AMD strikes back

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What’s in store:

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AMD has launched a new AI chip, the Instinct MI325X, directly challenging Nvidia’s strong position in the data centre GPU market.

The chip will go into production by the end of 2024, with AMD hoping it will be seen as a real alternative to Nvidia’s products. The chip wars are getting hot over here.

This could force Nvidia to lower its prices, as it currently controls over 90% of the AI chip market.

AMD, traditionally second in this area, is aiming to take a bigger slice of the market, which is expected to grow to $500 billion by 2028.

Generative AI systems like ChatGPT rely on large data centres full of GPUs to operate.

This has driven demand for more AI chips, allowing AMD to compete.

AMD’s CEO, Lisa Su, said that AI demand has grown faster than expected, and investment in this area continues to rise.

Though no new major customers were revealed at AMD's event, the company mentioned that Microsoft, Meta, and OpenAI already use its AI chips.

The MI325X will compete with Nvidia’s Blackwell chips, set to release early next year.

AMD is speeding up its product launches, with new chips planned every year, including the MI350 in 2025 and MI400 in 2026.

Here’s what you should know:

One of AMD’s big challenges is that Nvidia’s CUDA software has become the go-to tool for AI developers, making it hard for them to switch to other chips.

To tackle this, AMD is improving its own software, ROCm, to make switching easier.

AMD also claims its MI325 chip performs 40% better than Nvidia’s H200 on Meta’s Llama AI model, thanks to advanced memory tech.

AMD also introduced its new EPYC 5th Gen CPUs, which are designed to support AI tasks.

Su also highlighted how CPUs are critical for AI tasks like data analysis.

Despite a small drop in AMD’s stock, the company is positioning itself to benefit from the growing demand for AI, competing with both Nvidia and Intel in the race to power the next generation of AI technologies.

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October 13th 1983 - Ameritech Mobile Communications (now part of AT&T) launches the first US cellular network in Chicago, Illinois.

Drooling! But was it real?

40% said AI

60% said it was real

It was real!

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Uber made some key announcements about electric transport and innovation.

One big highlight was the launch of a new AI assistant, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-40, aimed at helping drivers switch to EVs by answering their questions and making the transition easier.

This move is part of Uber’s plan to boost EV adoption and support sustainability.

At the GO-GET Zero 2024 event in London, Uber shared updates on its growing electric vehicle fleet.

Here’s a brief:

Uber Green, which lets users choose hybrid or electric vehicles, is available in more than 200 cities worldwide.

Uber has also expanded its EV-only ride option to over 40 cities, so riders can choose electric vehicles exclusively.

Uber pointed out that the cost of an EV ride is similar to an UberX ride, making it affordable for more riders.

To help drivers even further, Uber now offers access to EV mentors, giving drivers personalised support from experienced experts.

These updates show Uber’s ongoing push for sustainable transport and support for drivers as they switch to electric vehicles.

Nothing says 'future' like your Uber driver getting tech support from an AI.

Space: China’s first retrievable and reusable satellite returned to Earth late Thursday following two weeks of experiments in low Earth orbit.

Games: Summitsphere has delayed the release of ANTONBLAST from November 12 to December 3 due to development team disruptions caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Crypto: The news of Arkham Intelligence launching its own derivatives exchange caused a 12% surge in its native token, ARKM.

Sports: Japanese automaker Toyota is making a comeback to Formula 1 after 15 years, partnering with the US-based Haas team as their new "technical partner."

Don’t Miss - Rumors suggest the new iPad Mini will likely only get a processor upgrade. Meanwhile, the ninth- and 10th-gen iPads are on sale, with the ninth-gen starting at $199 and the newer 10th-gen at $299. Both are great for basic tasks, but the 10th-gen offers better specs and a modern design.

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