Several companies are actively developing AI chips to compete with Nvidia, including Google with its TPU v5p, which is 2.2 times faster than its predecessor, and Alibaba with a new AI chip for its cloud business. Broadcom is also emerging as a strong competitor, potentially generating over $15 billion from its Ironwood TPU deal with Google. These developments aim to reduce reliance on Nvidia and offer more AI hardware choices. In other AI applications, Salesforce is using AI agents to contact 100 million old leads, resulting in over a million dollars in deals. Wix has added AI to its email editor to simplify marketing, while Lancaster, California, is using an AI-powered platform to speed up its permitting process. However, a St. Louis Fed study suggests AI adoption may lead to job displacement, particularly for entry-level workers. MIT professors advise learning from past automation failures by focusing on specific job improvements and employee redeployment, while some experts are concerned about a potential 'AI winter' due to overvalued startups and unmet expectations. Meanwhile, AI is also being used in sports betting startups to provide users with informed betting insights. In a cautionary note, a Congressman shared a fake AI-generated video, mistaking it for real, highlighting the potential for misinformation. PwC is training its executives on AI through personal trainers to keep them updated on the latest tech developments.
Key Takeaways
- Google's TPU v5p AI chip competes with Nvidia's H100 and is 2.2 times faster than its predecessor.
- Alibaba has developed a new AI chip for its cloud computing division to secure AI semiconductor supply.
- Broadcom's Ironwood TPU deal with Google could generate over $15 billion in revenue.
- Salesforce is using AI agents to contact 100 million uncontacted leads, resulting in over $1 million in deals.
- Wix has added Generative AI to its email editor, Wix Email Assistant, to simplify email marketing.
- Lancaster, California, is using an AI-powered platform to speed up its permitting process.
- A St. Louis Fed study suggests AI adoption may lead to job displacement, particularly for entry-level workers.
- MIT professors advise focusing on specific job improvements and employee redeployment when implementing AI.
- Some experts are concerned about a potential 'AI winter' due to overvalued startups and unmet expectations.
- PwC is training its executives on AI through personal trainers.
Alibaba's new AI chip boosts cloud business amid US restrictions
Alibaba created a new AI chip for its cloud computing division to secure AI semiconductor supply. The chip, made by Alibaba's T-Heat unit, is designed for inference workloads and is more capable than its previous Hanguang 800 chip. It's compatible with Nvidia’s software, allowing programmers to reuse code. Alibaba plans to invest 380 billion yuan in AI infrastructure over three years, supplementing Nvidia's GPUs and focusing on cloud-based inference.
Google challenges Nvidia with its own AI chip, TPU v5p
Google is increasing competition with Nvidia by making its TPU v5p AI chip available to Google Cloud customers. The TPU v5p competes with Nvidia’s H100 chip for AI training. Google aims to reduce reliance on Nvidia and offer more AI hardware choices. The TPU v5p is 2.2 times faster than its predecessor and can handle larger AI models. Google is also developing future TPUs like 'Trillium'.
Broadcom quietly battles Nvidia in AI chips and networking
While Nvidia gets attention for AI chips, Broadcom is becoming a strong competitor with its AI silicon and networking gear. Broadcom's Ironwood TPU deal with Google could generate over $15 billion in revenue. Broadcom's AI business is expected to grow significantly, reaching $33 billion by 2026. Its Tomahawk Ultra networking chips can connect more chips than Nvidia's NVLink. Broadcom is a stealth rival in the AI infrastructure race.
MIT professors compare AI adoption to GM vs Toyota in the 80s
Two MIT professors suggest learning from GM and Toyota's experiences in the 1980s when adopting AI. GM's attempt to automate factories with robots failed because they didn't understand the work processes. Toyota succeeded by focusing on improving specific jobs with robots and running experiments. The professors advise understanding how work is done, running targeted trials, and redeploying employees instead of just reducing staff when implementing AI.
Is an AI winter coming? Lessons from past AI slumps
Some experts worry that an 'AI winter,' a period of decreased enthusiasm and investment in AI, may be coming. Past AI winters were caused by hype, limitations of AI techniques, and frustrations with real-world applications. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and MIT have raised concerns about overvalued AI startups and the high failure rate of AI projects. Previous AI winters were triggered by evidence that AI hype could not be met, leading to disillusionment among investors.
Congressman shares fake AI video, mistakes it for real
West Virginia Rep. Riley Moore shared an AI-generated video of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz wearing a 'F--- Trump' T-shirt. Moore thought the video was real and said he would call the police if he saw the person in the video at the mall. Other X users added a community note pointing out that the video was fake. Moore's office has not commented on whether he will remove the post.
AI sports betting startups rise with smart tools
AI-powered sports betting startups are emerging, offering tools to help users make better betting decisions. MonsterBet, founded by Carson Szeder, uses its AI tool MonsterGPT to provide informed betting insights. Other startups like Rithmm and JuiceReel offer AI-powered sports intelligence and betting tips. These companies aim to give bettors an advantage by providing valuable analysis and recommendations.
AI adoption may lead to job losses, says St. Louis Fed study
A St. Louis Fed study suggests that AI adoption may be causing job displacement in the U.S. Industries that heavily adopted AI, like computing and math, have seen the largest increases in unemployment. Entry-level workers are particularly vulnerable, while experienced employees in AI-focused roles are benefiting. The study found a correlation between AI adoption and rising unemployment in certain sectors.
Wix adds AI to email editor for easier marketing
Wix has added Generative AI (GenAI) to its email editor, called Wix Email Assistant, to simplify email marketing. Users can chat with the tool to create email drafts with relevant sections, copy, and visuals. The AI editor also includes design enhancements like pregenerated sections and customizable themes. The new tool is available for Wix users in English and aims to improve engagement and create higher-quality emails.
Salesforce uses AI to contact millions of old leads
Marc Benioff says Salesforce is using AI agents to contact 100 million uncontacted leads from the past 26 years. These AI agents have already closed over a million dollars in deals. SaaStr also found success with AI SDRs, achieving high response rates after training them. AI SDRs can solve large-scale problems but require significant training and human oversight to be effective.
Lancaster California uses AI to speed up permitting process
Lancaster, California will use an AI-powered permitting platform from Labrynth to modernize its permitting process. The city aims to fast-track approvals, eliminate bottlenecks, and improve permitting speed and transparency. The AI software will automate application screening, validate permit requirements, and guide applicants through improvements. Lancaster hopes to become a leader in smart governance and tech innovation.
PwC execs get AI training from personal trainers
PwC CEO Kevin Burrowes meets with his personal trainer every two weeks to learn about artificial intelligence. PwC has trained 184 AI personal trainers globally to keep executives updated on the latest tech developments. These trainers teach executives how to use AI practically in their roles.
Sources
- Alibaba’s AI Chip A Big Deal?
- Google Ramps Up AI Chip Competition with Nvidia
- Broadcom Vs. Nvidia: The AI Chip War You’re Not Watching - NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA), Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO)
- 2 MIT professors offer a case study to consider for AI adoption: GM versus Toyota in the 1980s
- Is another 'AI winter' coming? Here's what past AI slumps can tell us about what the future might hold
- GOP Rep Gets Worked Up Over AI Post of Fake Tim Walz Hating Trump
- Rise of AI-Powered Sports Betting Startups
- The professions trying to get ahead thanks to AI are the ones most likely to lose their jobs to it, find St Louis Fed
- Wix adds Artificial Intelligence to its email editor
- Do AI SDRs Work? You Better Believe It, Per Marc Benioff
- California city to use agentic AI to streamline permitting
- The personal trainers keeping PwC execs AI-fit