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AMD takes aim at Nvidia's AI hardware dominance with Brium acquisition
TechCrunch· 2025-06-04 17:54
Core Viewpoint - AMD's acquisition of Brium aims to reduce Nvidia's dominance in the AI hardware market by enhancing its AI software ecosystem [1][3]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - AMD announced the acquisition of AI software optimization startup Brium, although the terms of the deal were not disclosed [1]. - Brium specializes in building machine learning applications that enable AI inference across various hardware options, allowing AI software to be retrofitted for different hardware [2]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - AMD's acquisition is part of its commitment to creating a high-performance, open AI software ecosystem, which is intended to empower developers and drive innovation [3]. - A significant challenge for AMD is that much of the AI software is designed specifically for Nvidia hardware, which this acquisition seeks to address [3]. Group 3: Industry Context - Brium's blog post highlighted the industry's reliance on Nvidia and noted that while alternatives like AMD's Instinct GPUs exist, they are often not utilized effectively due to software being tuned for Nvidia [5]. - This acquisition marks AMD's fourth strategic move in the past two years to foster an open-source AI ecosystem, following previous acquisitions of Silo AI, Nod.AI, and Mipsology [5].
Phone chipmaker Qualcomm fixes three zero-days exploited by hackers
TechCrunch· 2025-06-03 18:59
Core Insights - Qualcomm has released patches addressing multiple vulnerabilities in its chips, including three zero-day vulnerabilities that may be exploited in targeted hacking campaigns [1][4] - Google's Threat Analysis Group reported these zero-days to Qualcomm in February, highlighting their potential for exploitation by cybercriminals and government hackers [1][5] - The open-source nature of Android means that device manufacturers are responsible for applying these patches, which may leave some devices vulnerable for an extended period [2][4] Vulnerability Details - The three zero-day vulnerabilities identified are CVE-2025-21479, CVE-2025-21480, and CVE-2025-27038 [1] - Qualcomm's bulletin indicates that patches were made available to device manufacturers in May, with a strong recommendation for prompt deployment [4] - Google confirmed that its Pixel devices are not affected by these vulnerabilities [4] Exploitation Context - Qualcomm chipsets are frequently targeted by hackers due to their extensive access to the operating system, allowing potential access to sensitive data [5] - There have been recent documented cases of exploitation against Qualcomm chipsets, including a zero-day identified by Amnesty International that was reportedly used by Serbian authorities [6]
Meta buys a nuclear power plant (more or less)
TechCrunch· 2025-06-03 16:34
Core Viewpoint - Meta is investing billions of dollars to purchase clean energy attributes from Constellation Energy's Clinton Clean Energy Center, ensuring the nuclear power plant's operation through 2047, which reflects a growing trend among tech companies to support the nuclear industry for sustainable energy solutions [1][4][5]. Group 1: Deal Details - Meta will buy all clean energy attributes from the 1.1 gigawatt Clinton Clean Energy Center starting in June 2027 [1]. - The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it is described as a multi-billion-dollar agreement that will assist Constellation in relicensing the plant and securing a customer for the license duration [3]. - The deal is seen as a way to prevent the potential closure of the Clinton reactor, which faced competition from cheaper energy sources [5]. Group 2: Industry Context - The nuclear power industry has gained renewed interest from big tech companies, including Meta, due to the increasing demand for energy driven by AI and cloud computing [4]. - Prior to this deal, the Clinton reactor was at risk of shutdown due to competition from natural gas, but legislative subsidies allowed it to remain operational [5]. - Meta has shown a strong interest in nuclear energy, soliciting proposals for new nuclear plants capable of generating between 1 to 4 gigawatts, receiving over 50 submissions from various states [7]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The partnership with Meta allows Constellation to replace the expiring zero-emission credit program, ensuring the long-term operation of the Clinton plant without relying on ratepayer support [7]. - This deal follows a similar agreement between Constellation and Microsoft, indicating a trend of tech companies becoming patrons of nuclear energy [8].
An early Joby Aviation backer might soon be its biggest distributor in Saudi Arabia
TechCrunch· 2025-06-03 12:00
Core Insights - Joby Aviation has reached a tentative agreement with Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) to distribute up to 200 electric aircraft valued at approximately $1 billion in Saudi Arabia, which could accelerate Joby's monetization of its electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles [1][2] Group 1: Partnership Details - The partnership involves a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore a distribution agreement, with expectations for more concrete details to be shared later this year [2] - ALJ has a longstanding relationship with Toyota, which recently invested $250 million in Joby as part of a total $500 million commitment, enhancing the partnership's credibility [4] - ALJ's extensive infrastructure in Saudi Arabia will support sales, pilot training, and maintenance, which are critical for the success of the aircraft sales [5][6] Group 2: Market Strategy - Joby plans to operate its own aircraft in the U.S. and partner with airlines in markets like Japan, while also launching in Dubai next year [3][7] - The partnership with ALJ is seen as a way to penetrate additional markets more quickly, leveraging local expertise for sales and support [8][9] - The collaboration comes amid increased U.S.-Saudi cooperation in technology and infrastructure, with significant investments from both sides in transformative technologies [9]
Salesforce buys Moonhub, a startup building AI tools for hiring
TechCrunch· 2025-06-02 18:55
Group 1: Acquisition Details - Salesforce has acquired Moonhub, a startup focused on AI-driven talent vetting and hiring, although the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed [1] - Moonhub's entire team based in Menlo Park, California, will be joining Salesforce, which was an early investor in the startup [1] Group 2: Strategic Importance - Moonhub's CEO, Nanxy Xu, emphasized the shared core values between Moonhub and Salesforce, particularly regarding customer trust and the potential of AI in driving global innovation [2] - The acquisition aligns with Salesforce's broader strategy, as the company recently completed an $8 billion acquisition of Informatica and previously acquired Convergence.ai to enhance its AI product offerings [2] Group 3: Moonhub's Background - Founded in 2022 by ex-Meta engineer Nanxy Xu, Moonhub provides tools for recruiting, evaluating, and hiring candidates, utilizing AI to streamline processes such as onboarding and payroll management [3] - Moonhub has raised $14.4 million from various investors, including Khosla Ventures and GV, and serves hundreds of customers, including Fortune 500 companies [4] Group 4: Industry Trends - The acquisition reflects a growing trend in the HR industry, where 93% of Fortune 500 chief human resource officers are integrating AI tools to enhance hiring and HR processes, despite mixed reactions from job seekers [7]
IBM acquires data analysis startup Seek AI, opens AI accelerator in NYC
TechCrunch· 2025-06-02 18:06
IBM on Monday said that it has acquired Seek AI, an AI platform that allows users to ask questions about enterprise data using natural language, for an undisclosed sum.Seek CEO and founder Sarah Nagy said that the startup’s technology will be a key part of Watsonx AI Labs, IBM’s new NYC-based AI accelerator, which IBM also announced today. “[W]e’ll scale our platform, deploy mission-critical solutions for IBM clients, empower the next generation of AI developers, and grow our team significantly,” wrote Nag ...
Tesla files new ‘Robotaxi' trademark applications after prior attempt stalls
TechCrunch· 2025-06-02 17:39
Core Viewpoint - Tesla is actively pursuing trademark applications for "Tesla Robotaxi" to support its planned autonomous ride-hailing service, following previous challenges in securing trademarks for similar terms [1][2]. Group 1: Trademark Applications - The company initially applied for the trademarks "Robotaxi" and "Cybercab" in October 2024, but faced obstacles from the USPTO requiring more details for "Robotaxi" and outright halting the "Cybercab" application due to competing claims [2][3]. - Tesla has submitted three new applications for the specific term "Tesla Robotaxi" as it prepares to begin testing its autonomous ride-hailing service in Austin, Texas later this month [2]. Group 2: Related Trademark Efforts - In addition to "Tesla Robotaxi," Tesla has pending applications for trademarks on "Robobus," "Robus," and "Cyberbus," which are presumably linked to a van-like concept vehicle introduced last October [3]. - The term "Robovan," used by CEO Elon Musk during the Cybercab prototype reveal, is already trademarked by Estonian robotic delivery company Starship, indicating potential challenges for Tesla in branding [3].
How a decade-old patent dispute could upend Uber's business
TechCrunch· 2025-05-30 17:00
Core Viewpoint - A patent infringement lawsuit filed by Carma Technology against Uber could have significant implications for Uber and potentially other companies in the ride-sharing industry [1][2]. Company Overview - Carma Technology, founded in 2007 by Sean O'Sullivan, has accused Uber of infringing on five patents related to matching riders with vehicle capacity, a core aspect of ride-sharing [2][3]. - The lawsuit seeks a jury trial, a permanent injunction against Uber, mandatory future royalties, damages, and other costs [3]. Legal Background - Carma first contacted Uber regarding its patents in 2016, during a period when Uber was valued at $66 billion and expanding rapidly [4][5]. - Uber was aware of Carma's patents as early as 2015 when a patent application was rejected due to existing patents held by Carma [6][8]. - Between 2016 and 2019, several of Uber's patent applications were rejected for similar reasons, leading to the abandonment of some applications [8]. Patent Details - The five patents in question are part of a larger family of 30 patents that Carma has developed over 18 years, with each patent containing multiple claims [10][11]. - The first patent, granted in 2010, established a shared transport system that matches empty vehicle space with riders or goods [17][18]. Business Model Shift - Carma initially focused on ride-sharing but shifted its business model to road-pricing services like GPS tolling and HOV verification by 2018 [20][23]. - The company aims to help transit authorities manage tolls and express lanes, promoting carpooling and reducing traffic congestion [22][23]. Financial Implications - Carma is currently profitable, but pursuing the lawsuit will impact its bottom line [24]. - The lawsuit is seen as a necessary step to protect the rights of inventors against larger companies that may infringe on patents [25][26].
In a victory for Palmer Luckey, Meta and Anduril work on mixed reality headsets for the military
TechCrunch· 2025-05-29 17:47
Core Insights - Anduril and Meta are collaborating to develop extended reality (XR) devices for the U.S. military, marking a significant partnership for both companies [1][2] - The collaboration is part of the Soldier Borne Mission Command Next (SBMC) program, which was previously managed by Microsoft under a $22 billion contract for augmented reality (AR) glasses [2] - The new devices will utilize Meta's AI model and Anduril's command and control software to provide real-time battlefield intelligence to soldiers [3] Company Developments - Anduril has taken over the management of the SBMC program from Microsoft, which will remain as a cloud provider, indicating a shift in military procurement strategies [2] - The product family being developed is named EagleEye, which reflects the initial vision of Anduril's co-founder Palmer Luckey [6] - Luckey's past experiences with Meta and Oculus are influencing the current collaboration, showcasing a reconciliation between the companies [4][8] Industry Context - The partnership highlights the growing interest in military applications of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), suggesting a lucrative market for XR technologies in defense [2] - The collaboration aims to create a competitive landscape for mixed reality glasses, with multiple suppliers expected to emerge for military use [2] - The integration of advanced technologies from both companies aims to enhance the capabilities of soldiers on the battlefield, aligning with modern military needs [3]
Tesla pleads for Senate to spare its booming energy business
TechCrunch· 2025-05-29 16:02
Core Insights - Tesla's business model relies significantly on government regulations and incentives, contributing to a substantial portion of its profits, particularly from its energy division [1] - Recent legislative actions by House Republicans threaten to repeal key tax credits for clean energy projects, which could severely impact Tesla's energy revenue [2][4] Group 1: Tesla's Energy Business - Tesla's energy division generated $2.7 billion in revenue in the first quarter, marking a 67% year-over-year increase [2] - The company has been actively lobbying against the repeal of energy tax credits, emphasizing the importance of these incentives for energy independence and grid reliability [3][4] - Current tax credits allow homeowners and clean energy developers to claim 30% on new solar installations, with provisions set to expire at the end of 2032, but proposed changes could end these credits four years earlier [4] Group 2: Legislative Impact - The reconciliation bill passed by House Republicans could have a devastating effect on Tesla's energy division if it proceeds through the Senate [2] - The proposed legislation could hinder the deployment of 60 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity annually, which is crucial for supporting AI and domestic manufacturing [6] - The broader clean energy sector has already seen significant declines in stock prices due to the threat of repealing the Inflation Reduction Act, with companies like Enphase, SunRun, and First Solar experiencing substantial losses [8]