IBM Unveils Power11 Chips for Enhanced AI and Efficiency
IBM has launched its latest Power11 chips and servers, focusing on improved power efficiency and enhanced AI capabilities for business users in finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Power11: A Significant Upgrade for Businesses
The introduction of Power11 marks the first substantial update to IBM’s “Power” chip series since 2020. This upgrade aims to support enterprises looking to refine their artificial intelligence deployment while boosting system reliability and security.
Availability and Resilience of Power11 Systems
IBM has announced that Power11-based systems will be accessible starting 25 July. These systems are designed to eliminate scheduled downtime during software updates and are built to achieve high resilience, averaging just over 30 seconds of unplanned downtime each year. Moreover, they can swiftly detect and respond to ransomware attacks within a minute.
Focus on AI Inference
In contrast to Nvidia’s GPU-centric infrastructure, which is primarily employed for training extensive AI models, IBM’s emphasis with Power11 is geared towards inference—applying trained AI models to enhance routine business functions. Power11 is being promoted as a reliable alternative for businesses aiming to perform AI workloads without needing extensive infrastructure changes.
Future Integration with Spyre AI Chip
IBM also plans to integrate Power11 with its Spyre AI chip, which was announced last year, projected for the fourth quarter of 2025. This integration is expected to further bolster the AI inference capabilities of IBM’s server systems.
Insights from IBM’s Leadership
Tom McPherson, general manager of Power systems at IBM, noted that the tight coupling of these technologies focuses on enhancing reliability and security.
He mentioned, in a recent interview, that the integration of AI capabilities is seamless, enabling inference acceleration and assisting businesses in improving their processes. While Power11 may not possess the full capabilities for extensive training, it provides excellent inferencing potential that is straightforward to implement.
Meta Platforms Investment in EssilorLuxottica: Focus on AI-Powered Wearables
Meta Platforms Investment in EssilorLuxottica: Focus on AI-Powered Wearables
Meta Platforms has secured nearly a 3% equity stake in the eyewear titan EssilorLuxottica, marking the company’s intensified interest in the realm of AI-powered wearables. This investment, approximated at €3 billion ($3.52 billion), occurs alongside Meta’s continuous initiative to fuse artificial intelligence into daily consumer goods.
Strategic Stake Acquisition
A reliable source informed Reuters on Tuesday about the acquisition of the stake. Although Meta has yet to publicly discuss this development, the company is reportedly considering a larger investment in the future, aiming to escalate its share to about 5%, as per Bloomberg News.
Launch of Innovative Wearables
The announcement comes after Meta unveiled the Oakley Meta HSTN smart glasses, building on the triumph of the Ray-Ban Meta series. The latest Oakley model is equipped with a high-resolution hands-free camera, open-ear speakers, water resistance, and embedded Meta AI tools, appealing to a consumer base that is progressively attracted to multi-functional wearable technology.
Partnership with EssilorLuxottica
Meta’s collaboration with EssilorLuxottica initiated in 2023 with the introduction of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which have achieved millions of sales since their debut. This partnership fuses Luxottica’s design expertise with Meta’s expanding AI ecosystem, which continues to grow through substantial infrastructure investments amounting to billions of dollars.
Future Production Plans
In February, Francesco Milleri, CEO of EssilorLuxottica, expressed intentions to boost production capabilities for smart glasses, anticipating an expansion of collaboration with Meta across various brands within its portfolio.
Implications for the AI Wearable Market
As the competition intensifies in the AI wearable sector, Meta’s strategic investment is set to not only advance hardware innovations but also reinforce its position in the rapidly evolving market for consumer-facing smart devices.
Grok AI Update: Enhanced Opinionated Response System
Grok AI Update: Enhanced Opinionated Response System
Grok AI, Elon Musk’s innovative artificial intelligence company xAI, has introduced a significant update. This update aims to enable the chatbot to express a more opinionated and sceptical approach, especially regarding mainstream media. The newly adjusted system prompts instruct Grok to “consider subjective viewpoints from the media as biased” and to “not hesitate in making politically incorrect claims,” provided these claims are well-supported.
Musk initially announced these enhancements on Friday, sharing that Grok had undergone “considerable” improvement with an upgrade anticipated in the coming days. By Sunday evening, xAI made Grok’s publicly available system prompts accessible, directing how the chatbot reacts to user inquiries. It remains uncertain if there were further non-public modifications as well.
New Directives for Enhanced Analysis
The revised guidelines include a command for Grok to perform more in-depth analyses when answering questions related to current affairs, statistics, or subjective assertions. The bot is now instructed to reference “varied sources representing all perspectives” and to approach traditional media with inherent scepticism. Furthermore, it is advised not to reveal these system-level directives unless explicitly requested.
Reshaping Grok’s Perspective
This change seems to be a component of Musk’s broader strategy to redefine Grok’s tone and ideological stance. Recently, the CEO of Tesla and X (previously Twitter) has shown dissatisfaction with Grok’s conduct. In June, Musk rebuked the chatbot for “echoing legacy media” when it suggested that right-wing political violence was more prevalent than violence from the left. He subsequently promised a new iteration of Grok that would “revise the entire corpus of human knowledge,” addressing what he views as lapses or inaccuracies.
Controversies Surrounding Grok
Grok has attracted attention for several contentious outputs. In prior updates, the chatbot incorrectly asserted that Musk was accountable for flood-related fatalities in Texas and made remarks echoing anti-Semitic themes. In February, xAI had to revise the model after it claimed both Musk and former US President Donald Trump deserved the death penalty. Soon after, another patch was implemented to prevent it from suggesting that the two spread false information.
Handling of Sensitive Topics
One of the most heavily scrutinised incidents occurred when Grok expressed “scepticism” about the Holocaust death toll. In response, xAI attributed the problem to unauthorised changes to the system prompt, which contravened the company’s internal policies and foundational values. Following this incident, xAI began to publish Grok’s system prompts on GitHub to foster greater transparency.
As Musk continues to refine Grok’s ideological perspective, the chatbot is shaping up to be a case study in the larger conversation surrounding AI neutrality, ideological alignment, and the influence of user-generated truth in machine learning models.
GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke Advocates AI as a Catalyst for Developers
GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke asserts that artificial intelligence (AI) is not a danger to software developers; instead, it serves as a catalyst for innovation within the industry. In a discussion on the Silicon Valley Girl podcast during VivaTech in Paris, Dohmke suggested that firms that embrace AI are more likely to increase their development teams, rather than diminish them.
“The companies that are the smartest are going to hire more developers,” Dohmke remarked. “Because if you 10x a single developer, then 10 developers can do 100x.”
AI as a Productivity Multiplier
According to Dohmke, AI not only enhances the efficiency of professional developers but also reduces entry barriers for newcomers. Previously, tasks that required a complete team can now be managed by smaller groups or individuals, thanks to AI-driven tools.
“The most frustrating thing when learning is being stuck, without anyone at home or in one’s social circle who can assist, as they remain non-technical,” he elaborated. “When we claim AI is democratizing access, that is exactly what we refer to. Anyone eager to learn can acquire the skills.”
While AI enables consumer-level developers to create micro apps or automate simple tasks, Dohmke stressed that the need for proficient professionals endures. “There will be a much broader spectrum — from consumer developers constructing their own micro apps to experienced developers designing sophisticated AI systems,” he stated.
Not a Shortcut to Success
Even with the advancements in AI tools, Dohmke warned against the misconception that coding expertise has become obsolete. “Believing that one can build a significant business using AI alone, without any coding skills, is a misguided assumption. If it were that simple, everyone would excel,” he told Business Insider.
He also rejected the idea that AI implementation would cause extensive job losses in the tech sector. Although certain companies may experience temporary hiring freezes or layoffs, Dohmke considers this a short-term reaction to market fluctuations.
“This is the logical short-term outcome — maintaining stability while assessing market evolution,” he noted. “However, I believe we will soon see individuals asking, ‘If I can boost my team’s productivity with one more developer, why wouldn’t I employ another and then another?’”
AI Is Creating More Work, Not Less
Rather than displacing development teams, AI is broadening their responsibilities, according to Dohmke. “AI has already increased the volume of work on backlogs. I haven’t encountered companies claiming, ‘We’re clearing our backlog and have nearly nothing left.’”
He concluded that younger developers possess a unique advantage in this evolving software development landscape, owing to their adaptability and tech-savviness. “The significant benefit young individuals have is their rapid adoption of new technology,” Dohmke asserted. He opined that the upcoming generation will engage with AI assistants as naturally as Generation Z interacts with smartphones.
Apple’s AI Executive Ruoming Pang Joins Meta Platforms
Apple’s AI Executive Ruoming Pang Joins Meta Platforms
Ruoming Pang, the leading figure for Apple’s AI foundation models, has decided to leave the company to take a position at Meta Platforms, as reported by Bloomberg News from sources close to the situation.
Pang, who led the team responsible for Apple’s foundation models, is believed to be making this transition for a substantial compensation package reportedly valued in the millions annually. He will join Meta’s newly established Superintelligence Labs division, a strategic initiative dedicated to advancing next-generation AI developments.
Neither Apple nor Meta has provided official confirmation regarding this development.
This transition occurs amid fierce competition among technology giants striving to establish dominance in the swiftly evolving AI landscape. Recently, companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Google have aggressively sought to recruit elite talent with enticing offers and ambitious AI plans.
Reorganisation at Meta
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has recently overhauled the company’s AI focus by launching the Meta Superintelligence Labs division. This new unit will be led by Alexandr Wang, the 28-year-old former CEO of the data-labelling firm Scale AI. Wang, currently serving as Meta’s chief AI officer, joined the organisation after Meta’s recent investment in Scale AI, which appraised the startup at $29 billion.
Impact of Pang’s Departure on Apple
Pang’s exit signifies a considerable challenge for Apple, which has only just started to openly discuss its AI aspirations. The company is anticipated to further incorporate generative AI capabilities into future iterations of iOS and its devices. However, it now faces the daunting task of reshuffling its AI leadership at a pivotal moment.
Microsoft’s Layoffs and the Controversy Over AI Support
Microsoft’s recent layoffs have triggered significant discussion due to their sheer volume and the company’s internal reactions. In early July, approximately 9,000 employees, particularly from the Xbox gaming division, were affected. The situation gained further attention when a senior executive suggested that those impacted should utilise AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT to cope with their loss.
Advice from an Xbox Executive
Matt Turnbull, a senior producer at Xbox Game Studios Publishing, took to LinkedIn to share recommendations with colleagues and industry peers facing job-related challenges. His post, which was subsequently removed, received considerable traction after being highlighted by developer Brandon Sheffield on Bluesky and covered by multiple media outlets.
Turnbull expressed that while the use of such tools can evoke strong emotions, he believed it was important to offer helpful advice during a difficult time. He referenced his experiments with generative AI platforms like Microsoft Copilot for alleviating the “emotional and cognitive load” that often accompanies job separations.
AI Prompts for Emotional Management
Within his post, Turnbull shared a selection of AI prompts designed to assist users in dealing with both professional responsibilities and emotional challenges. These included recommendations for updating CVs, crafting messages to previous colleagues, and addressing feelings of imposter syndrome. One notable prompt suggested: “I’m struggling with imposter syndrome after being laid off. Can you help me reframe this experience in a way that reminds me what I’m good at?”
Backlash from the Community
The response to Turnbull’s post was overwhelmingly negative. Critics on social media labelled the advice as “gross” and “completely detached from reality,” especially considering many associate artificial intelligence with the ongoing job reductions themselves.
Wider Context of Microsoft’s Downsizing
The criticism was intensified by the broader context, as Microsoft had already eliminated over 6,000 jobs earlier this year, in addition to 10,000 roles cut in 2023. This latest wave of layoffs coincided with the cancellation of several gaming projects in development. Executives have cited the necessity to adapt to a “dynamic marketplace,” with the increasing incorporation of AI highlighted as a key strategic objective.
AI’s Role in Emotional Support
The efficacy of AI for emotional assistance remains a contentious issue. Despite Microsoft positioning Copilot as a potential support tool for well-being, especially targeting Gen Z and millennial audiences, mental health experts caution against treating general-purpose chatbots as substitutes for professional therapy.
Future Prospects of Microsoft Copilot
Both Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Copilot lead Mustafa Suleyman have advocated for the tool as a means to enhance productivity and provide personalised advice. Suleyman claimed that Copilot can “sense a user’s comfort boundaries, diagnose problems, and propose solutions,” according to reports from Fortune.
Nevertheless, professionals continue to express concerns about data privacy, misinformation, and the dangers of relying excessively on emotionless AI to address intricate human experiences.
While Turnbull may have intended to provide practical assistance in a challenging situation, many felt that the suggestion to seek clarity from Copilot was insensitive, particularly considering it originated from an executive at the same company responsible for the layoffs.
Artificial Intelligence Stocks May Be Overheating – Richard Bernstein Analysis
Artificial Intelligence Stocks May Be Overheating
The excitement surrounding artificial intelligence stocks is starting to mimic previous market bubbles, according to prominent investor Richard Bernstein. He cautions that the sector might be reaching unsustainable levels.
In a blog entry released on 30 June, the Chief Investment Officer at Richard Bernstein Advisors, a firm managing $15 billion in assets, drew parallels between the current AI fervour and the dot-com bubble of the early 2000s, as well as the “Tronics” craze of the 1960s.
“Investors seem universally focused on ‘AI’, which seems eerily similar to the ‘.com’ stocks of the Technology Bubble and the ‘tronics’ craze of the 1960s,” Bernstein noted, as referenced by Business Insider. “Meanwhile, we see lots of attractive, admittedly boring, dividend-paying themes.”
Following the debut of ChatGPT in November 2022, markets have surged dramatically, with the S&P 500 gaining 54% and the Nasdaq 100 skyrocketing by an impressive 90%. Currently, valuations are nearing historic peaks, approaching those witnessed during the dot-com boom and the 1929 market summit.
While Bernstein clarified that he does not aim to time the market, he emphasised that significant trading trends eventually reverse. “The best time to invest in something is when it’s out of favour — not after a massive rally has occurred,” he remarked.
He elaborated that investor behaviour typically evolves with the market cycle. “At the beginning of a bull market when momentum and beta strategies are by definition most rewarded, investors’ fears lead them to emphasise dividends and lower-beta equities,” he stated. “In later-cycle periods when dividends and lower beta become more attractive, investors’ confidence leads them to risk-taking and momentum investing.”
Bernstein asserts that the current environment aligns with the latter scenario. “We clearly are not at the beginning of a bull market and, as we’ve previously written, the profits cycle is starting to decelerate,” he noted.
In this context, he argues that dividend stocks, especially within the utilities sector, may be positioned for growth. Such companies typically provide consistent dividends, which investors can utilise as income or reinvest for compounded gains.
“One of the easiest methods for building wealth has historically been the power of compounding dividends,” Bernstein explained. “Compounding dividends is boring as all get out, but it’s been highly successful throughout time.”
He highlighted that over the long term, reinvesting dividends in utilities stocks has generated surprisingly robust returns. “In fact, compounding dividend income has been so successful that the Dow Jones Utilities Index’s returns have been roughly neck-and-neck with NASDAQ returns since NASDAQ’s inception in 1971,” he remarked.
Samsung has unveiled a groundbreaking voice-led print advertisement for its flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra. This innovative campaign merges traditional media with state-of-the-art AI, delivering an unparalleled storytelling experience. Developed by Cheil India, this initiative demonstrates how the Galaxy AI features can enhance daily interactions, even in a familiar format: print.
A Revolutionary Experience in Print Media
By incorporating voice technology into a newspaper advertisement, Samsung not only highlights its product but also illustrates how artificial intelligence can animate a static medium. This bold strategy targets a generation that prioritises personalisation and interaction over passive consumption.
User Empowerment at the Core
At the heart of this experience is the control handed to users. Readers scan a QR code featured in the print ad with any smartphone, instantly entering a virtual environment directed by their own voice. There’s no need for tapping or typing; every spoken prompt influences the storyline, creating a unique experience for each individual.
Engaging AI-Powered Storytelling
The digital narrative introduces two friends along with an unexpected companion on a journey powered by AI, encompassing six pivotal moments, such as locating a lost puppy and stargazing while camping. Each user’s voice commands the narrative’s progression, ensuring every interaction is personalised and distinct.
Highlighting Galaxy S25 Ultra’s Advanced AI Capabilities
This voice-driven interaction showcases the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s advanced features in contextual intelligence, real-time assistance, and seamless AI integration. The design eliminates barriers, making engagement natural and intuitive.
Beyond Traditional Augmented Reality
Unlike common augmented reality experiences that depend on visual overlays, this campaign is fully voice-driven. It utilises the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s AI potentials, particularly its synergy with Google Gemini, to illustrate how AI fosters deeper, more adaptable user interactions.
Enhanced User Experience Through AI
The experience utilises both Galaxy AI and Google Gemini, where the Gemini Live feature facilitates two-way conversational engagement. Gemini not only perceives what users see via the phone’s camera but also responds contextually, making daily tasks such as travel planning or question-answering feel intuitive and fluid.
Optimised Photography with AI
Simultaneously, Galaxy AI amplifies the camera experience, delivering vibrant colours, intricate details, and exceptional low-light imaging. Whether capturing scenic landscapes or spontaneous moments, the device employs AI to automatically enhance every aspect of the frame.
A New Era for Print Media
Together, these AI functionalities allow the Galaxy S25 Ultra to be perceived not merely as a device but as a responsive, reliable assistant, eager to provide suggestions and help in real-time. This advertisement exemplifies how traditional media can transform through digital advancements. The user-led experience not only highlights the practical advantages of AI, such as smart search and intelligent photo assistance, but also marks a shift in content design where consumers take the reins.
Editorial Innovation in Legacy Media
By placing this interactive experience within a newspaper, Samsung connects conventional outlets with progressive technology, reinforcing the ongoing relevance of print in the modern age.
Following Previous Innovations
This campaign builds on Samsung’s earlier AR print activation that featured the Circle-to-Search functionality, which attracted significant attention last year. The new voice-centric format takes this innovation further, enabling a dynamic dialogue between the user and the content.
Immediate Engagement and Success
Launched in major national newspapers, the ad has already sparked thousands of interactions within hours of its debut. The success reveals the growing allure of technology-fuelled narratives, even within traditional media formats.
The Future of Innovation in Print
With this initiative, Samsung has demonstrated that innovation transcends screens and digital interfaces. It can permeate print media, revolutionised by AI, and presented in a manner that is personal, significant, and engaging.
Readers are encouraged to scan the QR code in the ad and embark on an AI-enhanced adventure with nothing but their voice. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is poised to respond.
Nvidia: The Most Valuable Company and How to Pronounce Its Name
Nvidia: The Most Valuable Company and How to Pronounce Its Name
Nvidia has claimed its position as the most valuable company globally, trading significantly high, and is a central figure in discussions surrounding artificial intelligence. However, a fundamental detail about the company often causes confusion: its name pronunciation.
Correct Pronunciation of Nvidia
Nvidia has officially clarified the correct way to pronounce its name. According to the brand’s guidelines, it should be pronounced as “en-VID-ee-uh” — rather than “NUH-vid-ee-uh,” which is a common misconception.
Origins and Founding of Nvidia
Nvidia was founded in 1993 by Jensen Huang, Chris Malachowsky, and Curtis Priem, and the name was born out of necessity. The founders initially used “NV” as a shorthand for “next version” in their documents while developing technology. An earlier attempt to name the company NVision was abandoned due to it already being trademarked by a toilet-paper brand.
Eventually, Huang suggested the name “Nvidia,” which is derived from the Latin term invidia, meaning envy. This origin is quite fitting for a brand that aimed to make its competitors “green with envy,” a sentiment previously expressed by cofounder Priem.
Nvidia’s Market Impact
This ambition has indeed come to fruition. With a market capitalization nearing $3.9 trillion, Nvidia’s chips are integral to various applications, including generative AI tools and self-driving vehicles, establishing its critical role in the modern technology landscape.
Jensen Huang’s Personal Connection to Nvidia
In a demonstration of personal pride, CEO Jensen Huang had the Nvidia logo tattooed on his arm when the company’s stock price reached $100 more than ten years ago. He later reminisced about the experience, stating that it “hurts way more than anyone tells you.”
Mass Layoffs in 2025 Driven by AI and Restructuring
Mass Layoffs in 2025 Driven by AI and Restructuring
Mass layoffs continue to affect global sectors in 2025, particularly in technology, finance, retail, and energy, with major companies implementing significant job cuts. These reductions are largely the result of cost-saving measures, organisational restructuring, and the increasing influence of artificial intelligence on traditional business models.
Impact of AI on Job Cuts
The World Economic Forum reports that 41% of organisations globally anticipate workforce reductions within the next five years as a result of AI. While there is growth expected in roles related to big data, fintech, and machine learning, many traditional positions are either being eliminated or reassigned to adapt to this technological shift.
Notable Layoffs by Major Companies
BlackRock, the world’s leading asset manager, is reducing its workforce by approximately 200 positions to streamline its resources. Additionally, Block, the fintech company founded by Jack Dorsey, is letting go of 1,000 employees across its various brands, which include Square, CashApp, and Tidal.
In a similar vein, Ally Financial is laying off around 500 staff members as part of a strategy to “right-size” its operations. Automattic, the parent company of Tumblr and WordPress, is also cutting 16% of its workforce. CEO Matt Mullenweg mentioned that despite the company’s growing revenue, the competitive market and rapid technological evolution necessitate these layoffs.
Aerospace and Retail Job Cuts
The aerospace sector is not immune, as Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, is downsizing by 10% to concentrate on manufacturing efforts. Boeing, too, is set to eliminate 400 positions within its moon rocket programme due to NASA’s postponed Artemis missions.
Retail companies are facing tough challenges as well. Burberry has announced a reduction of 1,700 roles following a financial loss, while Kohl’s has cut 10% of its corporate workforce amid disappointing sales figures. Starbucks also laid off 1,100 corporate employees recently.
Technology Sector Layoff Trends
The technology sector remains uncertain. Meta is focusing on “low-performers” as part of its ongoing cuts. Intel is planning to reduce 15% of its Foundry workforce, and Microsoft has conducted several rounds of layoffs, with an additional 9,100 cuts scheduled for July. The latest job reductions particularly affect staff in the Xbox division, now under Microsoft Gaming, although specific numbers and departments impacted have not been publicly disclosed.
Similarly, Salesforce and Workday have both eliminated over 1,000 roles, attributing these decisions to a shift towards AI-driven growth.
Other Companies Responding to Market Changes
Other significant companies like Disney, GrubHub, PwC, Porsche, Sonos, and UPS are also implementing layoffs, citing operational efficiency, advances in automation, and changing market dynamics as primary factors in their decisions.
This ongoing trend of layoffs reveals an industry response to the anticipated AI-integrated future and an unstable economic environment.
