Huawei Unveils AI System to Rival Nvidia’s Best
At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, Huawei debuted its CloudMatrix 384 AI system, a powerful new computing platform seen as a direct challenger to Nvidia’s top-tier GB200 NVL72. The system uses 384 of Huawei’s 910C chips and boasts superior performance in certain areas, thanks to a “supernode” architecture that enables ultra-fast interconnectivity. Industry experts say the system showcases Huawei’s strength in system design, offsetting individual chip limitations.
Pony AI and WeRide Cleared to Launch Driverless Robotaxis in Shanghai
Pony AI and WeRide have both received permits to operate fully driverless commercial robotaxi services in Shanghai’s Pudong district, marking a major step forward for autonomous transportation in China. Pony AI will begin operations in Jinqiao and Huamu, key areas within the city’s financial hub, with plans to expand further. Meanwhile, WeRide, partnering with Chery Group and Jinjiang Taxi, will also deploy its driverless fleet across Pudong.
China Proposes Global AI Alliance to Counter U.S. Dominance
At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, China proposed creating a global AI cooperation organization, signaling a move to rival U.S. dominance in the field. Premier Li Qiang emphasized equitable access to AI for all nations, especially the Global South, and warned against a few countries monopolizing the technology. Amid U.S. export restrictions on advanced AI chips, China called for unified global regulation and announced plans to potentially host the organization’s headquarters in Shanghai. Over 800 companies participated in the three-day event, showcasing thousands of AI products, with limited Western presence compared to dominant Chinese tech firms.
Altman Predicts AI Will Erase Entire Job Categories—Starting with Customer Support
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has warned that AI will completely eliminate certain job categories, singling out customer support roles as the first likely casualties. In a recent conversation with a top Federal Reserve official, Altman described AI as faster, mistake-free, and more capable than human agents. However, critics argue this vision is premature and problematic—current AI systems often generate errors and create customer frustration. Some companies, like Klarna, have even reversed plans to replace human workers due to backlash.
Walmart Bets Big on AI with New “Super Agents” for Shoppers and Staff
Walmart is launching a suite of AI-powered “super agents” to transform the way customers, employees, sellers, and developers interact with the retail giant. One tool, “Sparky,” is already assisting shoppers in the app, and will soon gain advanced capabilities like fridge-scanning recipe suggestions. Other agents will streamline staff tasks, seller onboarding, and AI development. Walmart aims to have e-commerce make up 50% of its total sales within five years.
Nvidia Warns Against Black Market Chips Amid $1B Smuggling Report
Nvidia has condemned the use of smuggled AI chips in China, calling such efforts a “losing proposition” due to lack of support and service. The statement followed a Financial Times report revealing that over $1 billion worth of Nvidia chips, including banned B200 models, have illegally entered China despite U.S. export restrictions. These chips are being sold by Chinese distributors to local AI firms. While the U.S. government had blocked sales of certain chips like the H20, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced a potential return to Chinese markets following regulatory discussions. Nvidia insists it only supports authorized products and customers.
ChatGPT Hits 2.5 Billion Daily Prompts, Doubling in 8 Months
OpenAI’s ChatGPT now processes 2.5 billion prompts daily, with 330 million coming from U.S. users, signaling massive global adoption. This marks a dramatic surge from December 2024, when CEO Sam Altman reported 1 billion daily prompts—meaning usage has more than doubled in just eight months. While Google still dominates with around 14–16 billion daily searches, ChatGPT’s growth is striking, especially for a relatively new product.
