Earlier this week, five people who touch every layer of the AI supply chain sat down at the Milken Global Conference in Beverly Hills, where they talked with TechCrunch about everything from chip shortages to orbital data centers to the possibility that the whole architecture that undergirds the tech is wrong.
Apple's defunct self-driving car project indirectly led to the development of its powerful Neural Engine, crucial for on-device AI processing. This technology debuted with iPhone X and now powers M-series chips, with future upgrades planned for the M7 chip in 2027.
The Uber-Waymo partnership in Phoenix has ended, with remaining agreements in Atlanta and Austin also facing an uncertain future. NHTSA administrator Jonathan Morrison issued a directive to AV developers, demanding immediate focus on fixing issues where vehicles interfere with first responders. Additionally, proposed FMVSS changes could aid AV companies like Tesla and Zoox.
SteelSeries is selling the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless gaming headset for $239.99 due to damaged packaging. The headset, normally $300-$350, is available for Xbox and PlayStation versions, both supporting multiple platforms and Bluetooth. The company assures the internal hardware is undamaged and includes a one-year warranty.
The Oura Ring 5 offers a smaller, lighter design and new software features, but reviewers suggest existing Oura users likely don't need to upgrade as the core functionality and sensors remain the same as the previous generation. The new model is primarily an aesthetic update, with the same battery life and software features available on the Ring 4. Concerns include data overload, limited sizing options, and the charging case being a separate purchase.
AI data centers face growing opposition due to energy consumption, environmental concerns, and rising costs. Protests have delayed numerous projects, while political debates and new legislation aim to regulate their buildout.
The Nopia, a unique harmonic synthesizer created by Martin Grieco and Rocío Gal, is set to launch in a few months for approximately £550. It features a Chord Builder keyboard, Tonal Selector, and Extensions Dial for complex harmony creation, along with a strum plate and pitch bend slider.
