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…
A new report states that Qualcomm is interested in acquiring Intel and that the former company has approached Intel about the possible acquisition. This would make Qualcomm a much larger player in the industry than it already is. Details about the interest in buying Intel come from The Wall Street Journal (via The Verge and Yahoo! Finance) which cites unnamed sources. The report says that the deal was not a certainty and Intel has not agreed to any such proposal at this time.
There’s also no word on whether or not Intel would even be perceptive to the acquisition. It would undoubtedly be a massive deal for both parties. Intel’s shares recently closed up 3.3%, but it’s been struggling of late due to issues with its last two generations of chips having issues that resulted in the chips crashing. Intel also recently announced it would be cutting back staff by at least 15 percent as of last month. Qualcomm shares, meanwhile, recently fell 2.9 percent. Acquiring Intel and its chip designs could help boost its recent re-entry into the PC chip market.
Intel recently announced it would be spinning off its foundry business as an independent entity. This was just two days after it was reported Intel was seeking government help in more or less convincing US companies like Apple and NVIDIA to use Intel’s fabrication for their AI-based chip manufacturing.
Qualcomm acquiring Intel would probably need regulatory approval
Qualcomm buying Intel would be a massive acquisition. Even if it could benefit both companies, regulatory bodies might see this as handing Qualcomm too much power in the industry. It’s a deal that, even if Intel agreed to it, would likely draw the attention of the FTC over potential antitrust concerns. That being said, it would also be an acquisition of an American-owned company by another American-owned company. So it wouldn’t necessarily be out of the realm of possibility in terms of approval.
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And yet, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard was also between two American-owned companies. And it still garnered tons of attention and pushback from regulators. This is all assuming things ever go that far for Qualcomm and Intel. As of right now all that’s been said is that Qualcomm was interested and approached Intel about that interest.
News of the acquisition proposal comes just a few weeks after it was reported that Qualcomm was interested in buying parts of Intel’s chip business. Specifically, its chip design department. Intel had reportedly been looking to shed some weight and offload parts of its business to save cash. Following a steep decline in its share prices that have fallen by about 57 percent this year.
Qualcomm recently laid off hundreds of employees
Reports of Qualcomm’s interest in buying Intel come at a time when it has just recently announced layoffs of hundreds of employees. The company said it would be laying around 226 employees later this year. Impacting staff at 16 facilities across the San Diego area.
This doesn’t necessarily have any ties to Qualcomm’s interest in buying Intel. However, it’s a move that Qualcomm is making that will help the company save some cash. Cash that be very useful in an Intel acquisition should things move forward.
Google Cloud on Thursday unveiled a series of new capabilities for its Spanner database designed to enable development and deployment of AI applications.
The new features, which the tech giant introduced during a user conference in Tokyo and are now in preview, include Spanner Graph to add graph processing, vector search and full-text search.
Spanner, which Google Cloud first made generally available as Cloud Spanner in 2017, is a multimodal database that has historically supported structured data. To develop AI models and applications, including generative AI, unstructured data is also critical.
Vector search, full-text search and graph processing all help application developers discover and operationalize unstructured data. As a result, the new capabilities — once generally available — will make Spanner an AI database in addition to its other multimodal capabilities in what is a significant move, said Kevin Petrie, an analyst at BARC U.S.
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Enterprises are no longer simply combining their data with large language models to enable generative AI exploration and analysis. Instead, they are developing their own generative AI applications that work in concert with one another. That requires features such as those Google Cloud is adding to Spanner.
“Google’s announcement signals a critical trend in the market,” Petrie said. “AI is a multi-faceted, multi-model endeavor. Companies are not implementing GenAI language models or other types of models in isolation. They are building applications in which multiple models complement one another. In this context, you need an AI database.”
In addition to the new capabilities in Spanner, Google Cloud unveiled new features for its Bigtable database to aid developers as well as new pricing options for its Cloud SQL for SQL server database.
Developing an AI database
Generative AI has the potential to transform business. When combined with an organization’s proprietary data, large language models such as Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s GPT models enable users to model, query and analyze data using true natural language.
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In turn, by enabling the use of natural language to work with data, generative AI lets non-technical workers who previously didn’t possess the coding skills or data literacy training to use complex analytics and data management platforms to do so. In addition, true natural language enables data experts such as developers and engineers to be more efficient by reducing coding requirements and other manual tasks that occupy much of their time.
As a result, many vendors have made it a priority to develop generative AI tools such as text-to-code translators an AI-powered assistants.
Some enterprises, however, want more. They want to develop their own generative AI applications, tools that understand their business and can be used in conjunction with one another to drive decision-making.
To do so, they not only need access to their data but also must easily and efficiently find the right data to train an individual model. That’s where databases can support AI development.
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Technologies such as graph processing, vector search and text search enable data discovery for AI models and applications, which includes both structured data, such as financial records, and unstructured data, such as text, images and audio files.
In response, vector search has become a core component of many databases over the past year. AWS, Databricks and Oracle are among the many vendors that have added vector search capabilities to deliver the relevant data needed to train generative AI models and applications.
Now, Google Cloud is not just working to add vector search to its Spanner database but also doing so in concert with other technologies that make data retrieval more efficient.
Companies are not implementing GenAI language models or other types of models in isolation. They are building applications in which multiple models complement one another. In this context, you need an AI database. Kevin PetrieAnalyst, BARC U.S.
“Operational data is critical to bridging the gap between foundation models and truly delivering the promise of AI in the enterprise,” said Andi Gutmans, Google Cloud’s general manager and vice president for databases, during a media briefing on July 26. “A big focus of ours is to enhance our databases to make sure they can deliver the best, most contextually relevant data to enterprise applications.”
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Graph technology differs from traditional relational database technology by enabling data points to simultaneously connect to an unlimited number of related data points rather than just one other data point at a time. Consequently, it speeds up the discovery of data that can be used together to inform an application.
Spanner Graph is a graph processing feature designed to enable developers to use graph query language — the industry standard for graph databases — along with SQL to discover and query connected data.
Vector search, likewise, enables similarity searches to discover more than just one data point or dataset at a time that can be used to train models and applications. Full-text search enables users to simultaneously search large numbers of documents to find relevant data.
“Combining full-text search and vector similarity search capabilities makes perfect sense,” Petrie said.
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One potential real-world example of an enterprise using graph processing, vector search and full-text search — also known as semantic search — within the same database to develop a AI application is customer service, he continued.
The application could be trained to find the right product guide for a customer by using keyword matching, summarize the guide using natural language and then converse with the customer with generative AI. In addition, with machine learning, the application could potentially recommend additional products based on that conversation and the customer’s purchase history.
Vespa is another database that enables multiple search types to facilitate AI development, Petrie noted.
Like Petrie, Doug Henschen, an analyst at Constellation Research, said that the additions of Spanner Graph, vector search and full-text search are important because of what they add to the database’s pre-existing multimodal capabilities.
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Beyond the capabilities themselves, also important are new pricing options for Spanner that add transparency and better enable customers to control their cloud spending.
Spanner Editions provides tier-based pricing at Standard, Enterprise and Enterprise Plus levels. The new search capabilities are available to Enterprise and Enterprise Plus users, though the vendor did not publicize what it costs to use each edition.
“Spanner Graph is clearly the headline, as it fills a gap that Google had in its portfolio,” Henschen said. “But the Spanner Graph feature name falls short of telling the full story, which is that Spanner is becoming a multi-capable, high-scale database offering SQL, graph, full-text search and vector search capabilities through the new Spanner Enterprise and Enterprise Plus editions.”
In addition, by combining different search types in one service within Spanner, Google Cloud is differentiating itself from other database providers such as AWS and Oracle that separate each service within their databases, Henschen continued.
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“I see it as an attractive and compelling combination of capabilities,” he said. “But there’s still room for best-of-breed Google partners, such as Neo4J which offers a dedicated graph database with vector embedding and search capabilities.”
Beyond the new search features in Spanner aimed at enabling AI development, Google Cloud also unveiled the following new database features:
Bigtable SQL support to enable customers to use any of more than 100 SQL functions to develop applications.
An Enterprise Plus edition for Cloud SQL for SQL Server that aims to provide more cost certainty for SQL Server users just as Spanner Editions does for Spanner users.
Hosting for Oracle database services including Exadata and Autonomous database services in concert with the recent formation of a strategic partnership between Google Cloud and Oracle.
Petrie noted that the partnership between Google Cloud and Oracle is both interesting and odd given that the two are rivals. However, with Oracle likely generating most of its profit from database services rather than its cloud strategy, he said it makes sense for Oracle to enable customers to deploy databases on Google Cloud’s infrastructure.
Next steps
By adding multiple search types that turn Spanner into a database for facilitating AI development, Google Cloud is making an innovative move, according to Petrie.
“Google has a significant advantage given its massive resources and long expertise with text search and analytics,” he said.
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There is, however, still room for specialized database vendors whose platforms enable customers to carry out many of the same tasks while not tying them to a single data ecosystem such as the Google Cloud Platform, he continued.
Henschen, meanwhile, said that despite what Google Cloud has done to make Spanner a database for AI development, including adding new pricing options, it has customers who use the database for reasons other than AI.
Some use the database, which provides global scalability, for its multi-region and geo-partitioning capabilities but are suddenly being classified as Enterprise Plus customers due to the amount of computational storage they use across regions, according to Henschen. As a result, those users are not served by the database’s new pricing tiers.
“I’d liketo see another edition whereby customers who are only interested in Spanner for its multi-region and geo-partitioning capabilities don’t have to choose the highest-priced edition if they’re not interested in using the new graph, text-search and vector-search capabilities,” Henschen said.
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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.
Sony pushed a PS5 system update on Friday that Square Enix says is a response to Final Fantasy XVI bugs created by the console’s last firmware update. The publisher addressed the update on X (Twitter). “In response to the crashes and graphical bugs that were occurring on the PlayStation5 version of Final Fantasy XVI, [Sony Interactive Entertainment] have released a new system update,” the account posted. “Please try downloading and installing this update.”
Before today’s alleged fix, users reported that last week’s PS5 system update (24.06-10.00.00) triggered Final Fantasy XVI crashes while loading saves or fast-traveling. It could also add annoying black squares obstructing the in-game camera.
Sony has kept things vague, only describing the update with the alleged fix (24.06-10.01.00) as improving “system software performance and stability.” Earlier this week, IGNreported similar bugs in Star Wars Outlaws, Death Stranding and No Man’s Sky. It isn’t yet clear if the update fixes those games’ glitches.
Users on Reddit claimed today’s update has fixed the problems with Final Fantasy XVI. “Played for an hour post update with no issues,” u/AdSweaty411 wrote. “Yup no issues so far,” Redditor u/Icy-Confection-312 added. (We’ll update this story if any additional bug reports arise.)
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You can update your PS5 by heading to Settings > System, then System Software > System Software Update and Settings. After the update appears, choose Update System Software. If you don’t see the available update (and haven’t already installed it), restart your console and try again.
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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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’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).
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