Microsoft's Breakthrough in AI Chip Development Challenges Nvidia

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Microsoft's AI Chip Development
   1. Background
   2. Project Athena
   3. Potential Rivalry with Nvidia
   4. Cost-saving Benefits for Microsoft
3. New Tech Additions to the NYPD
   1. Introduction of Security Droids
   2. Acquisition of Police Digi Dogs
   3. Controversy and Criticism
4. Reddit's Changes to API Usage
   1. Charging Businesses for API Access
   2. Impact on AI Developers
   3. Reddit's Valuation and Future Profits
5. Quick Bits
   1. Proton Update for Steam Deck
   2. Google's Bard AI and Criticisms
   3. Bungie's Expanded Anti-Cheating Policies
   4. National Reconnaissance Office's Sensor Satellite Prototype
   5. Netflix's End of DVD Mail Service
6. Conclusion

Microsoft Accelerates Development of its Own AI Chip

Microsoft is making significant strides in the development of its own AI chip, aiming to reduce its reliance on Nvidia's products. The company has been working on these chips since at least 2019 and has built them using TSMC's five-nanometer process. Internally known as Project Athena, these chips offer a promising alternative to Nvidia's high-Level AI chips. While it remains uncertain if they will surpass Nvidia's chips, Microsoft employees and OpenAI already have access to them for testing with large language models (LLMs). A full launch of Microsoft's AI chip could take place as early as next year. This development could potentially lead to cost-saving benefits for Microsoft, as producing its own in-house chips would eliminate the need to purchase expensive GPUs from Nvidia, which can reach exorbitant prices, such as over forty thousand dollars for Nvidia H100s on eBay. Moreover, Microsoft may even consider offering its in-house chips to Azure customers, further enhancing its cost-saving AdVantage.

New Tech Additions to the NYPD

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has recently announced the integration of high-tech additions to its arsenal. Among these additions are security droids that Resemble the popular fictional character R2D2 but with enhanced security features. These cylindrical droids, equipped with tracking devices and cameras, will assist the police force in surveillance activities. Additionally, the NYPD has acquired two police Digi Dogs from Boston Dynamics, which are robotic dogs equipped with cameras for capturing and analyzing data in various scenarios. These technological advancements aim to enhance the NYPD's capabilities in maintaining public safety and law enforcement. However, it is worth noting that the deployment of these robots has faced criticism in the past due to concerns about privacy invasion and the dystopian nature of such measures.

Reddit's Changes to API Usage

Reddit, one of the internet's most popular platforms for discussions and content sharing, has announced a significant change to its API usage. Going forward, businesses and AI developers will no longer have free access to Reddit's vast collection of user-generated data. Instead, they will be required to pay for access to the platform's API, which provides valuable training data for language models, including AI models. While the exact pricing details remain unknown, the changes primarily target third-party developers who require additional capabilities, higher usage limits, and broader usage rights. The motive behind these changes is not explicitly stated, but it is worth noting that Reddit is planning to go public soon. This move could potentially enhance Reddit's valuation, as it taps into the market of companies seeking training data for their large language models.

Quick Bits

• Proton, the compatibility layer that enables Windows games to run on Linux OS, has released a major update (8.0), allowing Linux users to play highly anticipated games like "Forespoken," the Dead Space remake, and "Jack's Quest HD." This update brings significant improvements to the gaming experience.
• While Google continues its efforts to persuade users that they don't need chat GPTS (Generative Pretrained Transformers) due to the availability of AI assistants at home, employees who tested Google's Bard AI have provided mixed reviews. Some testers found the AI to be cringe-worthy, while others labeled it as a pathological liar.
• Bungie, the developer of Destiny 2, has expanded its anti-cheating policies to curb the use of programmable controllers and keyboard adapters that allow unfair advantages, such as complex macros and aim assist. This initiative is aimed at maintaining a fair and accessible gaming environment.
• The United States' National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) plans to launch a sensor satellite prototype capable of tracking moving targets on the ground and in maritime environments. This technology will provide day-night, all-weather detection and tracking capabilities.
• After 20-25 years, Netflix will be discontinuing its DVD mail service. Although Netflix's streaming platform has become immensely popular, the DVD division remained favored by a niche audience due to its collection of obscure titles that were not available for online streaming.

Conclusion

These latest developments in technology highlight the continuous efforts made by companies and organizations to push boundaries and improve efficiency in various fields. From Microsoft's advancements in AI chip development to the integration of new tech in law enforcement and changes to API usage on platforms like Reddit, the tech industry remains dynamic and ever-evolving. These innovations promise to bring significant benefits and advancements while sparking important debates regarding privacy, accessibility, and the potential consequences of these developments. As technology continues to Shape our world, it is crucial to stay informed and adapt to the changes that come with these advancements.