An ex-Intel CEO’s mission to build a Christian AI: ‘hasten the coming of Christ’s return’

Intel is reportedly in early discussions to acquire the AI chip startup SambaNova, which was valued at $5 billion in 2021. This potential acquisition could indicate Intel's strategic move to enhance its position in the AI chip market, especially as competition intensifies. While the deal is still in its early stages and may value SambaNova below its previous valuation, it highlights the growing interest in AI technologies and the importance of innovation in the semiconductor industry.

A Silicon Valley startup named Oklo is pushing to revive nuclear power in the US through the development of small reactors. While this initiative has the backing of wealthy investors and influential political figures, there are concerns that such connections could compromise nuclear safety. This movement is significant as it highlights the ongoing debate about energy sources and safety regulations in the face of climate change.

Meta has announced an increase in its spending forecast on artificial intelligence to over $70 billion, reflecting its commitment to hiring A.I. researchers and expanding data centers. This investment is significant as it underscores Meta's strategy to enhance its core online advertising business through advanced technology, positioning the company for future growth and innovation.

Extropic, a promising startup, is set to shake up the data center industry with its innovative chip that processes probabilities instead of traditional binary data. This approach could revolutionize how data is handled, potentially outperforming established giants like Nvidia, AMD, and Intel. If successful, Extropic's technology could lead to more efficient data processing and open new avenues for computing, making it a significant player to watch in the tech landscape.

A Silicon Valley startup, led by the Proud brothers, is making waves in the semiconductor industry by betting on x-ray lithography technology. Despite their lack of prior experience in semiconductor manufacturing, they have garnered significant support from top venture capital firms. This innovative approach could potentially revolutionize the way semiconductors are produced, making them more efficient and powerful, which is crucial for the tech industry as it continues to evolve.

Nvidia has made history by becoming the world's first company to reach a $5 trillion valuation, just three months after surpassing the $4 trillion mark. This milestone highlights the booming artificial intelligence industry and the overall growth of the US stock market. Nvidia's impressive valuation now exceeds the GDP of major economies like India and Japan, showcasing its significant impact on the tech landscape and the economy at large.

Recent developments reveal that the secure enclave defenses provided by major tech companies like Nvidia, AMD, and Intel are increasingly vulnerable to inexpensive physical attacks. While on-chip Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) can resist rooted operating systems, they fail against these low-cost physical threats. This is concerning as it undermines the security measures that many rely on for protecting sensitive data, highlighting a significant gap in current cybersecurity strategies.

An investigation reveals that the US government has not only permitted but also facilitated the sale of technology used for surveillance in China by American companies across five administrations, both Republican and Democratic. This raises significant concerns about the implications for privacy and human rights, as these technologies could be used to monitor and control citizens in China. The findings highlight a troubling intersection of corporate interests and government policy, prompting questions about accountability and the ethical responsibilities of tech companies.

Roku has reported a strong performance in its Q3 earnings, achieving a net income of $24.8 million compared to a net loss of $35.8 million from the previous year. This positive turnaround is complemented by a 14% increase in revenue, reaching $1.21 billion, and a 12% rise in total streaming hours. This news is significant as it highlights Roku's recovery and growth in the competitive streaming market, indicating a potential resurgence in user engagement and financial stability.

Intel is reportedly in early discussions to acquire the AI chip startup SambaNova, which was valued at $5 billion in 2021. This potential acquisition could indicate Intel's strategic move to enhance its position in the AI chip market, especially as competition intensifies. While the deal is still in its early stages and may value SambaNova below its previous valuation, it highlights the growing interest in AI technologies and the importance of innovation in the semiconductor industry.

Amazon has reported a significant increase in its Q3 ad revenue, rising 24% year-over-year to $17.7 billion, surpassing estimates of $17.3 billion. Additionally, subscription services revenue grew by 11% year-over-year, reaching $12.6 billion. This growth highlights Amazon's strong position in the advertising market and its ability to attract more subscribers, which is crucial for its overall business strategy and future profitability.

Affinity has made a significant comeback as a versatile all-in-one app for illustration, photo editing, and layout design. This is exciting news for creatives looking for a comprehensive tool that combines multiple functionalities in one platform, making their workflow more efficient and streamlined. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, Affinity is set to empower artists and designers to bring their visions to life.

The introduction of a lightweight Playwright dependency analyzer is a game-changer for developers dealing with extensive end-to-end test suites. By automatically skipping tests that rely on a failing component, like the LoginPage, it significantly reduces the noise in test reports and helps teams quickly identify the root cause of issues. This innovation not only streamlines the testing process but also enhances overall productivity, making it easier for developers to maintain high-quality code.

Apple has reported a remarkable 8% increase in Q4 revenue year-over-year, reaching $102.47 billion, surpassing estimates. The company's net income soared by 86% to $27.5 billion, showcasing its strong financial health. Additionally, Apple anticipates a 6% revenue growth for fiscal year 2025, projected at $416.16 billion. This performance highlights Apple's resilience and ability to thrive in a competitive market, making it a significant player in the tech industry.