AMD Adds Data Center Technology and GM Slashes Jobs | Bloomberg Technology

20 Aug 2024 (3 months ago)

AMD and Nvidia in the Data Systems Market

AMD is acquiring server maker Pensando Systems in a move to become a systems vendor and compete with Nvidia in the data systems market. (1m43s)
AMD will sell off the manufacturing operations of Pensando Systems but will retain approximately 1,000 engineers to help customers implement AMD-based systems. (4m42s)

Investors are showing signs of nervousness about Nvidia, as tangible results from investments in AI are still pending. (5m47s)
Investors are advised to exercise caution and examine their technology and AI holdings for excessive concentration, especially given the recent market performance. (8m3s)
Despite being 5% off record highs, the Nasdaq 100's high valuations, particularly in technology stocks, necessitate strong earnings data to sustain the current trajectory. (8m35s)
Cybersecurity is suggested as a potentially more stable investment within the technology sector due to its clear earnings outlook and increasing demand. (9m44s)

General Motors (GM) is scaling back on its technology investments, including delaying electric vehicle production and canceling at least one EV model. (14m15s)
GM's software and services business, which includes OnStar and features like charging station location, is not currently generating significant revenue. (15m10s)
Apple is developing its own cellular modem in-house, aiming to replace Qualcomm as its supplier in the future to potentially reduce costs. (18m8s)
Apple is developing a tabletop robot that will feature a large iPad-like screen attached to a robotic arm, allowing the display to move and follow the user's head movements. (18m55s)
This robot will be able to recognize and respond to user commands, such as turning to face the speaker. (19m33s)
Apple aims to price the robot around $1,000. (19m40s)

Kamala Harris's vice presidential nomination will be officially confirmed at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The event will feature speeches from prominent Democrats, including President Biden and Harris herself. (23m58s)
Protests against the war in Gaza are expected to take place during the convention, with some already occurring. The extent of the protests' impact on the convention remains uncertain. (25m48s)
The Harris campaign has embraced technology, particularly social media, and plans to invest heavily in digital advertising. Harris's stance on cryptocurrency policy is of particular interest, with some advocates pushing for greater openness to the industry. (27m2s)

Apple store workers in Oklahoma City have given union leaders permission to call a strike if talks with Apple do not progress. (29m51s)
X will close operations in Brazil but the service will remain available. (33m6s)
Africa's MTN Group, the largest wireless carrier by revenue, posted its first loss since 2016. (33m27s)

Epic Games is attempting to expand their audience beyond their established young demographic who enjoy shooter games. (36m14s)
Epic Games has the most advantageous payout structure for developers compared to other gaming platforms. (38m26s)
There is a lot of interest in the potential for AI to generate video game code, but it has yet to be seen if AI can generate code that is creative and results in a fun and engaging game. (40m8s)

A judge blocked Fox, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Disney from launching their new sports streaming service, Venue, one week before its planned release. (41m29s)
Venue was intended to be a smaller streaming package aimed at cord-cutters, particularly a younger demographic, allowing them to customize their sports viewing. (43m37s)
Fubo TV, an existing sports streaming service, argues that Venue would eliminate demand for services like theirs and that they already provide a wide array of sports content. (43m56s)