Blackwell Ultra, AI Policing, and the Global Power Grid: How AI Is Reshaping the Future - 21.3.2025

Nvidia unveiled the Blackwell Ultra platform at GTC 2025, enhancing its AI factory technology to meet rising industry demands, as reported by various sources. In Sweden, the government proposed new legislation allowing police to use AI facial recognition to address serious crimes amid increasing gang violence, with implementation set for 2026 if approved. SoftBank announced its acquisition of Ampere Computing for $6.5 billion to enhance its AI capabilities in energy-efficient processors. Tech and energy leaders have formed the Open Power AI Consortium to develop AI models aimed at improving efficiency in the power sector. Apple is restructuring its AI leadership to expedite improvements to Siri, appointing Mike Rockwell to spearhead initiatives following delays anticipated for 2026. Yum Brands is collaborating with Nvidia to implement AI technologies in drive-thrus to improve order accuracy, currently in trial phases with plans for broader rollout soon. Additionally, a new AI-driven weather forecasting initiative, the Aardvark prediction model, is in development to provide accurate forecasts on desktop systems, particularly benefiting under-resourced regions. Luxury brands in the UK, represented by Walpole, are challenging government proposals that would enable unlicensed use of copyrighted works for AI development, advocating for a fair licensing system. Meta has launched an AI assistant on WhatsApp in the UK, although user feedback has been mixed, with reports of intrusiveness. Nvidia also announced plans to invest several hundred billion dollars in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing over the next four years, aiming to lessen dependence on Asian supply chains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices