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The New York Times and Amazon ink AI licensing deal
TechCrunch· 2025-05-29 13:18
Core Insights - The New York Times has agreed to license its editorial content to Amazon for training AI platforms, marking a significant shift in its approach to generative AI agreements [1][3] - This licensing deal will allow Amazon to utilize The Times's content across various customer experiences, including news articles, NYT Cooking, and The Athletic [1][2] - The agreement is notable as it follows The Times's lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement, where it accused them of using its articles without consent [3] Group 1 - The licensing agreement is the first of its kind for Amazon, indicating a new strategy in content acquisition for AI training [2] - The deal may extend to Amazon's Alexa software, enhancing the capabilities of its smart speakers with The Times's editorial content [2] - The New York Times's decision to license content comes after a period of legal contention with OpenAI and Microsoft, highlighting a potential shift towards collaboration in the industry [3]
NVIDIA, AMD may soon start selling new AI chips in China to comply with US restrictions
TechCrunch· 2025-05-29 07:20
In Brief To comply with the U.S.’ restrictions on exporting advanced semiconductor technology to China, chipmakers NVIDIA and AMD will soon begin selling new GPUs made for AI workloads in China, Taiwanese tech publication Digitimes reported, citing supply chain sources. NVIDIA plans to sell a stripped-down AI GPU, code-named “B20,” while AMD is looking to target AI workload needs with its new Radeon AI PRO R9700 workstation GPU, Digitimes reported, adding that the companies will likely start selling these A ...
Nvidia expects to lose billions in revenue due to H20 chip licensing requirements
TechCrunch· 2025-05-28 21:03
Core Insights - Nvidia reported significant financial impacts due to the Trump administration's chip export restrictions, with a $4.5 billion charge in Q1 and an inability to ship an additional $2.5 billion in H20 AI chip revenue [2][3] - The company anticipates an $8 billion revenue hit in Q2, with projected revenue around $45 billion, indicating a substantial effect on its financial outlook [3] - Nvidia has publicly opposed the export limitations, highlighting the adverse effects on its business and the AI market in China [3][4] Financial Impact - In Q1, Nvidia incurred a $4.5 billion charge related to licensing requirements affecting sales to China [2] - The company was unable to ship $2.5 billion worth of H20 AI chips due to these restrictions [2] - For Q2, Nvidia expects an $8 billion revenue loss, which is a significant portion of its projected $45 billion revenue [3] Regulatory Context - The company criticized the Trump administration's export restrictions while welcoming the decision to scrap Biden's proposed Artificial Intelligence Diffusion Rule, which would have imposed further limitations [3][4] - Despite the cancellation of Biden's rules, Nvidia remains affected by the existing restrictions from the previous administration [4]
GameStop bought $500 million of Bitcoin
TechCrunch· 2025-05-28 19:56
Company Overview - GameStop purchased 4,710 Bitcoin, valued at over $500 million at the time of purchase, as part of its strategy to remain relevant in the digital gaming market [1] - The company has faced annual declines in net sales, indicating ongoing struggles despite the initial hype from the Reddit community [2] Investment Strategy - In March, GameStop announced an update to its investment policy to include Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset, and the recent purchase reflects this commitment [3] - GameStop's stock has shown volatility following crypto-related announcements, suggesting investor concerns about the inherent risks of cryptocurrency [3] Market Context - The U.S. government's stance on cryptocurrency has shifted, with the Trump administration establishing a Bitcoin reserve, contrasting with previous regulatory crackdowns [4] - Bitcoin's price has surged to all-time highs, exceeding $110,000 in May after a drop to around $75,000 in April, indicating a volatile but potentially lucrative market [8] Industry Trends - Other major companies like Tesla, Coinbase, and Block have also made significant Bitcoin purchases, each holding over one billion dollars worth of Bitcoin, setting a precedent for GameStop's recent investment [9]
Stellantis pivots to Google's Android as in-car partnership with Amazon ends
TechCrunch· 2025-05-28 19:35
Core Insights - Stellantis' partnership with Amazon to develop in-car software is winding down, with Amazon staff reassigned or leaving the project [1] - Stellantis will pivot to an Android-based system while continuing to utilize Amazon Web Services as its preferred cloud provider [2] - Stellantis aims to have 34 million connected cars on the road by 2030, with a focus on generating new revenue streams beyond vehicle sales [3] Group 1 - Stellantis initially planned to generate $22.5 billion annually from software by 2024 through its partnership with Amazon [1] - The in-car software strategy included three components: STLA Brain, STLA SmartCockpit, and AutoDrive [5] - The STLA SmartCockpit was intended to deliver personalized applications and services to drivers and passengers [5][6] Group 2 - The shift to an Android-based system indicates a strategic change in Stellantis' approach to in-car technology [2][6] - Stellantis has formed partnerships with other companies like BMW, Foxconn, and Waymo to support its connected car initiative [3] - The focus on personalized services through technology was a key aspect of the collaboration with Amazon [6]
Meta wants to open more retail stores
TechCrunch· 2025-05-28 17:29
Group 1 - Meta aims to expand its retail presence to enhance sales of hardware products like Ray-Ban Meta glasses and Meta Quest VR headsets, allowing customers to try products before purchasing [1][2] - Establishing retail stores will help Meta compete with Apple's upcoming AR and VR products, despite the high cost of Apple's Vision Pro headset [2] - Meta has already initiated its retail strategy by hiring the former CEO of The RealReal as its retail VP [3]
AMD buys silicon photonics startup Enosemi to fuel its AI ambitions
TechCrunch· 2025-05-28 17:23
Group 1 - AMD has acquired Enosemi, a startup focused on custom materials for silicon photonics product development, with deal terms undisclosed [1] - Silicon photonics technology uses light to transmit data, providing a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional electrical communication, which has garnered increasing interest from AMD and other chipmakers [1] - The acquisition aims to accelerate AMD's co-packaged optics innovation for AI systems, addressing the growing need for efficient data movement as AI models become larger and more complex [2] Group 2 - Enosemi, founded in 2023, specializes in photonic integrated circuits and has previously collaborated with AMD as an external development partner [2] - Prior to the acquisition, Enosemi raised $150,000 in venture capital funding and had 16 employees as of May [3] - This acquisition marks AMD's first following its significant $4.9 billion deal to buy ZT Systems, which AMD has since agreed to sell for $3 billion [4] Group 3 - AMD's AI chip revenue is projected to reach $5 billion in 2024, indicating a strong commitment to AI investments [4]
Why export restrictions aren't the only thing to pay attention to in Nvidia's earnings
TechCrunch· 2025-05-28 15:40
Core Viewpoint - Nvidia's upcoming earnings report for Q1 of fiscal year 2026 is highly anticipated, particularly regarding the impact of U.S. chip export controls on its international business and future guidance, although some analysts believe the focus should be on the rollout of the new GB200 NVL72 hardware [1][2]. Group 1: GB200 NVL72 Hardware - The GB200 NVL72 machines, which include 72 GPUs and cost approximately $3 million, are a significant focus for shareholders, especially as this is the first quarter the company has shipped the machine [3]. - Analysts have reduced their delivery estimates for the GB200 NVL72 due to chaos surrounding DeepSeek in late January, despite strong demand and high expectations [3]. - If Nvidia announces a delivery of 10,000 units in Q2, it could represent $30 billion in revenue, but estimates suggest they may deliver less than 5,000 units [4]. Group 2: Market Reactions and Stock Performance - Immediate effects on Nvidia's stock are expected based on comments regarding U.S. export controls, but long-term valuation may be more influenced by demand for the GB200 NVL72 [7]. - Nvidia's stock has shown resilience, recovering quickly from short-term market reactions, indicating a strong competitive position [8]. - The company continues to find customers outside of China, maintaining strong demand for its AI chips, with new projects like Stargate in the Middle East likely contributing positively [9]. Group 3: Enterprise Demand for AI Technology - The results from the GB200 NVL72 shipments will provide insights into enterprise appetite for the latest AI technology, raising questions about whether companies will consistently upgrade their AI hardware [4]. - The demand for GB200 NVL72 units will be a key indicator for Nvidia's performance, overshadowing fluctuations in quarterly revenue [9].
With iOS 19 on the way, Apple looks toward mobile gaming
TechCrunch· 2025-05-28 14:50
Core Insights - Apple is focusing on the mobile gaming opportunity ahead of its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) [1] - The company has acquired its first game studio, RAC7, which developed the popular Apple Arcade game Sneaky Sasquatch [2] - Apple is developing a dedicated gaming app for iOS that will replace the Game Center app and integrate with Apple Arcade [4] Company Developments - Apple already offers a subscription-based Arcade product for iOS, providing access to various mobile games, including indie titles like Stardew Valley [2] - The acquisition of RAC7 marks a significant step in Apple's investment strategy in the gaming sector [2] - The new gaming app will feature leaderboards, recommendations, challenges, and social features, potentially integrating with iMessage or FaceTime for multiplayer gaming [4] Industry Trends - The rise of cloud gaming is influencing Apple's strategy, as users increasingly prefer streaming games without large downloads [5] - Other companies, such as Netflix, are also investing in mobile gaming, indicating a broader trend in the entertainment industry [3]
Instacart appoints chief business officer Chris Rogers as new CEO
TechCrunch· 2025-05-28 13:00
Core Insights - Instacart has appointed Chris Rogers as the new CEO, effective August 15, following the resignation of Fidji Simo, who will join OpenAI as CEO of Applications while remaining Chair of the Board at Instacart [1][4]. Company Leadership Transition - Chris Rogers, previously the Chief Business Officer, has extensive experience overseeing retailer relationships, ad sales, R&D, partnerships, and mergers & acquisitions at Instacart [2]. - Rogers joined Instacart in 2019 after nearly 11 years at Apple, where he served as Managing Director for Apple Canada, and he began his career at Procter and Gamble [2]. Vision and Strategy - Rogers emphasized Instacart's mission to transform grocery shopping and address everyday needs, highlighting the company's world-class team, deep partnerships, and leading technology [3]. - Under Rogers' leadership, Instacart will maintain its focus on growing opportunities for retailers and brands, as well as providing flexible earnings for shoppers on its platform [3][6]. Support from Previous Leadership - Fidji Simo expressed confidence in Rogers' ability to lead the company, noting his critical role in shaping Instacart and commitment to a smooth transition [4][6].