From CNBC Technology · 40 stories
Qualcomm to Increase Chip Prices by Double-Digit Percentages Starting September 1
Qualcomm will raise prices on its chips by a double-digit percentage for products shipped after September 1. The company attributes this increase to its inability to absorb higher supplier costs and ongoing component shortages. This price hike is expected to affect device manufacturers and could lead to higher costs for consumer electronics, including smartphones and PCs.
SpaceX Starship Test Launch Aborted Due to Engine Ignition Failure
SpaceX aborted its Starship rocket launch due to engine ignition failure on Thursday. Two engines will be replaced, with a new attempt planned for next week, critical for deploying new Starlink satellites. SpaceX's stock fell following the aborted launch, continuing volatility post-IPO.
Amazon Seeks FCC Approval for 5,105-Satellite Direct-to-Device Network by 2028
Amazon has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch a new constellation of 5,105 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, with deployment planned to begin in 2028. This initiative aims to provide direct-to-device services for voice, messaging, data, and emergency services, leveraging Globalstar's spectrum and integrating with Amazon's existing satellite infrastructure. The network will target users in areas unserved or underserved by traditional wireless providers.
Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis Proposes U.S.-Led Global AI Regulation Body
Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, has suggested the formation of a U.S.-led global AI watchdog to regulate advanced AI models. This proposed body would assess the safety of AI systems before their release and manage risks associated with emerging technologies like artificial general intelligence. Hassabis emphasizes the need for urgent regulation as AI developments pose increasing cybersecurity and biosecurity threats.
Microsoft to Deploy AMD's Helios AI Accelerator on Azure
Microsoft will integrate AMD's Helios, a rack-scale AI accelerator, into its Azure cloud infrastructure. This partnership aims to enhance AI computational power for Azure users, directly competing with Nvidia's offerings. The deployment underscores the growing demand for AI compute capabilities.
Google Develops 'Frozen v2' AI Chip to Enhance Gemini Model Efficiency by 2028
Google is developing a new AI chip, called 'Frozen v2', designed to improve the efficiency of its Gemini models. Projected to be 6-10 times more efficient than current chips, it aims to address AI compute shortages and reduce dependency on external hardware. This development reflects a shift towards in-house chip production for AI workloads.
Apple Intelligence Secures Chinese Market Entry with Alibaba's AI Integration
Apple has secured regulatory approval in China for its generative AI service, Apple Intelligence, by integrating local AI models from Alibaba and Baidu. The collaboration facilitates compliance with Chinese laws and advances Apple's expansion in a major market. This has implications for Apple's presence in China, a key growth region.
Alibaba Bans Anthropic's AI Tools Amid Espionage Allegations
Alibaba has banned Anthropic's AI tools, including Claude Code, for employees. The ban, effective July 10, follows Anthropic's accusation of a distillation attempt by Alibaba. This highlights rising tensions between U.S. and Chinese tech industries over AI technology and access.
U.S. Reinitiates Strikes on Iran Amid Escalating Tensions, Impacting Oil Markets
The U.S. military has resumed air strikes on Iran, following President Trump's declaration that the ceasefire is over. This has raised regional tensions, impacted oil prices, and resulted in a renewed blockade of Iranian ports by the U.S. military. The escalation comes after an earlier memorandum aimed at reducing conflict, leading to heightened concerns over global oil supply chains.
Analyst Predicts John Ternus as Apple CEO Could Lead to Larger Acquisitions and New Products
Bank of America analyst Wamsi Mohan suggests that John Ternus, expected to become Apple's CEO on September 1, may pursue bigger acquisitions and expand into new product categories. This shift would represent a more risk-tolerant strategy compared to current CEO Tim Cook's approach, potentially impacting Apple's future market direction and product portfolio.
King Charles III Hosts AI Safety Summit with Tech Leaders and UK Officials
King Charles III convened a summit at Dumfries House in Scotland with leaders from Nvidia, OpenAI, and Anthropic, along with UK AI Minister Kanishka Narayan and other officials. The discussions focused on establishing shared principles for AI development, harnessing AI for societal benefit, and addressing the "existential dangers" of the technology if it falls into the wrong hands.
Google to Invest $15.1 Billion in Finnish AI Infrastructure
Google announced a 13 billion euro ($15.1 billion) investment in AI infrastructure in Finland, marking its largest single investment in Europe. This capital will be deployed through 2028 for data centers and energy projects, including a 22-year power purchase agreement with Fortum, as Finland becomes a key location for AI data centers due to available land and power.
Unitree Robotics IPO Raises $900 Million, Valuing Company at $9 Billion
Chinese humanoid robot maker Unitree Robotics priced its IPO at 150.8 yuan ($22.4) per share, raising $900 million and valuing the company at $9 billion. The listing on Shanghai's STAR market makes Unitree the first humanoid robot firm to go public on the mainland, but commercial viability for its robots remains a question.
OpenAI Sees Executive Departures, Including COO Brad Lightcap and CRO Denise Dresser
OpenAI has experienced multiple executive departures, including longtime operating chief Brad Lightcap and Chief Revenue Officer Denise Dresser. Lightcap, who joined in 2018, left to "start something new," while Dresser, who joined in December, is being replaced by Dali Rajic. These changes occur as OpenAI prepares for a potential IPO and aims to justify its $852 billion valuation.
Waymo to Launch Robotaxi Service in Munich, Germany by End of 2027
Waymo, Alphabet's autonomous driving subsidiary, announced plans to launch its robotaxi service in Munich, Germany, by the end of 2027. This marks Waymo's first commercial operation in the European Union and its third international market. The company will begin phased testing in Munich in the coming weeks, including mapping streets and testing with safety drivers, to adapt its technology to local conditions and secure necessary regulatory approvals.
Boeing Sells eVTOL Subsidiaries to Archer Aviation for 16.5% Stake
Boeing has sold its Wisk Aero, SkyGrid, and Insitu subsidiaries to Archer Aviation in exchange for a 16.5% ownership stake in Archer. This transaction allows Boeing to focus on its core commercial airplane business while strengthening Archer's position in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) and urban air mobility markets.
Samsung and SK Hynix Shares Plummet Amid Global Tech Stock Rout
The shares of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix experienced significant declines, over 7% and 9% respectively, amidst a global sell-off in tech stocks. This drop affected the South Korean benchmark Kospi index, highlighting investor concerns about meeting AI growth expectations. The sell-off extended to other Asian semiconductor firms, influenced by the broader downturn in U.S. semiconductor shares.
Kids Online Safety Act Advances in Senate, Faces House Disagreement on 'Duty of Care'
The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) advanced through the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, moving it closer to a full Senate vote. The bill, which has 76 cosponsors, aims to establish protections for children online through parental controls and by requiring social media platforms to exercise a "duty of care" to prevent harm to minors. However, a key disagreement with the House version of the bill, specifically regarding the "duty of care" provision, may hinder its passage this session.
OpenAI Expands Daybreak Cybersecurity Initiative with New Tiers and GPT-5.6-Cyber Model
OpenAI has expanded its Daybreak cybersecurity initiative, introducing Daybreak Blue and Daybreak Red tiers to provide specialized access to its AI models for defensive security work. The expansion includes a new AI model, GPT-5.6-Cyber, designed for advanced security testing and vulnerability research, addressing evolving AI-driven cyber threats.
White House Finalizes AI Model Testing Framework, Keeps Details Private
The White House has finalized a framework for voluntarily evaluating advanced AI models for cybersecurity risks, following President Trump's June executive order. The framework, which requires a 30-day review period for participating models, was discussed with AI companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, but its details will not be publicly released. This decision raises concerns about transparency and the exclusion of open-source AI models from the testing process.
Uber and Waymo Clash Over Proposed Robotaxi Bill in Washington, D.C.
Uber and Waymo are in conflict over proposed legislation in Washington, D.C. affecting autonomous vehicle operations. Uber argues the bill could monopolize the market for Waymo while threatening existing human driver jobs. Waymo supports the bill, which aligns with their operational goals. This disagreement underscores the intense competition between the two companies in the robotaxi sector.
AMD's Q2 Revenue Jumps 50% to $11.5 Billion Driven by Data Center Growth
AMD reported a 50% year-over-year increase in second-quarter revenue, reaching $11.5 billion, primarily due to a 107% surge in data center sales to $6.7 billion. This growth was attributed to demand for AI capacity and sales of Epyc CPUs and Instinct GPUs, while gaming revenue declined by 31% to $779 million.
Apple Reclaims Most Valuable Company Title, Surpassing Nvidia
Apple has overtaken Nvidia as the world's most valuable company with a market cap of $4.88 trillion during Friday's trading. This shift in ranking reflects changing investor sentiment towards AI and product innovation. Apple's stock rise follows a growth of 22% this year.
White House Accuses Chinese AI Firm Moonshot of Siphoning Anthropic's Fable 5 Data
White House official Michael Kratsios accused Chinese AI startup Moonshot of deceptively extracting data from Anthropic's Fable 5 model to train its Kimi K3 system. This accusation signals a potential shift in US policy, framing large-scale model distillation as theft of American technology, which could lead to tighter API restrictions and expanded export controls on AI chips. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned of sanctions against Chinese AI companies for intellectual property theft.
TSMC to Invest Additional $100 Billion for 2nm Chip Fabs in Arizona
TSMC is set to expand its U.S. operations by investing an additional $100 billion in building at least four new advanced chip fabs in Arizona. This move aims to increase domestic production capacity amid rising U.S. demand and government support. However, challenges remain regarding the production of advanced chips and the economic impact on TSMC's margins.
Zoox Recalls Software in Robotaxis Due to Smoke Detection Issues
Zoox recalled software in 105 robotaxis following an incident where a vehicle struggled with heavy smoke at a fire scene in June. No injuries occurred, and a new update has been deployed to address the issue. This highlights ongoing safety challenges in autonomous vehicle operation and regulatory focus on their interaction with emergency situations.
UK to Enforce Opt-in Midnight Social Media Curfew for Teens by Spring 2027
The UK government has announced plans to implement a non-mandatory social media curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds, effective by spring 2027. This measure will restrict app usage from midnight to 6am, with features like infinite scrolling being disabled, aiming to improve sleep and mental health. The initiative, which can be opted out of, follows trial results showcasing benefits for teens' well-being.
Fidji Simo Steps Down from OpenAI Role Due to Health Issues; Greg Brockman Assumes Control
Fidji Simo has resigned from her position as OpenAI's AGI chief to focus on her health, transitioning to a part-time advisory role. Simo departs during a period of leadership changes within the company, as OpenAI prepares for a potential IPO. Her responsibilities have been taken over by OpenAI President Greg Brockman, indicating a strategic move amidst intensifying competition in the AI sector.
Amazon's Leo Satellite Network Surpasses 390 Operational Satellites for Initial Launch
Amazon has successfully deployed more than 390 Leo satellites, reaching an operational milestone for providing continuous internet service. This positions Amazon as a competitor to SpaceX's Starlink, despite trailing in satellite count and ahead in deployment speed. Amazon aims for commercial service availability by mid-2026, with expectations set for initial limitations in coverage and service quality.
Blue Origin Raises $10 Billion in First External Funding Round for Space Ventures
Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000, is raising $10 billion in its first external funding round, valuing the company at $130 billion. Coatue Management leads with a $4 billion investment, with Bezos contributing $2 billion. This move aims to support operational readiness for its New Glenn rocket after a recent setback and to bolster its position against SpaceX.
Federal Reserve alerts on Anthropic's Mythos AI but lacks access for months
The Federal Reserve expressed concerns about Anthropic's Mythos AI model, which can identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities in financial institutions. Despite the alarm, the Fed reportedly lacked access to Mythos for over three months, leaving it exposed while other banks patched their issues.
Analysts Raise Concerns Over Cybersecurity Risks of Over-the-Air Tech in Automobiles
The growing use of over-the-air (OTA) technology in vehicles poses cybersecurity risks, with analysts urging intervention. This technology, while efficient for vehicle updates, may expose automotive systems to potential foreign cyber threats and national security issues.
Anthropic prepares for potential IPO with investor meetings scheduled
Anthropic is organizing investor meetings ahead of a potential IPO this year, showcasing its readiness for the public market. The AI firm, which gained significant valuation recently, appears set to be one of the first major players in the AI sector to go public.
Europe invests heavily in drones for enhanced military capabilities
Europe is significantly increasing drone investments in response to security needs post-Ukraine invasion. NATO, the U.K., and Germany are among key players in this shift, allocating billions for drone capabilities to reshape modern warfare.
Amazon layoffs affected 16,000 employees, reshaping job market dynamics
Amazon laid off approximately 16,000 employees in January, marking its largest cut in history. This wave of layoffs reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where around 140,000 employees have been let go in the U.S., influenced significantly by automation and AI developments.
Meta announces $9 billion data center in Alberta, Canada for AI infrastructure
Meta is constructing its first Canadian data center in Alberta, with an estimated cost of $9 billion. This facility will enhance Meta's AI infrastructure amid increasing competition with tech giants in cloud services.
Amazon raises $25 billion in bond sale to fund AI initiatives
Amazon plans to raise at least $25 billion through an eight-part bond sale to finance its AI expansion. This follows significant previous bond raises and underscores a trend among tech firms seeking capital for AI investments.
France and India enhance AI investment through personal outreach by leaders
French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are actively courting tech CEOs to secure substantial AI investments. Their efforts include personal meetings with leaders from major companies like SoftBank, Amazon, and Microsoft to develop AI infrastructure in their respective countries.
Quantum Systems raises $1.2 billion, boosting valuation to $8 billion
Quantum Systems secured $1.2 billion in Series D funding, elevating its valuation to $8 billion. This investment reflects a growing trend in the defense industry, with significant capital flowing into tech-driven military solutions amid geopolitical shifts.
House Adjourns Early for Midterms, Delaying AI Regulation Legislation
The U.S. House of Representatives adjourned early for the midterm elections, canceling scheduled votes and postponing action on artificial intelligence regulation until after November. This decision, made by House Speaker Mike Johnson, has drawn criticism from Democrats and AI industry executives who advocated for immediate legislative intervention regarding AI safeguards.