News reporting focused on AI and machine learning, covering the companies behind these technologies, their real-world applications, and the ethical concerns they raise. This includes areas like generative AI (large language models, text-to-image and video), speech tech, and predictive analytics.
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Nvidia is promoting its new Vera Rubin chip system, which combines CPUs and GPUs into a single platform. The company is positioning itself as a supplier of complete AI systems, not just GPUs. New benchmarks show significant performance and efficiency gains, with early customer OpenAI already using a rack.
SoftBank has announced plans to build AI data centers in France with a total capacity of 5 gigawatts, representing an investment worth up to 75 billion euros. The first phase includes 45 billion euros for 3.1 gigawatts in the Hauts-de-France region, with sites in Dunkirk, Bosquel, and Bouchain targeted by 2031. The project, unveiled at President Macron's Choose France summit, is SoftBank's largest AI infrastructure investment in Europe.
A shortage of memory chips, driven by soaring demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI data centers, is forcing consumer electronics prices higher. HBM consumes three times the wafer capacity of standard memory, and its allocation is set to jump from 2% to 20% by 2026. The shift is already hitting sub-$100 smartphones hardest.
Wirestock announced a $23 million Series A funding round to expand its data supply business for AI labs. The company, which pivoted from stock photography distribution, now provides images, videos, design assets, gaming, and 3D content from over 700,000 artists. It serves six major foundation model makers with $40 million annual run-rate revenue.
Major banks such as JPMorgan Chase and Morgan Stanley face internal risk limits from massive loans for AI data centers. They seek to transfer default risks to other investors amid deals like a $38 billion package for Oracle facilities. Political resistance, including in Maine, heightens uncertainties for these projects.