Alibaba Cloud Unveils GPU Pooling System That Cuts AI Serving Costs by 82%
Alibaba has introduced a new GPU pooling system called Aegaeon that cuts the number of Nvidia H20 GPUs needed to serve large AI models by 82%. Aegaeon reduced GPU usage from 1,192 to 213 for models up to 72 billion parameters. The system targets inefficiencies in cloud inference, where a few popular models dominate traffic while most others run rarely but still occupy GPU resources. By dynamically pooling compute across workloads, Aegaeon aims to make large-scale AI serving dramatically cheaper and more energy efficient for cloud providers.
Tencent Tests “Training-Free” Learning Method to Help AI Improve Without Retraining
Tencent researchers have proposed a new technique that lets AI models learn from “experience” without updating their parameters, potentially reducing the cost of continual training. The method, called “training-free GRPO,” stores heuristics in an external “experience library” that the model consults when solving new problems. Applied to DeepSeek’s 671B-parameter V3.1-Terminus model, the approach beat Alibaba’s Qwen2.5-32B-Instruct on mathematical reasoning using only 100 examples at an estimated cost of $18, versus $10,000 for conventional tuning.
Pony.ai to Begin Testing Robotaxis in Europe With Stellantis
Chinese autonomous driving firm Pony.ai will begin testing robotaxis in Luxembourg in partnership with automaker Stellantis, marking its first major push into Europe. Pony.ai will supply the self-driving software while Stellantis provides electric vehicles, starting with the Peugeot e-Traveller. A wider rollout across European cities is planned for next year, pending regulatory approval. Both Pony.ai and rival WeRide recently secured approval for dual listings in Hong Kong, signaling faster global deployment ambitions.
Nick Clegg Warns AI Sector Faces a Likely Market Correction
Former UK deputy prime minister and ex-Meta executive Nick Clegg says the chances of an AI market correction are “pretty high,” citing overheated valuations and unsustainable infrastructure spending. He argued that hyperscalers pouring “hundreds of billions” into data centers may struggle to recoup costs, fueling bubble risk. Clegg also pushed back on the hype around artificial superintelligence, saying current probabilistic LLMs have limits. Still, he stressed AI’s long-term staying power, comparing today’s boom to the dot-com era: the bubble may burst, but core technologies will endure.
AI Headshots Surge on LinkedIn as Job Seekers Ditch Costly Photography
AI-generated headshots are becoming a popular alternative to professional photos as job seekers look for cheaper, faster ways to improve their online presence. Tools like Canva, HeadshotPro, and Aragon AI can produce polished portraits for under $50, compared to hundreds for studio sessions. Users report better recruiter engagement after switching to AI headshots, though concerns about authenticity persist. With Gen Z and millennials driving adoption — and most hiring tools already using AI — the trend is expected to accelerate despite lingering stigma.
Spotify Partners With Major Labels to Build “Responsible” AI Music Tools
Spotify is teaming up with Sony Music, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Merlin, and Believe to develop AI products built with artist consent and licensing protections. The company is launching a new AI research lab and says the goal is to ensure musicians are compensated as AI becomes more embedded in music creation and discovery. The move follows Spotify’s removal of 75 million spam-style AI tracks and growing concern over unauthorized voice cloning. The platform already offers AI DJ and AI Playlist features.
Turkey’s 5G Auction Raises $2.95 Billion as Major Carriers Secure Spectrum
Turkey’s 5G spectrum tender brought in $2.95 billion, with top operators Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom winning licenses across key 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands. Turkcell was the biggest spender, paying $1.22 billion overall, including $429 million for the A1 block in the 700 MHz range. The auction moves Turkey closer to nationwide 5G rollout and reflects growing competition among carriers to secure premium spectrum needed for faster connectivity and future AI-driven mobile services.
