an acoustic curtain and galley pocket door that make it a quiet cabin. The Challenger 350 may take longer intervals; however, the increased efficiency offers lower direct operating costs, making it an efficient buy.

4 Gulfstream 650ER - $70 million

The next on the list is another pair of private jets. The Gulfstream jets were purchased after 2018 and were bought as a replacement for Bombardier 700 Global private jets. According to Simple Flying, the first jet is registered as N887WM with a company named Mente LLC. The WM stands for William and Melinda Gates’ initials, while the number 87 stands for 1987 when the couple first met.

The G50ER can fit up to 18 passengers and comes with a maximum range of more than 8,600 miles. The jet holds the record for flying the farthest at the fastest rate as a business jet in 2019. It flew from Singapore to Tuscon, Arizona, in 15 hours and 23 minutes.

3 Gulfstream 650ER - $70 million

The next Gulfstream 650ER also has a cost of $70 million and is registered as N194WM, which stands for William and Melina, while the number 1994 is the year the couple got married. The Gulfstream is similar to the first jet and offers spacious seating, and has four separate areas for relaxation, entertainment, dining, and work. The handcrafted leather seats can be transformed into a bed and can sleep at least ten people at once.

The jet provides fresh air and the lowest cabin altitude. As stated by Gulfstream, there are sixteen windows on the jet that can give natural lighting during the day. With each seat positioned by the window, every person can look at the stunning view outside. There are more than 400 G650ERs in service, and it is the most trusted business jet in the world.

2 Cessna 208 Seaplane - $1.8 million

One of the most powerful planes in the commuter market, the Cessna 208 Seaplane comes with a 900 HP engine that makes the plane fly faster and further distances. The 208 Seaplane can seat 10 people at once and has a spacious interior for comfort. Bill Gates’ jet is registered under N459WM, and the initials again stand for William and Melinda. The seaplane reportedly cost the Microsoft founder less than his other jets, with a price of $1.8 million.

1 Eurocopter EC135 - $4 million

A multi-purpose aircraft built with state-of-the-art technology, the Eurocopter EC135 is one of Gates’ favorite possessions. The Eurocopter can seat up to 5 passengers and 1 pilot, as noted by Flying Bulls. It has a maximum speed of 180 MPH and an endurance of 2 hours and 30 minutes. The serial production of the helicopter began in 1996, and the company has sold more than 1000 units since then. Gates purchased the Eurocopter for a price of $4 million.

From private jets to seaplanes and helicopters, Bill Gates loves to travel in style. Gates is also conscious about the environmental emissions of his aircraft, so he uses sustainable jet fuel that will offset the aviation to achieve zero carbon emissions. With his constant search for energy solutions, it won’t be long before Bill Gates partners with innovative ventures to create a sustainable fuel for private and commercial aviation.

READ NEXT: How Private Jets Are Closely Tied To Meghan & Harry's History

Sources: Wall Street Journal, Simply Flying, Gulfstream, Flying Bulls



from TheRichest - Feed https://ift.tt/3GBoyJi

Friday, 29 October 2021

Young Thug Gifts A $150,000 Custom Truck To 21 Savage On His Birthday

Yung Thug went all out for his pal 21 Savage’s birthday by gifting him a $150,000 custom truck. The pair were celebrating the rapper’s 29th birthday with a Freaknik-inspired party in Atlanta when Yung Thug surprised his friend with the designer car.

Roadshow International, a luxury car dealership located in Atlanta, told TMZ the truck is a Dodge Hellcat TRX, which typically sells for anywhere between $60,000 to $72,000. However, Yung Thug added a variety of features to the ride, explaining why it cost him double the normal price.

RELATED: Farewell, Bobby: Bobby Flay To Leave The Food Network After 27 Years

For example, bright red truck is covered in daggers – which have become synonymous with 21 Savage’s image, thanks to his dagger face tattoo, which he got as a tribute to his late brother who was murdered years ago. The truck also features a large “21” plastered across the door.

If that wasn’t extra enough, Yung Thug also had 21 Savage’s face stitched into the upholstery of the seats.

Roadshow International added that they only had three days to complete the customizations on the truck. The company wasn’t sure they’d complete the order in time for the birthday celebration, but luckily the truck was finished right on schedule.

21 Savage is known for his love of cars, and the Dodge Hellcat will now join his large collection of rides. According to Autobizz, his most expensive cars include a Lamborghini Urus, which retails for around $250,000 and can reach a top speed of 190mph.

He’s also the proud owner of a Ferrari 488 GTB, which can go from 0-60mph in only three seconds. The luxury car is valued at $265,000.

Additionally, the rapper  owns a Mercedes Maybach, which sells for $205,000, a Bentley Bentayga, priced between $180,000 to $250,000, and a Porsche 911 Targa, which he likely spent $150,000 on. His other notable cars include a Chevrolet Camaro 1st Generation ($60,000) and a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat ($70,000).

Hip Hip 24x7 notes that this isn’t the first time Yung Thug spoiled his friends with a luxurious gift. Earlier this year, he surprised Gunna with a pink Continental GT Convertible Bentley for his birthday. The ride is worth an estimated $200,000.

Even more recently, Yung Thug presented Drake with a diamond encrusted OVO chain for his 35th birthday. The piece was custom-made by jeweler Elliot Eliantte and features a photo of Drake and his son, Adonis, on the back. Yung Thug gave the Hotline Bling singer the lavish gift during a Cocaine Cowboys-themed party earlier this month.

NEXT: Kylie Jenner Releases New 'Nightmare On Elm Street' Makeup Collaboration

Sources: TMZ, Autobizz, Hip Hop 24x7



from TheRichest - Feed https://ift.tt/3pURaY9

Bringing Geek Back: Q&A with Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger

One of the overriding key themes of Pat Gelsinger’s ten-month tenure at Intel has been the eponymous will to ‘bring geek back’ to the company, implying a return to Intel’s competitive past which relied on the expertise of its engineers to develop market-leading products. During this time, Pat has showcased Intel’s IDM 2.0 strategy, leveraging internal production, external production, and an update to Intel’s foundry offering, making it a cornerstone of Intel’s next decade of growth. The first major launch of this decade happened this week, at Intel’s Innovation event, with the announcement of 12th Gen Core, as well as updates to Intel’s software strategy up and down the company.

After the event, Intel invited several media and an analyst or two onto a group session with CEO Pat, along with CTO Greg Lavender, a recent new CTO hire coming from Pat’s old stomping ground at VMWare. In light of the announcements made at Intel Innovation, as well as the financial quarterly results released just the week prior, and the state of the semiconductor supply globally, everyone had Intel at the forefront of their minds, ready to ask for details on Intel’s plan. 



from AnandTech https://ift.tt/2ZEdg6c

Intel Cans Xe-HP Server GPU Products, Shifts Focus To Xe-HPC and Xe-HPG

In a tweet published yesterday afternoon by Raja Koduri, Intel’s SVP and GM of the Accelerated Computing Systems and Graphics (AXG) Group, the GPU frontman revealed that Intel has dropped their plans to bring their Xe-HP series of server GPUs to the commercial market. Citing that Xe-HP has evolved into the Xe-HPC (Ponte Vecchio) and Xe-HPG (Intel Arc) families within Intel’s GPU group, the company seemingly no longer sees a need to release a second set of server GPUs – at least, not something based on Xe-HP as we know it.

Also known by the codename Arctic Sound, Intel’s initial family of server GPUs has been the most visible product under development from Intel’s reborn GPU group. Koduri frequently showed off chips housing the silicon as it was brought-up in Intel’s labs. And, Xe-LP/DG1 excepted, this was the first high-performance Xe silicon that Intel developed. Notably, it was also the only high-performance Xe silicon slated to be manufactured by Intel; Xe-HPC’s compute tiles and Xe-HPG dies are both being built by TSMC.

We haven’t heard much of Xe-HP this year, and in retrospect that was a sign that something was amiss. Still, as of year Intel had been showing off Xe-HP demos with performance as high as 42 TFLOPS of FP32 throughput. And in November the company announced that Xe-HP was sampling to select customers.

But, as it would seem, Xe-HP just isn’t meant to be. For 2021 Intel has been focused on getting Ponte Vecchio assembled for the Aurora supercomputer (and eventually other customers), as well as bringing up the Xe-HPG Alchemist GPU family for Q1 of 2022. According to Koduri, Xe-HP has been leveraged as a development vehicle for Aurora and Intel’s oneAPI – so it hasn’t gone unused – but that’s as far as Xe-HP has made it.

For now, the cancellation of Xe-HP raises some big questions about Intel’s server GPU plans. Xe-HP was intended to be the backbone of their server efforts, utilizing a scalable design that could range from one to four cores to serve datacenter needs ranging from compute to media processing. Between Xe-HP and Ponte Vecchio covering the very high end of the market (e.g. HPC), Intel was slated to develop a potent slate of parallel processors to compete with market-leader NVIDIA, and offer traditional Intel customers a GPU option that let them stay in Intel’s ecosystem.

At this point it’s not clear what will fill the void left by Xe-HP in Intel’s product stack. Ponte Vecchio is in production now, and judging from Intel’s revised Aurora figures, is performing better than expected. But the massive chip is expensive to build – at least in its current configuration. And while Xe-HPG could be called up for server use next year, unless Intel is able to tile it like Xe-HP, they won’t be able to offer the kind of performance that Xe-HP was slated to deliver.

Equally nebulous is a full understanding of why Intel opted to cancel Xe-HP. With the silicon already up and running, canceling it certainly sets back their server GPU plans. But as AMD has already begun rolling out their new CDNA2 architecture-based server GPU products, and NVIDIA is likely aiming for some kind of refresh of their own in 2022, there’s certainly the question of whether Xe-HP was simply too late and/or too slow to compete in the server market. Coupled with that, it’s the only lineup of high-performance Xe parts that Intel was fabbing themselves, using the 10nm Enhanced Superfin process (now referred to as Intel 7).

In any case, Intel is clearly not giving up on their plans to break into the server GPU market, even if pieces of that plan now need to be rewritten. We’ve reached out to Intel for additional details, and we’ll update this story further if Intel releases a more detailed statement on their server GPU plans.



from AnandTech https://ift.tt/3vWJq8G