AMD plans to unveil a new generation of artificial intelligence solutions this Thursday, the 23rd, at a convention center in San Francisco. This move is part of the company's strategy to increase its share in the chip market for data centers, a sector currently dominated by Nvidia.
The announcements are expected to include the launch of a server rack platform and the introduction of a new processor specifically for data centers. Furthermore, the company intends to highlight advancements in its infrastructure, aiming to meet the growing demand for AI applications, particularly those related to processing user queries in chatbots.
This development occurs amid intensifying competition among semiconductor manufacturers, all striving to offer more efficient systems for executing complex artificial intelligence tasks on a large scale.
One of the most anticipated highlights is the reveal of Helios, which will be AMD's first server rack system. This equipment will be positioned as a direct alternative to Nvidia's offerings, which is also modernizing its own infrastructure for AI.
Additionally, the manufacturer is set to formally launch the Venice processor, designed for data center environments. The goal is to strengthen AMD's portfolio to handle the processing of large volumes of data used in AI applications. The company directs part of its strategy toward the inference segment, which is the phase where AI models analyze information to respond to user requests in tools like chatbots.
The day before the main event, several executives and engineers attended technical presentations and visited the exhibition area set up at Moscone West in San Francisco. There, AMD showcased Helios alongside booths from cloud computing providers that use the company's hardware, such as Vultr and TensorWave, both of which operate data centers with AMD equipment.
This movement comes shortly after Nvidia disclosed new technical details about the Vera processor. Nvidia stated that this component, when used with the Rubin GPU, was designed to optimize the amount of work performed by AI agents with constant energy consumption.
On another front, on Wednesday, the 22nd, AMD announced an agreement to supply up to two gigawatts of Instinct MI450 chips to Anthropic, scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027. This agreement also includes a potential investment of up to US$5 billion in the developer of Claude. Previously, in October, the company signed a multi-year partnership with OpenAI, which could generate billions in annual revenue for AMD and give the creator of ChatGPT the option to acquire about 10% stake in the company.
During the CJP and student demonstrations taking place at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, a discussion arose regarding new technologies. It is reported that some demonstrators are using messengers whose functionality does not require an internet or mobile network connection.
In light of this, the Delhi police are examining how these applications work and the possibilities for tracking messages sent through them. Protesters claim that signal jammers have been installed in the area, resulting in the absence of both internet and cellular coverage on mobile devices.
Unlike popular applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal, which rely on the internet to send messages, there are specialized programs that utilize Bluetooth or sometimes Wi-Fi Direct technology instead of the internet.
These applications allow for message exchange over a certain distance, even if mobile traffic is disabled, 4G or 5G is not working, or the internet is completely blocked. A key feature of such programs is the Mesh Network technology.
Simply put, in a Mesh Network system, every phone acts as a miniature tower. If your contact is within 50 or 100 meters, the message will reach them directly. If the distance is greater, but there are other users of the same application between the sender and receiver, the message is passed sequentially from one phone to another until it reaches the intended recipient. This is why the system is called a Mesh Network.
Thanks to this mechanism, messages do not pass through traditional mobile towers or centralized servers, making them harder to track compared to regular internet messages. Nevertheless, this does not rule out investigation; law enforcement agencies can use other digital evidence, CCTV footage, or phone data.
Currently, applications such as Bridgefy, Briar, and Bitchat are attracting the most attention. Bridgefy uses Bluetooth to connect neighboring devices and relay messages from one phone to another. Developers point out that this is useful during internet outages, natural disasters, large events, or in densely populated areas.
Briar functions differently: when the internet is available, it uses the Tor network, but in its absence, it can connect directly to other phones via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This application is specifically designed for journalists, social activists, and individuals requiring secure communication.
Bitchat is a relatively new application that also relies on Bluetooth Mesh technology. It does not require a phone number, email address, or access to large servers, but rather distributes messages through nearby phones.
Such applications are not only used during protests. They are indispensable when mobile communication is cut off due to earthquakes, floods, or other disasters to maintain contact with people. These applications have been used in various countries around the world during internet shutdowns.
However, these technologies have their limitations. They cannot deliver messages globally instantly like WhatsApp. Their range is limited by Bluetooth, and effective operation requires a significant number of users of the same application nearby. If there are few people in the area, the message cannot travel further. Thus, an internet outage does not mean a complete cessation of contact, as the Bluetooth Mesh technology provides some possibility of exchanging messages without dependence on the mobile network, which caused increased interest in them during the demonstrations in Delhi.
The Gravity-1 rocket has once again successfully reached space. This rocket, considered the world's most powerful solid-fuel rocket, managed to place nine satellites into orbit after launching from a sea platform.
The launch took place on the morning of July 22 (night of July 21 in Brazil time) from a vessel located off the coast of Shanghai. The state agency Xinhua reported that all nine satellites reached their planned orbits, although details about the cargo carried were not disclosed.
Despite its height of about 30 meters, Gravity-1 is distinguished by its ability to deliver large payloads into space using exclusively solid-fuel engines. Key features of the rocket include: a height of approximately 30 meters, three main stages, and four booster rockets. It is capable of delivering up to 6500 kg to low Earth orbit, marking its third successful mission.
Gravity-1 currently holds the position of the most powerful operational solid-fuel rocket, achieving a payload capacity of 6500 kilograms for low Earth orbit. Although its payload capacity is less than that of SpaceX's Falcon 9, the Chinese craft has secured its place through a combination of high performance with an entirely solid-fuel configuration. This provides greater power, lower costs, and flight safety.
Another notable point is that since its first flight in January 2024, all missions have launched from sea vessels and concluded as planned.
According to CGTN, Gravity-1 plans to return to space in the coming months to launch a new group of Chinese internet satellites. Meanwhile, Orienspace is working on Gravity-2 and Gravity-3 rockets, which will use liquid-fuel main stages and solid-fuel boosters.
Xu Guoguang, chief designer of Gravity-1, stated that 'sea launches of solid-fuel rockets pave the way for future liquid-fueled rocket launches at sea.' He also noted that the company is considering other options for such operations, such as launches from drilling platforms. If the current plan is maintained, Gravity-2 could debut this year, also in a sea mission.
Ford Motor has established a collaboration with Apple, aiming to incorporate Apple Maps software into the driving assistance system of a new line of electric vehicles. These cars are scheduled to be presented at dealerships next year, utilizing the technology to enhance autonomous navigation functionalities.
This agreement signals a shift in the dynamic between automakers and technology companies, as Apple's features will no longer depend exclusively on connection to an iPhone but will be integrated directly into the vehicle itself. Initially, this application will be implemented in models developed by Ford.
Although Ford retains full responsibility for driving control—covering steering, braking, and traffic reaction—Apple will provide crucial location and navigation data. This data will help the car interpret highway infrastructure and execute routes automatically.
The partnership aims both to reduce costs and accelerate the advancement of smart vehicles. The arrangement expands Apple's role in the automotive segment. Previously, features like CarPlay allowed drivers to use iPhone apps on the car screen, but this new initiative embeds the company's software directly into the advanced assistance systems.
Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, stated in an interview that the use of Apple Maps will be included in the vehicles without generating additional costs for consumers. He considered the partnership one of the company's most important actions, as it allows them to offer sophisticated features without needing to develop all the technology internally.
The vehicle's control architecture will remain under Ford's responsibility, while Apple's solution will help the system understand road components, such as exits, access points, and road connections. This union will enhance the Blue Cruise feature, an existing Ford technology that allows the driver to take their hands off the wheel on certain stretches of highway.
The automaker plans to make an automated driving experience available in a more accessible price range. The first vehicle in this strategy will be an electric pickup truck, with an estimated price around US$30,000, a value lower than many currently available electric vehicles on the market.
The rapprochement with Apple occurs during a challenging period for traditional manufacturers trying to create their own digital systems. While Chinese companies have progressed in international markets, partly due to the quality of their embedded software, automakers like Ford are seeking alliances to drive innovation and reduce expenses.
Other industry players have followed different paths: Tesla and Rivian opted to develop proprietary platforms, prohibiting the use of CarPlay or Android Auto in their vehicles. General Motors has also announced plans to replace CarPlay in its new models with its own system, while still maintaining access to some technology applications.
In addition to the technological partnership with Apple, Ford announced a cooperation with Geely Auto to produce new vehicles at the Valencia factory in Spain. This agreement involves the joint development of a Ford hybrid starting in 2028, as well as the manufacturing of the Chinese company's electric models at the same location.
This move is part of Ford's attempt to regain ground in Europe, where its market share decreased from 3.1% to 2.5% in the European Union in one year, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association cited in the text. Apple confirmed that Ford is the first major automaker to adopt its new automotive software, but stressed that the technology can be offered to other manufacturers. Eddy Cue, Senior Vice President of Services and Health at Apple, clarified that the solution benefits from years of development by the team responsible for Maps.
The technology has roots in Apple's autonomous vehicle project, an initiative kept secret for years and abandoned before a product launch. Part of this knowledge was reused in the system offered to Ford. The collaboration has also generated recent practical improvements: Ford updated some Mustang Mach-E vehicles to optimize battery temperature when the driver uses Apple Maps to locate a charging station, thereby facilitating charging processes.
