SoftBank Snags UK AI Chipmaker Graphcore: What You Need to Know

SoftBank Snags UK AI Chipmaker Graphcore: What You Need to Know

Alright, tech fam, buckle up because SoftBank just made a big move in the AI chip game. They've officially acquired UK-based Graphcore, a company known for its specialized AI processors called "intelligence processing units" (IPUs).

Here's the lowdown:

• SoftBank's AI Ambitions: This acquisition is part of SoftBank's larger strategy to become a major player in the AI space. They're already investing heavily in AI startups and building data centers specifically for AI applications.

• Graphcore's Struggles: While Graphcore was initially hailed as a potential rival to Nvidia, the AI chip giant, they faced challenges scaling up and securing funding. The acquisition by SoftBank provides them with the resources they need to compete.

• The Price Tag: While the exact amount remains undisclosed, rumors suggest it's around $500 million, though Graphcore's CEO Nigel Toon says that figure is inaccurate.

• What Happens Now: Graphcore will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of SoftBank, keeping its name and headquarters in Bristol. Toon and CTO Simon Knowles will remain in their leadership roles.

• Good News for Employees (Mostly): Toon assures current employees and investors that this is a positive outcome. However, some former employees' stock options were wiped out in the deal.

• Regulatory Green Light: The acquisition has already received all necessary regulatory approvals, including those under the UK's National Security and Investment Act.

The Takeaway:

This acquisition is a win-win for both companies. SoftBank gains a promising AI chipmaker with cutting-edge technology, while Graphcore gets the financial backing and resources it needs to thrive. It'll be interesting to see how this partnership unfolds and what impact it has on the AI landscape.

References:
1. Wall Street Journal (WSJ)
2. TechCrunch

Granbury, Texas: A Town Under Siege by Bitcoin

Granbury, Texas is a small town grappling with the unexpected consequences of a Bitcoin mining operation.

The Problem:

• Noise Pollution: A Bitcoin mine, owned by Marathon Digital Holdings, is emitting deafening noise levels, exceeding legal limits and causing significant distress to residents.

• Health Impacts: Residents are reporting a range of health issues, including migraines, heart palpitations, vertigo, and hearing loss, which they believe are directly linked to the constant noise pollution.

• Lack of Regulation: Texas has lax regulations regarding noise pollution, leaving residents with limited legal recourse.

The Players:

• Marathon Digital Holdings: The company operating the Bitcoin mine, claiming to be working on solutions but facing criticism for its slow response and lack of transparency.

• Local Residents: Frustrated and desperate for relief, residents are organizing, petitioning, and exploring legal options.

• Local Officials: Some officials are sympathetic to residents' plight but face political pressure and limited power to intervene.

The Stakes:

• Health and Well-being: The health of Granbury residents is at risk, with some experiencing debilitating symptoms and seeking medical attention.

• Quality of Life: The constant noise is disrupting sleep, causing stress, and impacting the overall quality of life for residents.

• Environmental Impact: The article hints at potential environmental damage, with reports of animal distress and the death of a centuries-old oak tree.

The Future:

• Legal Battles: Residents are considering legal action against Marathon, seeking an injunction and damages.

• Political Pressure: Residents are lobbying for stricter noise regulations and state-level intervention.

• National Implications: Granbury's story highlights the potential downsides of unregulated Bitcoin mining, raising concerns about the impact of this industry on communities across the country.

References:
TIME

The Atlantic Bets Big on AI (and So Did Vox Media?!)

Remember those scary-smart AI tools everyone's freaking out about? Well, The Atlantic just made a deal with one of the biggest players, OpenAI (the ChatGPT folks). And get this, Vox Media signed a similar deal on the same day 🤯.

Here’s the TL;DR on why The Atlantic dove headfirst into the AI pool:

• Cash Money: OpenAI gets to train its AI models on The Atlantic’s massive archive for two years. In return, The Atlantic gets a nice chunk of change (though they're staying mum on the exact amount).

• Traffic, Baby: OpenAI is building a new search engine, and The Atlantic wants to be front and center. They're betting big that AI-powered search will be the next big thing, especially if the regular internet becomes a dumpster fire of AI-generated garbage.

• Shaping the Future: The Atlantic wants a say in how AI evolves, particularly when it comes to things like search results and how much text these AI tools are allowed to spit out.

But not everyone's happy about it: The Atlantic's union is pretty ticked off about the whole thing. They're worried about AI stealing jobs and the ethics of these companies using their work without explicit permission.

The Big Picture: This is about way more than just The Atlantic. The entire media industry is grappling with the rise of AI and how to make sure it doesn't turn into a soul-sucking content black hole.

What to Watch: Keep an eye on how OpenAI's search engine shakes out. If it takes off, this could be a game-changer for how we find information online.

References:
The Verge

mSpy Exposed: Millions of Customers' Data Leaked, Including Government Officials

Ponder Road Readers, get this:

mSpy, the phone surveillance app marketed for "parental control" but often used for shady snooping, just suffered a massive data breach. We're talking millions of customer service emails, personal documents, and even the identities of some mSpy employees exposed.

Here's the tea:

• Who got hacked? mSpy, a Ukrainian company called Brainstack, which has been operating since around 2010.

• What was stolen? Millions of customer service tickets dating back to 2014, containing emails, personal information, and even attachments.

• Who's affected? Millions of mSpy customers worldwide, including some high-profile individuals like a US federal judge, a Social Security Administration watchdog, and even a county sheriff's office.

The juicy details:

• The leaked data shows mSpy customers using the app to spy on partners, relatives, and even children without their consent.

• US law enforcement agencies have contacted mSpy in the past, seeking information about suspected criminals.

• Brainstack, the company behind mSpy, has remained largely hidden from public view, but the breach exposed their involvement in the spyware operation.

Why should you care?

This breach highlights the serious privacy risks associated with spyware apps. Even if you're not an mSpy customer, this incident raises concerns about the security of your personal data and the potential for misuse by both individuals and organizations.

What's next?

It's unclear how the breach occurred or who is responsible. mSpy and Brainstack have remained silent on the matter. The leaked data has been made available to the public, so expect more revelations about mSpy's operations and its customers in the coming days.

References:
TechCrunch

Robo-Rage: SF Resident Busted for Waymo Tire Slashing Spree

Hold onto your steering wheels, folks, because the robotaxi wars are heating up in San Francisco.

A Castro Valley resident is facing 17 felony charges for allegedly slashing the tires of Waymo robotaxis in the Tenderloin neighborhood.

Here's the tea:

• Caught on camera: Waymo's exterior cameras caught the suspect in action, leading to their arrest. Talk about self-incriminating evidence!

• Not the first rodeo: This isn't the first time San Franciscans have lashed out at autonomous vehicles. Remember the fiery Waymo incident in Chinatown back in February? Or the time people used traffic cones to disable them? This city has a history of robotaxi rebellion.

• Waymo's fighting back: The company is seeking damages and taking steps to prevent future incidents. They're also being careful about sharing their footage with law enforcement, only handing it over when there's a valid legal reason.

• Serious charges: The suspect is facing hefty charges and is being held without bail due to being deemed a "public safety risk." Their next court date is July 12th.

The bottom line: This case highlights the growing tension between autonomous vehicles and some residents. While Waymo's technology may be catching vandals, it's clear that the debate over robotaxis in San Francisco is far from over.

References:
TechCrunch