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

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.

Silicon Valley's growing influence in politics raises concerns as tech companies invest heavily in lobbying and campaign contributions amidst the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence. This trend poses a significant risk to democratic institutions, which may struggle to keep pace with the fast-changing landscape of AI. The outcome of current regulations will be crucial in determining whether AI technology benefits society or merely enhances corporate dominance, making it a critical issue for the future.

Exciting news for tech enthusiasts! The Mixed Reality Link and Windows App for Meta Quest are now generally available, allowing users to harness the full capabilities of Windows 11 and Windows 365 on mixed reality headsets. This development is significant as it enhances productivity and offers a new way to interact with digital environments, making work more immersive and engaging.

ScaleAI is making significant strides in the field of artificial intelligence, showcasing how enterprise leaders are effectively leveraging generative and agentic AI technologies. This progress is crucial as it highlights the potential for businesses to enhance their operations and innovate, ultimately driving growth and efficiency in various sectors.

Delta Sharing is experiencing remarkable growth, boasting a 300% increase year-over-year. This surge highlights the platform's effectiveness in facilitating data sharing across organizations, making it a vital tool for businesses looking to enhance their analytics capabilities. As more companies adopt this technology, it signifies a shift towards more collaborative and data-driven decision-making processes.

The recent partnership between Databricks and Palantir is already making waves, with over 100 customers leveraging their combined strengths to transform their businesses. This collaboration not only enhances data analytics capabilities but also empowers organizations to make more informed decisions, driving innovation and efficiency. It's exciting to see how these companies are shaping the future of business through their strategic alliance.

WhatsApp is enhancing its security features by allowing users to utilize passkeys for their backups. This update is significant as it adds an extra layer of protection for personal data, making it harder for unauthorized access. With cyber threats on the rise, this move reflects WhatsApp's commitment to user privacy and security, ensuring that sensitive information remains safe.

The article highlights the significance of standard-cell architecture in adaptable ASIC designs, emphasizing its benefits such as being fully testable and foundry-portable. This innovation is crucial for developers looking to create flexible and reliable hardware solutions without hidden risks, making it a game-changer in the semiconductor industry.