Xi Jinping’s AI Boast: A Look at China’s 2025 Tech Wins
In his 2025 New Year’s address, Xi Jinping touted China’s AI and chip advancements. The year saw Deepseek’s R1 model rival OpenAI and a major US acquisition of a Chinese AI startup.
Category: Semiconductors
A 30-Year Superconductor Mystery Just Got Weirder
Scientists have used a novel strain technique to probe the mysterious superconductor Sr₂RuO₄. The results contradict long-held theories, pointing to a simpler or entirely new type of superconducting state and creating a fresh conflict with older data.
Nvidia’s Groq Deal: A License, Not an Acquisition
In a strategic sidestep, Nvidia has licensed intellectual property from AI chip designer Groq and hired key executives. This non-acquisition lets Nvidia tap into the growing inferencing market while avoiding regulatory scrutiny.
SK Hynix May Bring Key AI Chip Packaging to Indiana
SK Hynix is considering building its first mass production line for advanced 2.5D chip packaging at its planned facility in West Lafayette, Indiana. This move, fueled by CHIPS Act incentives, would let the memory giant handle more complex AI chip integration in-house, challenging TSMC’s dominance.
AMD’s RDNA 5 GPUs Now Slated for Mid-2027 on TSMC’s N3P
According to a new report, AMD’s RDNA 5 graphics architecture is now targeting a launch in mid-2027. The GPUs will reportedly be built on TSMC’s refined N3P 3nm process technology. This sets up a long wait, with 2026 expected to be a quiet year for new Radeon cards.
Nvidia’s Top SE Asia Partner Under US Probe For China Chip Smuggling
A Singapore AI firm called Megaspeed has imported over $4.6 billion in Nvidia GPUs since 2023. Now, the US is investigating whether it’s a front for smuggling those restricted chips into China, a probe that could reshape global export controls.
Samsung Hires Ex-AMD VP to Supercharge Its Exynos Chips
Samsung has made a major strategic hire, bringing on former AMD Vice President John Rayfield to lead its Exynos chip division. His task is to strengthen innovation in GPUs and SoC architecture, starting with the new Exynos 2600.
Micron’s Huge Earnings Beat Sends Stock Soaring
Micron Technology just reported a massive earnings beat, with Q1 revenue up 57% year-over-year to $13.64 billion. Net income skyrocketed 180% to $5.24 billion, and the company’s forecast for the next quarter also topped expectations, sending shares up over 5% in after-hours trading.
Siemens and GlobalFoundries Team Up on AI for Chip Fabs
In a move to bolster semiconductor manufacturing, Siemens and GlobalFoundries are joining forces. Their collaboration will focus on applying AI to fab automation, digital solutions, and chip lifecycle management.
Qualcomm just bought a RISC-V server chip company. Here’s why.
Qualcomm has acquired Ventana Micro Systems, a company developing server processors based on the open-source RISC-V architecture. The move aims to bolster Qualcomm’s CPU capabilities and its push into data center and AI chips.