It’s time for Bits & Bytes…
… where we bring you news, innovations, and thought-provoking insights from AI, IT, and beyond. In this week’s newsletter we’re looking at:
- RansomHub’s Data Theft Spree
- AI Dreams Up Doom
- Big Fish Keeping Nvidia’s Boat Afloat
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
🗞️ Apple and Nvidia Set Their Sights on OpenAI
The tech titans Apple and Nvidia are reportedly in talks to become major players in OpenAI’s next fundraising round—a round that could push the ChatGPT creator’s valuation to an eye-watering $100 billion. This could mark a significant shift in the AI landscape, with OpenAI already having strong ties to both companies. Nvidia’s GPUs power the training of OpenAI’s models, while Apple’s recent agreement to integrate ChatGPT into iOS showcases a deepening relationship.
The New York Times suggests that Thrive Capital, an early investor in OpenAI, might lead the round, with Microsoft—already holding 49% of OpenAI—potentially participating. Despite OpenAI’s massive revenue, reportedly topping $3.4 billion annually, the company is also on track to lose $5 billion by year’s end as it ramps up AI training and staffing.
As Apple and Nvidia eye deeper involvement in the AI powerhouse, the implications for the industry are profound. With these giants potentially backing OpenAI, we could see an acceleration in AI advancements, more integrated AI across platforms, and an even fiercer competition in the tech sector.
TL;DR
- Apple and Nvidia are in talks to invest in OpenAI’s next funding round, which could value the company at $100 billion.
- OpenAI, despite high revenue, is facing significant financial losses as it scales its AI efforts.
- This move could significantly impact the AI landscape, with stronger ties between OpenAI, Apple, and Nvidia.
TECH HEADLINES FROM ACROSS THE WEB
💰️ RansomHub’s Data Theft Spree
RansomHub, the latest ransomware-as-a-service flavor of the month, has been busy since February 2024, breaching over 210 U.S. infrastructure entities and skipping the whole “encryption” fad to go straight for data theft. When big names like Halliburton don’t pay up, their stolen data hits the black market. The feds are tired of this nonsense and recommend locking down your systems and not paying the ransom as that doesn’t always equal file safety.
📺 AI Dreams Up Doom
Apparently, AI is now hallucinating its way through video games—literally. GameNGen, a new AI model from Google and Tel Aviv University, can “imagine” playing 1993’s Doom in real time, because why bother coding when you can just dream up the graphics? Sure, it has its glitches, but who cares when the future of gaming is one big AI fever dream?
🐟️️ Big Fish Keeping Nvidia’s Boat Afloat
Nvidia’s idea of “diversified revenue” apparently involves four mystery whales spending over $13.8 billion on AI chips, accounting for nearly half of its earnings. While CEO Jensen Huang talks up a broad customer base, the reality is that a few big fish are keeping Nvidia’s boat afloat. But with these whales making up such a massive chunk of revenue, investors might want to start worrying about what happens when the tide turns.
TECH FOR GOOD
A breakthrough in 6G technology is set to transform wireless communications, thanks to a team of scientists who’ve developed a cutting-edge polarization multiplexer. This innovation operates at terahertz frequencies, doubling data capacity and enabling ultra-fast communication with minimal data loss—a crucial step toward making 6G a reality. With its potential to revolutionize everything from high-definition video streaming to next-gen mobile networks, this silicon-based technology promises to pave the way for smarter, faster, and more reliable global connectivity in the near future.
