Technology

Cortical Labs launches biological data centers in Melbourne and Singapore

Biotech startup Cortical Labs has unveiled its first biological data center in Melbourne and is constructing another in Singapore in partnership with DayOne Data Centers Ltd. These facilities will utilize lab-grown neurons integrated with silicon to operate biological computers known as CL1 units, potentially positioning them to compete with traditional chips from companies like Nvidia Corp.

OpenAI and Oracle halt Texas data center expansion

OpenAI and Oracle have abandoned plans to expand their flagship data center in Abilene, Texas, due to shifting priorities and financial pressures, including Oracle's consideration of thousands of job cuts. The expansion was intended to add 600 megawatts of capacity, bringing the total to 5.5 gigawatts, but both companies conceded that the project could not proceed as planned. Despite this setback, they remain committed to developing up to 10 gigawatts of AI infrastructure nationwide.

Meta and Google Defend Against Social Media Addiction Claims

Meta Platforms Inc. and Google have begun their defense in a trial concerning social media addiction, contesting claims by a 20-year-old plaintiff that they are solely responsible for her mental health issues. Lawyers for Meta plan to call the woman's therapists as witnesses to argue that her psychological trauma stems from family and school turmoil, while Google's team is expected to highlight her historical usage of YouTube.

Nscale secures $2 billion funding, valued at $14.6 billion

Nscale, a UK-based AI infrastructure company backed by Nvidia, has raised $2 billion in a funding round, marking the largest deal of its kind for a European tech start-up and bringing its valuation to $14.6 billion. Former Meta executives Sheryl Sandberg and Nick Clegg have joined Nscale's board, with Clegg's expertise in technology policy and Sandberg's experience in scaling tech companies expected to bolster the firm's ambitions. The funding will support Nscale's plans to expand its AI infrastructure across Europe, North America, and Asia.

Apple Delays Smart Home Display Launch to September

Apple Inc. has postponed the launch of its smart home display, code-named J490, due to ongoing challenges with its artificial intelligence and the revamp of its Siri digital assistant. Originally scheduled for spring 2025 and later anticipated for earlier this year, the product is now expected to be released later this year, likely around September, to coincide with the completion of the upgraded Siri.