Crowdstrike Chaos 💻 SAP's AI Driven Restructure ⚙️, Nvidia Chips for China 🤝

Author

Joel Spence
July 23, 2024

Superintelligence (noun) A form of artificial intelligence that surpasses the cognitive abilities of the most intelligent and capable human minds, exhibiting superior general intelligence. Stay informed as we journey towards Superintelligence. 

In today’s episode:

  • Crowdstrike update sends down 8.5 million devices 💻

  • AI chip market diversifying beyond Nvidia dominance 🔄

  • Anthropic launches $100M fund for AI startups 💡

  • SAP expands restructuring, affecting 9,000-10,000 positions ⚙️

  • Adobe enhances Illustrator and Photoshop with generative AI. 🎨

  • Nvidia partners with Inspur for China compliant B20 AI chip. 🤝

  • Senators question OpenAI on safety and employment practices 📃

Crowdstrike update causes global computer crash, 8.5 million affected

Routine update causes global computer crash, 8.5 million affected 💻

TL;DR: A routine update caused a global computer crash impacting 8.5 million devices, sparking discussions on technology's vulnerability and the need for stronger safeguards in our interconnected systems.

  • A routine update caused a global computer crash, impacting 8.5 million devices across multiple industries.  

  • The crash stemmed from a configuration file error, raising concerns about reliance on complex technology.  

  • The incident highlights vulnerabilities in interconnected systems and emphasizes the need for better safeguards.  

Why this matters: The CrowdStrike crash serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of our digital infrastructure, emphasizing the need for stronger safeguards and resilience in our technology-dependent world. As reliance on complex systems grows, so does the potential for widespread disruption and the challenge of maintaining security across industries.

AI chip market diversifying beyond Nvidia dominance

TL;DR: A report indicates potential growth for specialized vendors in the AI processor market, beyond Nvidia chips, driven by diverse AI workloads and the need for lower-cost, scalable solutions.

  • A research report indicates that the AI processor market is diverse, with potential for new specialized vendors.  

  • Future AI workflows will primarily be inference loads on devices beyond Nvidia chips, including mobile and edge computing.  

  • The growing demand for various AI workloads could lower costs and increase accessibility through enhanced competition.  

  • Startups in the AI processor market may face challenges but also opportunities for innovation and market entry success.  

Why this matters: The evolving AI chip market indicates that reliance on Nvidia may decrease as diverse vendors cater to various workloads. This could lead to more innovation, cost-cutting, and broader accessibility in AI technologies, ultimately transforming how AI is integrated across different industries.

Anthropic launches $100M fund for AI startups

TL;DR: Anthropic and Menlo Ventures launched the $100 million Anthology Fund to support innovative AI startups across various industries, providing resources, access to AI models, and funding opportunities.

  • Anthropic has partnered with Menlo Ventures to launch a $100 million fund for AI startups called the Anthology Fund.  

  • The fund will focus on various AI sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, finance, consumer solutions, and safety tools.  

  • Startups can apply for funding online and gain access to Anthropic's AI models and expertise to enhance their offerings.  

  • The initiative aims to support U.S. startups while also considering exceptional international companies, fostering global AI entrepreneurship.  

Why this matters: The launch of the Anthology Fund signifies a strategic move towards nurturing innovation in AI, particularly in sectors like healthcare and finance. As more startups gain access to funding and expertise, we may see breakthroughs that prioritize societal benefits, which is crucial in the evolving landscape of AI.

SAP expands restructuring, affecting 9,000-10,000 positions

TL;DR: SAP expands its restructuring, affecting 9,000-10,000 jobs amid rising revenue but decreased profit. The company's AI integrations are attracting clients, leading to positive market reactions and confidence in future growth.

  • SAP's restructuring program will now affect 9,000 to 10,000 positions, up from the initially expected 8,000.  

  • The company's Q2 report showed increased revenue of €8.3 billion, but lower operating profit of €1.2 billion.  

  • Despite cost reductions, SAP acquired workflow outfit WalkMe for $1.4 billion to enhance capabilities.  

  • Almost 20% of SAP's Q2 deals included premium AI use cases, showcasing its focus on technology integration.  

Why this matters: SAP's restructuring, affecting up to 10,000 positions, reflects its strategic shift toward AI integration and efficiency, vital for maintaining investor confidence and competitiveness in the evolving tech landscape. This move positions SAP to enhance its offerings while navigating the financial implications of its transformation.

Adobe enhances Illustrator and Photoshop with generative AI.

TL;DR: Adobe unveils generative AI updates for Illustrator and Photoshop, enhancing creative workflows with new features like Generative Shape Fill and Text to Pattern, while empowering rather than replacing designers.

  • Adobe has launched new generative AI features in Illustrator and Photoshop to enhance creative workflows.  

  • Illustrator now includes Generative Shape Fill and Text to Pattern, allowing detailed vector creation via text prompts.  

  • Photoshop updates feature Generate Image for enhanced image detail and a new Selection Brush tool for object selection.  

  • Despite job concerns, Adobe emphasizes that generative AI aims to empower rather than replace creative professionals.  

Why this matters: Adobe's latest generative AI enhancements in Illustrator and Photoshop signify a pivotal shift towards automating and simplifying design processes. While there are valid concerns regarding job displacement, the focus remains on empowering creatives, suggesting a future where AI complements rather than substitutes human artistic skills.

Nvidia partners with Inspur for China compliant B20 AI chip.

TL;DR: NVIDIA is developing the B20 AI chip with Inspur, complying with US export restrictions to maintain sales in China. The chip aims for cost-efficient real-time generative AI, shipping in Q2 2025.

  • NVIDIA is teaming up with Inspur to create the B20 AI chip, adapting to US export restrictions.  

  • The B20 chip is a modified version of Nvidia's Blackwell series, aiming for real-time generative AI functionality.  

  • Nvidia's efforts to comply with restrictions include scaled-down versions of its H20 chip for the Chinese market.  

  • The B20 chip is expected to start shipping in the second quarter of 2025, focusing on cost and energy efficiency.  

Why this matters: NVIDIA's strategic adaptation in the face of US export restrictions highlights the global tech landscape's complexities. By catering to China's AI demands with a compliant chip, NVIDIA aims to maintain its market position while addressing geopolitical challenges, underscoring the necessity for innovation amid regulatory hurdles.

Senators question OpenAI on safety and employment practices

TL;DR: Five Senate Democrats are probing OpenAI on safety and employment practices, emphasizing AI's importance for national security and economic competitiveness amid increasing scrutiny over regulation and responsible development.

  • Five Senate Democrats are seeking clarity from OpenAI on its safety and employment practices related to AI.  

  • The inquiry emphasizes AI safety's significance for national security and economic competitiveness amid ongoing debates.  

  • OpenAI's response could influence AI governance and the relationship between tech companies and government oversight.  

  • The senators' investigation highlights the increasing demand for transparency and accountability among AI firms.  

Why this matters: Senate scrutiny of OpenAI highlights the urgent need for accountability in AI development. As lawmakers seek clarity on safety practices, the outcome may shape future regulations and corporate strategies, ultimately influencing how AI technologies align with national interests and public trust in advancing innovations.

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