Daily Dose of Tech | 2024-01-10

?? Microsoft and Qcells Forge Solar Cloud Computing Deal, ?? Intel Challenges Nvidia, Qualcomm in Car AI Chip Market, ?? Siemens, AWS Simplify AI in Software Development, ?? Amazon at CES 2024: 7 Major Announcements

Hello Tech Enthusiasts! ??

Welcome to Edition 22 of my Daily Dose of Tech, your hub for all things Tech, Cloud Computing & AI. Stay updated with the latest news, expert insights, practical tips, and spotlights on emerging tech trends. Let's dive right in!

?? Microsoft and Qcells Forge Solar Cloud Computing Deal

Microsoft has teamed up with solar power provider Qcells in an eight-year deal to generate 12 GW of solar energy, enhancing its cloud services' sustainability. This move aligns with Microsoft's environmental goals, aiming to replace fossil fuel electricity with renewable sources by 2025 and become carbon-negative by 2030. The agreement, one of Qcells' largest, will supply enough solar modules to power about 1.8 million households annually.

The solar energy generated through this deal will be distributed across the United States, supporting Microsoft's broader push towards electricity grid modernization and a transition away from carbon-intensive power grids. Utilizing polysilicon produced by REC Silicon in Georgia, this partnership not only supports Microsoft's renewable energy technologies but also contributes to bringing more renewable energy to the grid, thereby accelerating the shift to sustainable energy solutions.

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?? Intel Challenges Nvidia, Qualcomm in Car AI Chip Market

Intel has announced the launch of automotive versions of its AI-enabled chips, positioning itself as a contender against Qualcomm and Nvidia in the automotive semiconductor industry. The company also revealed the acquisition of Silicon Mobility, a French startup specializing in system-on-a-chip technology and software for electric vehicles. This move signals Intel's increased focus on the automotive sector, where it already has a presence with 50 million vehicles using its infotainment systems.

Chinese automaker Zeekr will be the first to use Intel's AI system on a chip for enhancing in-vehicle experiences, including AI voice assistants and video conferencing. Intel's new automotive chips, adapted from its AI PC technology, are designed to meet the rigorous durability and performance requirements of vehicles. This initiative is part of Intel's strategy to revamp its presence in the automotive market, which has been dominated by Nvidia and Qualcomm, especially in automated driving technology and complex dashboard displays.

Intel aims to differentiate itself by offering versatile chips suitable for a range of vehicles, from budget to premium models. This approach addresses the scalability challenges posed by high-power, high-cost chips like those offered by Nvidia. Intel's strategy also includes being "agnostic" regarding the technology choices of automakers, allowing them to integrate their own chiplets into Intel's systems for specific functions, potentially lowering costs and increasing flexibility.

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?? Siemens, AWS Simplify AI in Software Development

Siemens and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are deepening their partnership to democratize generative AI in software development. Siemens plans to integrate Amazon Bedrock into its Mendix low-code platform, enabling users across various industries to easily create and upgrade applications with advanced generative AI technology. This collaboration aims to address skilled labor shortages and accelerate digitalization, particularly benefiting fields like engineering, manufacturing, and finance.

The integration offers customers a choice of generative AI models for specific use cases, simplifying the development process. Traditionally, integrating AI models required specialized coding skills, but with Mendix-Amazon Bedrock, this can now be achieved with just a few clicks. The innovation enables users to develop smart applications without dedicated programming knowledge, enhancing productivity and decision-making. This partnership, building on a decade-long relationship, provides a flexible, secure environment for leveraging generative AI, broadening its accessibility and application.

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?? Amazon at CES 2024: 7 Major Announcements

1. Fire TV and Panasonic Global Collaboration

Amazon has announced a global partnership with Panasonic, bringing Fire TV built-in to Panasonic's new smart TVs starting in 2024. This collaboration will integrate Alexa and offer a seamless entertainment experience, including live content and streaming services. The flagship OLED smart TVs, Panasonic Z95A and Z93A, will feature Alexa's far-field voice control and transform into dynamic displays with the Fire TV Ambient Experience.

2. In-Car Generative AI with BMW

Amazon showcased its in-vehicle generative AI capabilities through a collaboration with BMW. This demonstration highlighted Alexa's LLM-powered functionalities, offering drivers a more natural interaction with their vehicles. The AI integration enables intuitive control and understanding of car features, such as the BMW drive modes and parking assistance system, through voice commands.

3. Matter Casting for Fire TV and Echo Show

15 Amazon announced Matter Casting, enabling customers to cast content directly to Fire TV and Echo Show 15 devices from iOS and Android streaming apps. This feature represents an industry-first implementation of Matter Casting and is set to extend to compatible Fire TV devices, including Panasonic models with built-in Fire TV.

4. Zoox Robotaxi Display and Early-Bird Waitlist

At CES 2024, Amazon showcased the latest generation of Zoox's purpose-built robotaxi. Visitors had the exclusive opportunity to join an early-bird waitlist for Zoox's upcoming autonomous ride-hailing service. This reveal follows a year of significant milestones for Zoox, including its historic operation on public roads.

5. Generative AI-Powered Alexa Experiences from Developers

Amazon introduced new generative AI-powered Alexa experiences developed by third-party creators. Highlights include interactive conversations with various characters through Character.ai, AI-powered music creation with Splash, and an enhanced version of the "20 Questions" game by Volley. These innovations demonstrate the evolving capabilities of Alexa in providing engaging and creative user experiences.

6. AWS and Siemens Integration for Generative AI

Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Siemens are bringing generative AI to the forefront of software development. Siemens is integrating Amazon Bedrock with its Mendix low-code platform, part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio. This integration will empower customers across industries to build and scale applications with generative AI technologies, making software development more efficient and accessible.

7. Amazon Showcases Alexa Fund Portfolio Companies

Amazon also highlighted its Alexa Fund portfolio companies at CES, showcasing innovative technologies like MultiOn's personal AI agent and Embodied, Inc.'s Moxie Robot—Moxie AI. These companies are at the forefront of AI and robotics, offering solutions for tasks like restaurant reservations and providing children with emotional and academic support through AI-powered robotics companions.

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Hey there, I'm Tobias Schümann , the visionary behind Cloud Consulting Europe .

I'm passionate about reshaping industries using cutting-edge cloud tech, AI, and innovation. Throughout Europe, I've led various projects, from smooth cloud migrations to game-changing IoT solutions.

Bagging all 12 AWS certifications shows how deep I'm into mastering the cloud. I love discussing digitization and the ever-changing world of technology.

Let's chat and explore the endless possibilities of tech together or simply let me know about other tech topics I should cover in the future. Gladly also by mail: [email protected] .

Tech is for everyone ??