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Nvidia expects $5.5 bn hit as US targets chips sent to China
TechXplore· 2025-04-16 08:57
Core Insights - Nvidia faces a new US licensing requirement for exporting its H20 graphics processing units (GPUs) to China due to concerns that these chips may be used in supercomputers [2][3] - The company anticipates a financial impact of approximately $5.5 billion in the current fiscal quarter due to this licensing requirement, which affects inventory, purchase commitments, and related reserves [5][4] - The licensing requirement for H20 chips is expected to last indefinitely, adding to the existing restrictions on Nvidia's most advanced GPUs tailored for artificial intelligence [4][6] Financial Impact - Nvidia expects to incur charges of up to $5.5 billion in the first quarter results related to H20 products [5] - The current fiscal quarter for Nvidia ends on April 27, which may reflect the immediate financial consequences of the new licensing rule [4] Market Reaction - Following the announcement of the licensing requirement, Nvidia's shares experienced a decline of over 6% in after-market trading [3] - The overall market has shown volatility since the announcement of tariffs by US President Donald Trump, with a sharp decline followed by a partial recovery due to a temporary pause on tariff increases [7] Strategic Context - Nvidia's CEO has emphasized the company's commitment to balancing legal compliance with technological advancements, despite the challenges posed by US-China trade tensions [6] - The US government views China as a strategic competitor in technology, leading to restrictions on the sale of advanced AI chips to the country [6]
ASML CEO sees growing economic 'uncertainty' from tariffs
TechXplore· 2025-04-16 08:50
Core Viewpoint - ASML has expressed concerns about increasing economic uncertainty due to US tariffs but maintains its sales forecast for 2025 unchanged [1][4]. Group 1: Financial Performance - ASML's net profit for the first quarter was reported at 2.4 billion euros, a significant increase from 1.2 billion euros in the same quarter last year [6]. - The company's sales for the first quarter reached 7.7 billion euros, aligning with expectations, while the forecast for second-quarter net sales is between 7.2 billion and 7.7 billion euros [5]. - Net bookings for the first quarter were 3.9 billion euros, a decline from 7.1 billion euros in the previous quarter, which fell short of market expectations and led to a share price drop of around 7% [2][4]. Group 2: Market Outlook - Despite current challenges, ASML's CEO anticipates growth in 2025 and 2026, supported by ongoing customer conversations [2]. - The company projects sales to rise to between 44 and 60 billion euros by 2030, driven by the expanding AI market [8]. - The impact of US tariffs on ASML remains uncertain, with the CEO indicating that quantifying this effect is challenging [9]. Group 3: Industry Context - The US has initiated tariffs on semiconductors and related equipment, with a 10% global tariff imposed on all imports [3]. - ASML is navigating the complexities of US-led export restrictions on high-tech goods to China, which are perceived as a threat to national security [9][10]. - The Dutch government has also tightened export controls on advanced semiconductor production equipment, although ASML stated that this would have no significant impact on its business [10].
Facebook added 'value' to Instagram, Zuckerberg says in antitrust trial
TechXplore· 2025-04-15 20:05
Core Viewpoint - Mark Zuckerberg is defending Meta against antitrust accusations regarding its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, arguing that these purchases were aimed at enhancing user experience and growth rather than eliminating competition [3][4][10]. Group 1: Antitrust Trial Context - The trial is a significant event in the ongoing scrutiny of Big Tech, particularly under the Biden administration, which has continued the enforcement of antitrust laws initiated during the Trump administration [4][7]. - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is presenting evidence that suggests Facebook's acquisitions were motivated by a desire to neutralize competition, as indicated by emails from Zuckerberg and former CFO [4][9]. Group 2: Acquisitions and Growth - Zuckerberg testified that the integration of Instagram into Facebook was successful, leading to increased value and user growth, and expressed confidence in acquiring other social apps to accelerate their growth [5][10]. - The FTC argues that Meta's acquisition of WhatsApp followed a similar pattern of preemptively buying potential competitors, with Zuckerberg fearing that WhatsApp could evolve into a social network [10]. Group 3: Market Definition and Competition - The U.S. government claims that Facebook and Instagram dominate the social media market, while Meta contends that they face competition from platforms like TikTok and YouTube, which the government does not include in its market definition [12]. - The trial will hinge on how the FTC defines Meta's market and whether the acquisitions were lawful under U.S. law, with Meta's defense emphasizing that acquisitions aimed at improving and growing acquired firms are permissible [11][12].
Facebook chief Zuckerberg testifying again in US antitrust trial
TechXplore· 2025-04-15 14:26
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg arrives at the E. Barrett Prettyman US Court House on April 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. Social media titan Mark Zuckerberg took the stand for a second day Tuesday in a landmark US antitrust trial where his conglomerate Meta is accused of taking over Instagram and WhatsApp before they could become c ...
Meta news ban intensifying Canadians' legacy media break
TechXplore· 2025-04-15 08:42
Core Viewpoint - Meta's ongoing news ban in Canada is significantly impacting the consumption of traditional media, particularly as the country approaches an election, leading to a reliance on alternative sources for news [3][5][12]. Group 1: Impact on Traditional Media - Meta has restricted access to news websites on its platforms in response to the Online News Act, which requires compensation for journalism outlets [3][12]. - Users are increasingly exposed to news content through non-traditional means such as memes and videos, which may lack the context provided by established journalism [3][4]. - The engagement with content from news media has declined, resulting in a narrower understanding of political issues among the public [5][10]. Group 2: Shift in Information Sources - Candidates and citizen journalists are now using social media to communicate directly with voters, bypassing traditional media channels [6][11]. - Content creators are gaining popularity for their political commentary, often presenting viewpoints that diverge from mainstream media [8][9]. - The reliance on secondary sources for news increases the risk of misinformation and creates echo chambers, where users receive filtered information [10][11]. Group 3: Alternative Media and User Engagement - Some independent journalists are adapting by repackaging their reporting into short-form videos to engage audiences on platforms like TikTok and YouTube [11][13]. - There is a growing demand for local coverage, as evidenced by the engagement levels of independent outlets despite the challenges posed by Meta's news ban [13][14]. - The current media landscape is characterized by a mix of high-quality and questionable news sources, making it difficult for users to discern reliable information [11].
Japan orders Google to cease alleged antitrust violation
TechXplore· 2025-04-15 08:40
Japanese authorities said Tuesday they had issued a cease-and-desist order to US tech titan Google over an alleged violation of national antitrust laws. It is the first time the country has issued such an order to a global technology giant, Japanese media reported, and follows similar moves in Europe and the United States. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: "This ...
Meta chief Zuckerberg testifies at landmark US antitrust trial
TechXplore· 2025-04-14 20:20
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg attends the inauguration of Donald Trump. Meta chief and co-founder Mark Zuckerberg took the stand Monday in a landmark US antitrust trial in which his social media juggernaut stands accused of abusing its market power to acquire Instagram and WhatsApp before they could become competitors. The star ...
Meta says it will resume AI training with public content from European users
TechXplore· 2025-04-14 17:30
Core Insights - Meta will resume using publicly available content from European users to train its AI models, a process that was previously halted due to data privacy concerns raised by activists [2][3][4] - The AI training will utilize public posts and comments from adult users in the European Union, as well as interactions with Meta AI [3][5] - Meta's AI training efforts faced challenges due to strict EU data privacy laws, but a panel of EU privacy regulators confirmed that Meta's approach complies with legal obligations [4][5] Company Actions - Meta has launched its Meta AI assistant for European users, following its earlier rollout in the United States and other major markets [3] - The company will notify EU users about the AI training and provide a form for users to object to their data being used [5][6] - Meta emphasized that it will not use private messages for AI training and is following practices established by competitors like Google and OpenAI [5]
Nvidia plans to manufacture AI chips in the US for the first time
TechXplore· 2025-04-14 17:23
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: CEO Jensen Huang talks during the keynote address of Nvidia GTC Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in San Jose, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Nic Coury Nvidia announced Monday that it will produce its artificial intelligence super computers in the United States for the first time. The tech giant said it has commissioned more than one million ...
Apple was on brink of crisis before Trump tariff concession
TechXplore· 2025-04-14 13:50
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Armand Valendez from Pexels Apple Inc. has managed to dodge its biggest crisis since the pandemic—for the moment, at least. Donald Trump's 125% tariffs on goods produced in China threatened to upend its supply chain as seriously as the COVID snarls did five years ago. On Friday night, the U.S. president handed Apple a ...