OpenAI and Amazon sign $38 billion deal for AI computing power
SEATTLE (AP) — OpenAI and Amazon have signed a $38 billion deal to run OpenAI's systems on Amazon's cloud services. OpenAI will access hundreds of thousands of Nvidia's AI chips through Amazon Web Services. The deal was announced Monday, just days after OpenAI changed its partnership with Microsoft. Last week, California and Delaware regulators allowed OpenAI to move forward with a new business structure to raise capital and make a profit. Amazon stated that the demand for computing power has surged due to AI advancements. OpenAI will start using AWS immediately, with plans to expand further by 2027.
Microsoft to ship 60,000 Nvidia AI chips to UAE under US-approved deal
WASHINGTON (AP) — Microsoft has announced it will ship Nvidia's advanced AI chips to the United Arab Emirates. The U.S. Commerce Department approved the deal in September. The company plans to send over 60,000 Nvidia chips, including the advanced GB300 Grace Blackwell chips, for use in UAE data centers. This move seems to contradict former President Donald Trump's recent comments about restricting exports of advanced chips. The UAE's access to these chips is linked to its pledge to invest $1.4 trillion in U.S. energy and AI projects. Microsoft's announcement is part of its $15.2 billion investment in UAE technology.
AI song generator Udio offers brief window for downloads after Universal settlement upsets users
Udio, an AI song generation platform, has announced a 48-hour window starting Monday for users to download their songs. This move comes as the company shifts to a new business model following a legal settlement with Universal Music over copyright infringement claims. Last week, a tech industry lobby group urged federal intervention in AI copyright lawsuits, citing over 50 pending cases. Udio and Universal plan to launch a new streaming platform. The settlement marks the first in the music industry since major labels sued Udio and another AI song generator last year.
Who is Zico Kolter? A professor leads OpenAI safety panel with power to halt unsafe AI releases
Zico Kolter leads a panel that can stop OpenAI from releasing new AI systems if they're deemed unsafe. The computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University first took on the oversight role last year. But Kolter's role gained importance last week when California and Delaware regulators made his oversight crucial for OpenAI's new business structure. The researcher spoke with The Associated Press about OpenAI's Safety and Security Committee and some of the concerns they will be considering in the coming months and years. AI safety watchdogs are watching closely.
Microsoft $9.7 billion deal with IREN will give it access to Nvidia chips
Microsoft has entered into an approximately $9.7 billion cloud services contract with artificial intelligence cloud service provider IREN that will give it access to some of Nvidia’s chips. The five-year deal, which includes a 20% prepayment, will help Microsoft as it looks to keep up with AI demand.
Getty's $3.7 billion attempt to buy Shutterstock faces in-depth investigation in the UK
LONDON (AP) — Britain's antitrust watchdog is intensifying its investigation into Getty Images' plan to buy Shutterstock. The $3.7 billion deal would create a visual content giant. On Monday, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced an in-depth merger investigation. The preliminary inquiry raised concerns about higher prices and lower quality of images. The deal was announced in January amid rising competition from AI-generated images. Getty expressed disappointment but remains committed to the deal. The CMA has until April 16 to decide. The U.S. Department of Justice is also reviewing the transaction.
China says it will work with US to resolve issues related to TikTok
China's Commerce Ministry says Beijing will work with the Trump administration to resolve issues related to TokTok's ownership. The ministry made the announcement Thursday after President Donald Trump met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The Trump administration had been signaling that it might have reached a deal with China to keep TikTok running in the U.S. But no deal was announced, though Trump said after meeting Xi in South Korea that he had an “amazing” meeting that produced an “outstanding group of decisions.” An agreement would end months of uncertainty about the fate of the popular video-sharing platform in the U.S.
Universal Music and AI song tool Udio settle lawsuit and partner on new platform, sparking backlash
LONDON (AP) — Universal Music Group and AI platform Udio have settled a copyright lawsuit and will collaborate on a new music creation and streaming platform. The companies announced on Wednesday that they reached a compensatory legal settlement and new licensing agreements. These agreements aim to provide more revenue opportunities for Universal's artists and songwriters. The rise of AI song generation tools like Udio has disrupted the music streaming industry, leading to accusations from record labels. This deal marks the first since Universal and others sued Udio and Suno last year. Financial terms of the settlement weren't disclosed.
How tiny drones inspired by bats could save lives in dark and stormy conditions
WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are developing tiny drones inspired by bats for search and rescue missions. The aerial robots use echolocation, like bats, to navigate in dark and challenging conditions. Assistant professor Nitin Sanket and his team aim to create small, affordable, and energy-efficient drones that can operate where and when current drones can't. While drones are becoming more common in search and rescue, Sanket and researchers elsewhere want to move beyond the manually operated individual robots being used today. They're exploring how to create autonomous drones that can be deployed in swarms.
Disney pulls ABC, ESPN and more from YouTube TV as talks break down
YouTube TV viewers have lost access to Disney channels, including ABC and ESPN, after contract talks broke down. Other channels like the Disney Channel, FX, and Nat Geo have also disappeared. YouTube TV announced Thursday that Disney followed through on a threat to suspend its content during negotiations. YouTube claims Disney used the blackout threat to push for higher prices, benefiting its own streaming services like Hulu + Live TV and Fubo. YouTube TV expressed disappointment and urged Disney to work towards a fair agreement. Subscribers will receive a $20 credit if Disney content remains unavailable for a long time.
