Maximilian Schreiner
Max is the managing editor of THE DECODER, bringing his background in philosophy to explore questions of consciousness and whether machines truly think or just pretend to.
Read full article about: AI data centers could soon consume as much electricity as one-third of all U.S. households
Barclays estimates that data centers for AI giants like OpenAI, Meta, and Amazon could need as much as 46 gigawatts of electricity. That's about the same amount of power used by 44 million US households, or roughly a third of all homes in the country. Building out these projects could cost $2.5 trillion.
This massive expansion is already putting pressure on the power grid. Nvidia, Microsoft, and OpenAI are warning about possible grid instability caused by rapid swings in electricity demand. Some plans call for energy sources like solar plants and gas storage to be integrated directly into the data centers. OpenAI has even asked the US government to add 100 gigawatts of new power generation each year. It's still unclear how many of these projects will actually get built. According to Barclays, it's hard to draw the line between projects that are real and those that are still just speculation.
Microsoft to invest $7.9 billion in AI infrastructure and talent across the UAE by 2029
Microsoft is expanding its footprint in the Middle East, planning to spend over $7.9 billion in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 2029 on cloud infrastructure, AI chips, and local talent development.
Read full article about: Coca-Cola once again turns to AI for its global "Holidays Are Coming" Christmas campaign
Coca-Cola is using generative AI for its “Holidays Are Coming” Christmas ads again this year. After facing backlash for last year's AI-driven campaign, Coca-Cola once again partnered with Silverside AI and Secret Level studios to create videos with fewer noticeable AI-related errors.
According to Chief Marketing Officer Manolo Arroyo, production and editing ran significantly faster and cheaper than with traditional shoots - about a month instead of a full year. The AI generated over 70,000 video clips, which artists then refined and polished. Coca-Cola says it plans to expand its use of AI in future projects.
Trump advisers block plan to ease Nvidia chip exports to China ahead of Xi meeting
Just before his scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, former US President Donald Trump was reportedly prepared to consider easing export restrictions on Nvidia’s latest AI chips – but senior advisers stepped in to stop him. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang had lobbied intensely for access to the Chinese market.
Read full article about: Udio’s copyright deal with Universal Music frustrates users
Udio, an AI music startup, recently reached a settlement with Universal Music Group. While the agreement ends an ongoing copyright lawsuit, it also brought sweeping new restrictions that have angered many users. Songs generated with Udio can no longer be downloaded, streamed, or used in personal projects.
On platforms like Reddit and Discord, frustrated users have voiced their anger and announced plans to leave Udio altogether. During an online meeting, Udio CEO Andrew Sanchez offered free credits as compensation but stopped short of promising any policy changes. Looking ahead, Udio and Universal plan to launch a paid music service next year that will feature fully licensed material.