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  • Nvidia says its next-generation AI chip platform to be rolled out in 2026

Nvidia says its next-generation AI chip platform to be rolled out in 2026

Also: Singapore looks to boost AI with plans for quantum computing and data centers

Morning!

In today's newsletter, we delve into Nvidia's announcement of their next-generation AI chip platform set for 2026, signaling a major leap in AI hardware with the Rubin platform. Singapore is making strides in AI with substantial investments in quantum computing and green data centers, aiming to bolster its tech infrastructure and sustainability. We explore how AI is transforming various sectors by enhancing efficiency and innovation, and spotlight AI-driven healthcare advancements benefiting Japan's aging cat population. Additionally, we examine the surge of AI-generated misinformation on TikTok affecting young voters and the evolving role of AI in creative industries through Google's new image generation tool. Lastly, Y Combinator's investment in the AI-based virtual receptionist startup Phonely highlights the growing influence of AI in enhancing business operations.

Sliced:

  • 🆕 Nvidia says its next-generation AI chip platform to be rolled out in 2026

  • 🇸🇬 Singapore looks to boost AI with plans for quantum computing and data centers

  • 🧠 AI—the Transformation From Mechanical to Cognitive Advantage

  • 🐱 Japan’s ageing cats feeling paw-sitive effects of AI healthcare

  • ⚠️ TikTok: AI fakes, abuse and misinformation pushed to young voters

Nvidia announced that its next-generation AI chip platform, Rubin, will be released in 2026. This platform will feature new graphics and central processors, alongside networking chips, with the CPU named Versa. These chips are designed to incorporate next-generation high-bandwidth memory from manufacturers like SK Hynix, Micron, and Samsung. Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, revealed this information at the Computex trade show in Taipei. He also mentioned that Nvidia plans to accelerate its chip release cycle to annually, rather than every two years, solidifying its dominance in the AI chip market, where it currently holds an 80% share.

Singapore is advancing its AI capabilities with significant investments in quantum computing and green data centers. The government is planning to release international standards for large language model testing and is allocating nearly SG$300 million over the next five years for quantum technology development. Quantum computing, with its potential to enhance AI efficiency in fields like deep learning and natural language processing, is a key focus. Challenges such as cryogenic cooling and error correction are being addressed under Singapore's National Quantum Strategy. The nation also aims to expand its data center capacity by at least 300 megawatts and another 200 megawatts through green energy initiatives. These data centers will adopt energy-efficient technologies and reduce carbon emissions, supporting Singapore's net-zero target by 2050.

AI is revolutionizing various fields by amplifying human ingenuity, transforming mundane tasks, and pushing the boundaries of possibility in complex domains like healthcare, manufacturing, and scientific research. By optimizing routine tasks, AI frees up mental space for higher-order thinking and innovation. In healthcare, it enables earlier and more accurate diagnoses, while in manufacturing, it optimizes supply chains and predicts maintenance needs. AI is also transforming innovation into an iterative, collaborative, and adaptive process, democratizing access to powerful tools and insights, and enabling a broader pool of innovators. By harnessing AI's catalytic power, we can tackle grand challenges and propel into a future limited only by our imagination.

Japan's ageing cats are experiencing positive health benefits from AI technology, as the average lifespan of cats in Japan reached 15.79 years in 2023. Tokyo-based startups are using AI to keep cats healthier through innovations like the Catlog collar by Rabo, which tracks a cat's routine, appetite, and behavior to provide health analysis and alert owners to potential issues. Carelogy has developed an app that uses AI to detect signs of pain in cats by analyzing facial expressions. These technologies aim to improve early detection of health problems, which is crucial as cats often hide discomfort. Additionally, AI-powered apps like Tably can identify feline distress using a "feline grimace scale." With the increasing number of pet cats in Japan, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, these AI-driven tools are helping pet owners provide better care and potentially extending the lives of their feline companions.

Young voters on TikTok are being exposed to a surge of AI-generated fake videos, misinformation, and abusive content related to key political figures like Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak, according to a BBC investigation. TikTok has become a pivotal platform for political parties targeting young voters, leading to a proliferation of satirical and misleading content. Videos spreading unfounded rumors and controversial claims have garnered significant attention, sometimes confusing users about their authenticity. TikTok has responded by increasing investments in misinformation countermeasures, including fact-checking and AI labeling technologies. The BBC's Undercover Voters project, which tracks the content seen by fictional profiles representing different voter demographics, highlights the platform's role in shaping electoral narratives and the potential impact of misinformation on democratic processes.

🛠️ AI tools updates

Google's new AI-powered image generation tool, StyleDrop, was unveiled at the Google I/O conference. StyleDrop allows designers to train an AI model to produce images in their own artistic styles by using reference images. This tool is part of Google's broader AI strategy and aims to assist creative professionals by expanding their capabilities and efficiency. The Infinite Wonderland project, a digital reimagining of "Alice in Wonderland," showcases the potential of StyleDrop, allowing users to generate images in the style of different designers. The collaboration with professional artists highlights the evolving perception of AI in the creative industry, suggesting both its democratizing potential and the ongoing debates about its impact on traditional artistic practices. Despite some challenges, the response from the creative community indicates a growing acceptance of AI as a valuable tool for artistic expression and production.

💵 Venture Capital updates

Y Combinator has invested $750,000 in Phonely, a Melbourne-based startup developing an AI-powered virtual receptionist. Founded by Nisal Ranasinghe and Will Bodewes, Phonely was spun out of the University of Melbourne's AI Research Lab and officially launched in February. The AI receptionist can handle phone inquiries, schedule appointments, and transfer calls with a human-like voice. Phonely's technology is designed to be a cost-effective solution for small and mid-sized businesses, offering real-time, emotionally intelligent interactions to improve customer support. The startup's innovative approach and significant early traction have positioned it as a rising star in the AI industry, further validated by its success in the Y Combinator accelerator program.

🫡 Meme of the day

⭐️ Generative AI image of the day