Meta tests in-house AI chip to reduce dependence on Nvidia: A significant step in custom silicon development
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is currently conducting tests on its first-ever in-house chip specifically designed for training artificial intelligence (AI) systems. This move represents a major milestone in Meta's exploration of custom silicon development, with the potential to decrease reliance on external suppliers like Nvidia. Should the testing prove successful, Meta has intentions to ramp up production of this AI chip for wider adoption.
Reducing Infrastructure Costs and Investing in AI Technologies
According to a report by Reuters, the creation of this custom AI chip is aligned with Meta's long-term strategy of reducing infrastructure expenses, particularly as the company continues to heavily invest in AI-driven technologies. Reports suggest that Meta is anticipating expenses ranging from USD 114 billion to USD 119 billion by 2025, with a significant portion, up to USD 65 billion, allocated to AI infrastructure.
The newly developed chip, identified as a dedicated accelerator, is poised to enhance efficiency in AI training tasks when compared to conventional GPUs.
Collaboration with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)
Meta is reportedly collaborating with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) for the production of this AI training chip. The testing phase has commenced following the company's successful completion of its first 'tape-out,' a crucial stage in chip design where the initial prototype is sent for manufacturing. Nevertheless, the development of custom chips is not without risks—Meta previously abandoned a similar project due to issues encountered during small-scale testing.
Advancements in AI Chip Technology
Despite past setbacks, Meta achieved success with the introduction of an AI inference chip in 2024, which played a pivotal role in optimizing content recommendations on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The company's objective is to expand the capabilities of its chips to support generative AI applications, such as its Meta AI chatbot, by 2026.
Upcoming Technological Releases and Updates
In the realm of tech releases and updates, some noteworthy mentions include the launch of the Motorola Edge 60 series and Moto G86, leaks preceding the official announcement.
Additionally, reports of a Google Chromecast Gen 2 outage causing user dissatisfaction have surfaced. Exciting developments in smartphone technology with the iQOO 15 and iQOO Neo 11 series hint at features like a 2K display and a 7,000mAh battery. Anticipated releases like GTA 6 in late 2025 promise significant upgrades.
Furthermore, Apple is gearing up for major redesigns with iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16, promising a substantial UI overhaul. The Garmin Enduro 3 has been launched, boasting features like solar charging, advanced navigation, and extreme durability for adventurous endeavors.
