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| Hey Insiders, Welcome to Inside Tech! Here are today's top stories: - U.S. mulling further AI chip export restrictions to China.
- Apple boosts orders for iPhone 15 Pro displays, suggesting expected high demand.
- Google is downsizing its workforce at navigation app Waze.
Scroll down for some quick hits, and then let us know what other content you'd like to see in future issues! Beth
p/beth-duckett | |
| 1 | | The U.S. government is weighing new restrictions on the export of advanced AI computing chips to China, according to the Wall Street Journal. As part of expanded export control measures, the Commerce Department could halt shipments of chips by Nvidia and other manufacturers to Chinese customers without a license as early as July. More: - The move could hinder China's AI capabilities amid concerns about hacking and weapons development.
- According to CNBC, Nvidia does not anticipate any major immediate consequences from the change, as stated by CFO Colette Kress.
- Nvidia had previously developed a lower-spec chip, the A800, for the Chinese market in response to earlier restrictions.
- However, under the newly proposed controls, even the A800 chip would be subject to export restrictions without licensing.
Zoom out: - Discussions are also underway about restricting the leasing of cloud services to Chinese AI companies.
- The growing competition between the U.S. and China in hardware and software technology, along with cybersecurity concerns and allegations of technology theft, have fueled trade tensions between the nations.
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| 2 | | The news: Apple is preparing to launch its iPhone 15 lineup in September, and early indicators suggest there could be strong demand. According to analysts, iPhone 15 panel orders in June 2023 are projected to be 100% higher than orders for the iPhone 14 during the same period last year. Details: Apple is expected to offer four models: the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro, in particular, could prove popular among consumers. Apple has increased its orders for iPhone 15 Pro displays compared to the iPhone 14 Pro last year. In the mix of panel shipments for the iPhone 15 lineup, the Pro models make up 58% share versus only 43% share for the iPhone 14 Pro models. What the numbers say: The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max were the most purchased models in Q1 2023, capturing 22% and 24% of U.S. iPhone purchases, respectively, according to CIRP's latest study. The iPhone 14 Pro's popularity also rose from 15% in Q4 2022 to 22% in Q1 2023, surpassing the more affordable iPhone 14. What it means: The numbers are a positive sign for supply and production capacity compared to the previous year. Apple's focus on the iPhone 15 Pro lineup addresses a correction needed after the strong demand for the iPhone 14 Pro at its launch. 
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| 3 | | Google is downsizing its workforce at navigation app Waze as it integrates the app's advertising system with Google Ads. Waze has a workforce of 500+ employees, but the specific number of layoffs has not been disclosed. More: - Waze's ads monetization will now be transitioned to Google's Global Business Organization (GBO).
- The goal is to develop a more scalable and optimized Waze Ads product powered by Google Ads.
- According to CNBC, the move will result in job cuts in various departments at Waze, such as sales, marketing, operations, and analytics.
Zoom out: - The layoffs come after Google announced the integration of Waze into its Geo team, which oversees other products like Google Maps, Google Earth, and Street View.
- In 2013, Google acquired Waze for $1.1B, further strengthening its existing mapping and mobile ventures.
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| 4 | | Microsoft aims to bring Windows to the cloud for consumers, according to an internal presentation reported by The Verge. Microsoft has already been shifting Windows to the cloud with Windows 365 for commercial use. More: - The presentation, from June 2022, was disclosed during the current FTC v. Microsoft hearing.
- According to the details, Microsoft sees moving Windows 11 further to the cloud as a long-term opportunity in its "Modern Life" consumer space.
- This includes leveraging the cloud to improve its AI-powered services and enable seamless digital experiences, it said.
- Last year, Microsoft reportedly laid off its entire Modern Life Experiences team responsible for re-engaging casual consumers, so it's unclear how that could impact the plans.
Zoom out: - Windows 365 streams a full version of Windows to devices. While so far limited to commercial customers, Microsoft has been integrating it into Windows 11, according to The Verge.
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| 5 | | Samsung's chip foundry business plans to produce chips for mobile applications using the 2-nanometer (nm) process by 2025. The smaller channel length of the transistors in the 2nm chips allows for increased performance and power efficiency. More: - Samsung will manufacture application processors for smartphones and tablets using the 2nm process, catering to customers planning to launch processors in that size by 2025.
- The 2nm chips promise a 12% performance boost and 25% power efficiency gain compared to its 3nm counterparts.
- Samsung said it will extend its 2nm chip production to high-performance computing in 2026 and automotive chips in 2027.
Zoom out: - As the world's largest memory chip maker, Samsung is looking to strengthen its position in the market and compete with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), the leading contract manufacturer.
- Samsung's foundry division, which manufactures chips on a contract basis, will also be bolstered by new factories in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, and Taylor, Texas.
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| 6 | | Unity, known for its game engine, has unveiled a marketplace where developers can access AI software for generating game graphics, dialogue, and more. This marketplace, in its Asset Store, features AI tools from independent companies specializing in generative AI, AI/ML integration, and behavior AI. More: - Unity's customers have the option to select from a variety of AI-powered software offerings provided by independent companies such as Inworld AI and Polyhive.
- The companies can distribute their software through the store and charge for their offerings.
- Unity also announced two new AI tools specifically designed for 3D content developers:
- Unity Muse incorporates a chatbot that offers guidance and instruction to users of its game engine. The ultimate goal is to enable developers to create virtually anything in the Unity Editor using text prompts and sketches.
- Unity Sentis enables developers to seamlessly integrate neural networks into their game builds, facilitating real-time AI-driven content generation.
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- Google has scrapped its augmented reality glasses project, codenamed "Iris," following layoffs, a reshuffle, and the departure of project leader Clay Bavor, who joined forces with former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor to start a new venture.
- Bitcoin (BTC), the largest cryptocurrency by market cap, has come close to passing the $31,000 mark again, reaching $30,834 on Tuesday.
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 | AI and technology writer | | Beth is a writer and editor at Inside.com covering artificial intelligence and daily technology news. She has written the Inside AI newsletter since 2019. You can reach her at Beth.Duckett@inside.com. | | This newsletter was edited by Eduardo Garcia | |
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