Snowflake on Thursday made Snowpark Container Services generally available to enable customers to securely deploy and manage models and applications, including generative AI, within the vendor’s environment.
First unveiled in preview in June 2023, Snowpark Container Services is a fully managed service now available in all AWS commercial regions and in public preview in all Azure commercial regions.
Containers are a type of software that can be used to isolate applications for secure deployment. Snowflake’s new feature enables customers to use containers to manage and deploy any type of model, but they are optimal for generative AI applications because they enable customers to safely join large language models (LLMs) and other generative AI-powered tools with their data, according to Jeff Hollan, Snowflake’s head of applications and developer platform.
Given its role in helping user develop AI tools, Snowpark Container Services’ launch builds on Snowflake’s recent moves to customers with an environment for developing generative AI models and applications, according to Mike Leone, an analyst at TechTarget’s Enterprise Strategy Group.
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Sridhar Ramaswamy took over as Snowflake’s CEO in February when Frank Slootman stepped down after five years of leadership that included guiding Snowflake through a record-setting initial public stock offering. Since then, the vendor has aggressively added generative AI-related capabilities such as launching its own LLM, integrating with Mistral AI and tools to enable users to quickly create AI chatbots.
“There has definitely been a concerted effort to enhance Snowflake’s capabilities and presence in the market when it comes to AI and, more recently, GenAI,” Leone said. “Offerings like Snowpark are helping AI stakeholders like data scientists and developers use the languages they prefer.”
As a result of what it adds, Snowpark Container Services is a significant new feature for Snowflake customers, he continued.
“It’s a big deal for the Snowflake ecosystem,” Leone said. “By being able to easily deploy and manage containers right in the Snowflake platform, it helps customers more easily handle complex workloads and keeps things consistent across development and production stages.”
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“While Snowflake Container Services provides developers a secure environment, it was revealed in May that the log-in credentials of potentially 160 customers had been stolen and used to gain access to their data, although the vendor has stated it has not found any evidence that the infiltration resulted from a vulnerability, misconfiguration or breach of the Snowflake platform.
Among the most prominent customers affected by the attack are AT&T, which filed a report with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission detailing the effects of the attack, and Ticketmaster. Snowflake’s investigation into the stolen credentials and unauthorized access is ongoing.”
New capabilities
Generative AI has the potential to transform business by enabling almost any employee to easily work with data to inform decisions and by making trained experts more efficient in their roles.
Generative AI, when combined with an enterprise’s proprietary data, lets users work with that data using true natural language, greatly reducing the coding requirements and data literacy training previously needed to work with complex data management and analytics systems. As a result, non-technical workers can query and analyze data while trained users such as data engineers and data scientists are freed from mundane tasks that occupy much of their time.
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With generative AI’s potential, many data management and analytics vendors have made developing generative AI-powered features a focus of their product development.
In addition, many enterprises have started to build models and applications trained on their proprietary data so the models and applications understand their business and can help inform decisions.
Among data platform vendors, AWS, Databricks, Google, IBM, Microsoft and Oracle have all focused on providing customers with environments for developing generative AI tools. Snowflake was perhaps not as aggressively developing its own environment for generative AI development as its rivals while Slootman was CEO.
“Snowflake has gone as far as creating their own LLM,” he said. “But they still have a way to go to catch up to some of their top competitors.”
Matt Aslett, an analyst at ISG’s Ventana Research, similarly said Snowflake is catching up to its rivals.
The vendor initially focused on traditional data warehouse capabilities, he noted. In late 2023, however, Snowflake unveiled Cortex, a platform for developing AI models and applications The platform includes access to a variety of LLMs and vector search capabilities and, even though many Cortex capabilities are still in preview, marked a significant step forward, according to Aslett.
It’s a big deal for the Snowflake ecosystem. By being able to easily deploy and manage containers right in the Snowflake platform, it helps customers more easily handle complex workloads and keeps things consistent across development and production stages. Mike LeoneAnalyst, TechTarget’s Enterprise Strategy Group
“While rival providers were in some cases quicker to add support for GenAI models and development, Snowflake took a leap forward in late 2023 with the launch of Cortex AI,” he said.
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The general availability of Snowpark Container Services furthers Snowflake’s attempt to foster generative AI development.
The feature provides users with on-demand GPUs and CPUs to run any code, written in any language, next to their data, according to Snowflake’s Hollan. That could enable them to deploy and manage any type of model or application, whether AI or not. But it does include AI.
Critically, due to the containerized environment, Snowflake customers never need to move their data out of the vendor’s platform when developing generative AI, machine learning and other applications.
“It’s optimized for next generation data and AI applications by pushing that logic to the data,” Hollan said. “This means customers can now easily and securely deploy everything from [source code] for their application to homegrown models in Snowflake.”
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Beyond providing a secure environment, Snowpark Container Services aims to both simplify model management and deployment and reduce the cost typically associated with model oversight.
Deployment and management often require piecing together various services from different vendors. Snowflake removes that need by providing a fully integrated managed service. In addition, by fully managing the containerized environment and adding a budget control feature, Snowflake says it is reducing operational costs while providing a measure of cost certainty.
Beyond its containerized environment and cost control features, Snowpark Container Services includes the following:
Diverse storage options to support applications such as deploying LLMs including local volumes, memory, Snowflake stages and configurable block storage.
Snowflake Trail to provide observability through integrations with observability specialists such as Datadog, Grafana and Monte Carlo.
Streamlined DevOps capabilities including programmatic ingress to help automate software development and IT operation tasks.
Aslett noted that Snowflake’s launch of the Snowpark development environment in 2020 was an important means of enabling data engineers, data scientists and developers to use the coding language of their choice in concert with their data.
“Snowpark Container Services takes that a step further,” Aslett said.
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The feature advances Snowpark by letting customers use third-party software such as generative AI models and data science libraries with their data, he continued. The managed service includes products and services from Snowflake partners including Amplitude, Dataiku, Nvidia, Pinecone and SAS, which enables users to leave their data in Snowflake for processing.
“This potentially reduces complexity and infrastructure resource requirements,” Aslett said.
While now generally available, it took Snowflake more than a year to move Snowpark Container Services from private preview to general availability.
Between June 2023 and now, the vendor focused on advancing the feature’s governance, networking, usability, storage, observability and development operations capabilities, according to Hollan. In addition, Snowflake worked to make it more scalable and improve its performance.
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One Snowflake customer that used Snowpark Container Services during its preview phases is Landing AI, a startup founded in 2017 by Andrew Ng that specializes in computer vision. Using the feature, Landing AI developed LandingLens, an application that trains and deploys computer vision models.
“[With Snowflake], we are increasing access … to AI for more companies and use cases, especially given the rapid growth of unstructured data in our increasingly digital world,” Landing AI chief operating officer Dan Maloney said in a statement provided to TechTarget.
Plans
With Snowpark Container Services now generally available on AWS, Snowflake plans to make the feature available on all cloud platforms, according to Hollan.
In addition, part of the vendor’s roadmap is focused on continuing to improve Snowpark Container Services with more enterprise-grade tools just as it worked to improve the feature throughout the preview process.
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“Our team is investing in making it easy for companies ranging from startups to enterprises to not just build but also deliver, distribute, and monetize next-generation AI products across their ecosystems,” Hollan said.
Aslett said making Snowpark Container services available on Azure and Google Cloud is the logical next step. He noted that the release of the managed service is “significant” but that it needs to be more widely available than in just AWS regions.
“The next step will be to bring Snowpark Container Services to general availability on other cloud platforms and demonstrate to potential customers that Snowpark Container Services is [equal] in terms of security and reliability as well as integration to other Snowflake applications and features.”
Eric Avidon is a senior news writer for TechTarget Editorial and a journalist with more than 25 years of experience. He covers analytics and data management.
GamesBeat Next is connecting the next generation of video game leaders. And you can join us, coming up October 28th and 29th in San Francisco! Take advantage of our buy one, get one free pass offer. Sale ends this Friday, August 16th. Join us by registering here.
Soulbound unveiled its Web3 livestreaming platform today at TwitchCon 2024 in San Diego, California.
Soulbound went to the big event for streamers and creators to showcase how blockchain technology can transform the livestreaming experience for gamers, streamers, and developers.
Backed by investors including Animoca Brands, NGC Ventures, and Big Brain Holdings, Soulbound raised $4 million recently. It is introducing its decentralized technology platform to a global audience of gaming enthusiasts.
The platform aims to provide gamers and content creators with tools to connect, compete, and earn in a transparent and secure Web3 environment. Game studios can also benefit from access to an engaged Web3 gaming community, offering new ways to boost visibility and drive participation, the company said.
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Soulbound’s Web3 livestreaming platform changes how content creators and gamers can interact with their audiences. Leveraging blockchain, Soulbound introduces features like stream-to-earn, a non-fungible token (NFT) sticker marketplace, and a prediction market, encouraging users to engage more deeply with the content while generating revenue.
These blockchain-powered mechanisms create transparent and automated interactions and allow streamers to monetize their activities fairly and efficiently, Soulbound said.
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Casey Grooms is CEO of Soulbound.
Through the platform’s bounty system, game developers can set up prize pools for streamers. Developers deposit funds into a smart contract, coming up with streaming challenges that incentivize participation. Bounty Hunters, or streamers, participate in these challenges over a set period, with rewards distributed based on audience size and time streamed. This transparent mechanism ensures that streamers are compensated proportionally, cultivating a fair and competitive environment.
With a unique prediction market feature viewers can place bets on games or individual players, which generates additional revenue for streamers. This option enhances viewer engagement while allowing streamers to boost their earnings in new, dynamic ways.
Founded in 2021 by A.I. Mansbridge and Casey Grooms, Soulbound is a SocialFi platform designed to help streamers monetize and grow their audiences.
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In a world where innovation knows no borders, a new trend is rising in the tech ecosystem: national-interest startups. From aerospace and defense to critical infrastructure, these firms are ensuring that innovation directly supports national growth, security, and prosperity. As we approach an inflection point in Silicon Valley’s evolution, the question arises: Can startups rebuild the foundations of an entire nation?
TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is excited to bring together three distinguished leaders who are making waves in the national-interest startup space. Together, they will share their insights on how new technologies can scale rapidly while serving the strategic interests of their home countries.
Meet the speakers
Rebecca Gevalt, Managing Partner, Dcode Capital
Rebecca Gevalt is the managing partner at Dcode Capital, a venture fund that invests in high-growth technology companies that are poised to revolutionize the U.S. government. With her deep background in both the private and public sectors — including over a decade at the CIA — Rebecca is uniquely positioned to navigate the intersection of government and cutting-edge technology. Her expertise lies in scaling commercial technologies into the federal market, a mission that began with her role at Dcode’s accelerator program and now expands to the broader reach of Dcode Capital.
Topher Haddad, Co-Founder and CEO, Albedo
Topher Haddad, co-founder and CEO of Albedo, is pioneering the commercialization of very low Earth orbit (VLEO) imagery, which will allow for unprecedented levels of resolution previously limited to government and defense. His company’s upcoming satellite launch is set to disrupt the commercial Earth observation industry, enabling new applications across sectors like defense, agriculture, and utilities. Haddad’s background as an engineer at Lockheed Martin and his technical expertise in national security space programs make him a leader in the race to leverage space for national-interest applications.
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Kai Kloepfer, Founder and CEO, Biofire
Kai Kloepfer, founder and CEO of Biofire, has brought to market the first biometric “smart gun” in the U.S., a feat that many believed impossible. His firearm, equipped with fingerprint and facial recognition, aims to prevent unauthorized access, significantly enhancing safety for users, law enforcement, and even national defense. Kloepfer’s journey from high school inventor to CEO of a venture-backed company speaks to his commitment to innovation in a highly regulated, politically sensitive space.
Join the conversation at Disrupt 2024
Join us on the Builders Stage at Disrupt 2024 and learn how these trailblazers are positioning technology at the heart of American dynamism — morphing entire industries in ways that prioritize national security, infrastructure, and economic growth. Their collective work is not just about disruptive technology; it’s about building the future of a nation.
Secure your spot today to be among 10,000 startup, tech, and VC leaders who’ll be at Disrupt 2024, taking place at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 28-30. This is your opportunity to participate in a dynamic discussion panel and experience the startup epicenter of the year. Register for your pass here.
There’s no let up in the Samsung Galaxy S25 leaks – and there probably won’t be until the handset series gets unveiled sometime in January – and two new images have made their way online that give us some idea of the design of the Ultra version.
We’ve already heard that the Galaxy S25 Ultra is going to adopt a more rounded design next year that’s more comfortable to hold in the hand, but based on a new post from well-known tipster Ice Universe, the rear camera design won’t be changing much.
The post supposedly shows a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra case, and there are the six holes you would expect based on the design of the current model (four for the actual cameras, and a flashlight and a laser distance meter for autofocus too) – see our Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review for details.
For reference, the Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with a 200 MP wide + 10 MP telephoto + 50 MP periscope + 12 MP ultrawide camera setup that’s capable of up to 5x optical zoom. There has been talk of upgrades to some of those cameras this year, even if this link suggests the layout is going to be pretty similar.
Another image leak
There’s more from Ice Universe to report, as the tipster has also posted a rendering showing the corner and bezel of the current Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus up against what we’re expecting from the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
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It’s been rumored that Samsung is going to be able to shrink the bezels even more on next year’s handsets, and you can see that in this leaked image. You can also see the rounded design of the corners we mentioned earlier.
For comparison, you can check out leaked renders of the Galaxy S25 Ultra that have previously surfaced: not much change around the back of the handset, but an overall look and shape that’s more consistent with the other models in the series.
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As is normally the case, we’ve heard more about the Ultra model that’s coming rather than the standard or Plus models. We’ve seen reports, for example, that the screen size on the Ultra model will be increased ever so slightly to 6.86 inches (up from 6.8 inches).
The invention of the printing press helped the distribution of information
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Nexus Yuval Noah Harari (Fern Press, out 10 September)
Reading Nexus is a strange experience. The quality of the text lurches up and down: one minute you are reading something incisive, the next you are wading through banalities.
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Its author, Yuval Noah Harari, is a medieval historian most famous for his book Sapiens, a whistlestop history of humanity from the Stone Age to the present day. Its central thesis is that humans came to dominate the planet because we can believe in things that only…
The New York Times has introduced the next title coming to its Games catalog following Wordle’s continued success — and it’s all about math. Digits has players adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing numbers. You can play its beta for free online right now. In Digits, players are presented with a target number that they need to match. Players are given six numbers and have the ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide them to get as close to the target as they can. Not every number needs to be used, though, so this game should put your math skills to the test as you combine numbers and try to make the right equations to get as close to the target number as possible.
Players will get a five-star rating if they match the target number exactly, a three-star rating if they get within 10 of the target, and a one-star rating if they can get within 25 of the target number. Currently, players are also able to access five different puzzles with increasingly larger numbers as well. I solved today’s puzzle and found it to be an enjoyable number-based game that should appeal to inquisitive minds that like puzzle games such as Threes or other The New York Times titles like Wordle and Spelling Bee. In an article unveiling Digits and detailing The New York Time Games team’s process to game development, The Times says the team will use this free beta to fix bugs and assess if it’s worth moving into a more active development phase “where the game is coded and the designs are finalized.” So play Digits while you can, as The New York Times may move on from the project if it doesn’t get the response it is hoping for. Digits’ beta is available to play for free now on The New York Times Games’ website
Google unveiled the Pixel 9 Pro Fold alongside Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL last month. For those unaware, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the successor of last year’s Google Pixel Fold. Undoubtedly, Google has done a pretty good job with the second iteration of its foldable device. However, like any other smartphone, it isn’t perfect. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has downsides which are now being noticed, with one related to its charging speed.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold has the slowest wired charging speed of the series
The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold reportedly has the slowest charging speed compared to other phones from the series. Today, Google confirmed 9to5Google that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold charging speed maxes out at 21W with the wired cable. Google hinted at the maximum power input received by the device based on the charging test carried out by its 45W charger.
That also means the Pixel 9 Pro Fold won’t receive any faster power input than 21W, even if you use a powerful charger. Well, the charging speed we are talking about here for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the same as the three-year-old Pixel 6. Surprising, right? Fortunately, this is not the case with other phones from Pixel 9 series.
In fact, all others got some generous charging speed boost from Google. For example, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a capped wired charging limit of 37W. On the other hand, Google has slightly increased the charging speed on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro compared to their predecessors.
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Wireless charging capabilities aren’t good either
Are you thinking about wireless charging speed? The Pixel 9 Pro Fold disappoints in that aspect too. It comes with a maximum Qi wireless charging speed of just 7.5W. What’s worse, Google recently confirmed that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold doesn’t work with the Pixel Stand too. Earlier this month, multiple reports hinted that it could be the reason why Google pulled the Pixel Stand 2 from the online Google Store.
All that said, if you want first-hand Android experience on a foldable with good battery life, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the right choice for you. However, if you are someone who is a fan of fast charging, this year’s foldable may not please you. But again, are you willing to give up on other aspects just for fast charging? Well, we’ll leave it up to you.
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