PC Makers Consider Chinese Memory Chips Amid Global Supply Crunch

Several prominent personal computer (PC) manufacturers are exploring the use of Chinese-made memory chips for the first time. This consideration comes amid a global supply shortage that is affecting product launches and increasing costs throughout the technology sector.

Credit: DELL

Global electronics supply chains are experiencing a significant scarcity of memory chips. These components are vital for a wide range of devices, from smartphones to data centres.

HP has initiated the qualification process for products from ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), a Chinese memory chipmaker. This step aims to broaden its available supply alternatives.

Credit: UNSPLASH

The PC manufacturer intends to monitor the memory chip supply landscape until about mid-2026. If dynamic random access memory (DRAM) supplies remain restricted and prices continue to escalate, HP would likely begin sourcing from CXMT for non-U.S. markets.

Dell is also qualifying CXMT's DRAM products. This action stems from concerns that memory prices will continue to climb throughout 2026.

Acer has expressed openness to utilising Chinese-made memory chips, provided its Chinese contract suppliers acquire them. Additionally, Asus has requested its Chinese production partners to assist in sourcing memory chips for several notebook projects.

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• PC makers HP, Dell, Acer, and Asus are considering sourcing memory chips from Chinese manufacturers.

• This consideration is driven by a global supply crunch threatening product launches and increasing costs.

• HP and Dell are qualifying products from Chinese chipmaker ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT).

Source: REUTERS

Amazon Embraces AI to Revolutionise Film and TV Production

Amazon is set to harness the power of artificial intelligence to enhance the efficiency of movie and television production, despite concerns within Hollywood regarding job security and the potential transformation of the industry. At the helm of this initiative is Albert Cheng, a seasoned entertainment executive at Amazon MGM Studio, who is spearheading the development of innovative AI tools designed to reduce costs and streamline the creative process. The company plans to initiate a closed beta programme, inviting industry partners to trial these AI tools, with results expected to be shared shortly thereafter.

Amazon Prime Video

Cheng has likened the AI Studio to a startup, operating under the philosophy of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, which advocates for small teams that can be fed with just two pizzas. This team is primarily composed of product engineers and scientists, complemented by a smaller group focused on creative and business aspects. Amazon's commitment to AI comes in response to escalating production budgets that restrict the number of projects companies can undertake. The technology aims to expedite certain processes, enabling the production of more films and television shows in a more efficient manner.

Cheng articulated the challenges faced in the current landscape, stating that the high costs associated with production make it difficult to take risks on new projects. He firmly believes that while AI can accelerate the creative process, it will not replace the unique contributions that human creators bring to their work. This sentiment echoes the concerns raised by prominent actors, such as Emily Blunt, who have voiced apprehensions about the implications of AI on their careers, particularly with the emergence of AI-generated performers like Tilly Norwood.

Credit: AMAZON

Amazon has reassured stakeholders that writers, directors, actors, and character designers will remain integral to every phase of production, with AI serving as a tool to augment creativity rather than replace it. The company is also pushing for the integration of AI across its various divisions, citing the successes of AI as a contributing factor to the significant job cuts it has made recently, including approximately 30,000 corporate positions since the previous autumn, which marked its largest layoff to date.

Cheng noted that AI could assist Prime Video in overcoming some of the inherent challenges associated with large-scale film and television production. The AI Studio is focused on developing tools that bridge the gap between existing consumer AI offerings and the precise control that directors require for cinematic content. This includes enhancing character consistency across different shots and ensuring compatibility with industry-standard creative tools.

To support this initiative, Amazon is leveraging its cloud computing division, Amazon Web Services, and plans to collaborate with multiple large language model providers to offer creators a broader range of options for both pre- and post-production filmmaking. Cheng emphasised the importance of safeguarding intellectual property and ensuring that AI-generated content does not become integrated into other AI models, which is crucial for the success of the AI Studio.

The AI Studio, which was launched in the previous summer, has already showcased its potential through the hit series "House of David." For the second season of this biblical epic, director Jon Erwin employed a combination of AI and live-action footage to create dynamic battle scenes, seamlessly merging the two to expand the scope of the sequences while keeping costs manageable. This innovative approach exemplifies how AI can be effectively utilised in the creative process, paving the way for a new era in film and television production.

• Amazon plans to utilise AI to enhance film and TV production efficiency.

• The AI Studio will involve human creators at every stage of the process.

• AI aims to reduce production costs and streamline creative workflows.

• The initiative is part of Amazon's broader push to integrate AI across its divisions.

Chinese AI Companies Defend Their Safety Practices Amid Western Criticism

Chinese companies are addressing the challenges associated with artificial intelligence in a manner that reflects their unique cultural context, asserting that they should not be evaluated solely through a Western perspective. This assertion comes as the Chinese AI sector gears up for a significant month, with the release of new models anticipated just before the Lunar New Year. Last year, apprehensions regarding the safety of Chinese AI models hindered their global adoption, with the notable case of DeepSeek facing bans or restrictions in over ten countries, including the United States, Italy, and India.

Credit: UNSPLASH

As the new year unfolds, evaluations indicate that Chinese AI models have significantly narrowed the performance gap with their American counterparts, reaching the closest level of competition yet. This progress has sparked discussions about the necessity for Chinese firms to enhance their focus on AI safety, particularly concerning issues such as misuse and misalignment. In a recent podcast, Tu Jinhao, a former researcher at DeepSeek, highlighted that the intense drive to catch up with the United States has overshadowed essential domestic efforts in AI safety. He remarked that the majority of computational resources are being allocated to training AI models, leaving insufficient attention for safety measures.

Credit: UNSPLASH

The concerns surrounding AI safety are not unfounded. The rapid advancement of AI technologies has raised alarms about potential risks, including the misuse of AI systems and the ethical implications of their deployment. As Chinese developers strive to compete on a global scale, they are also urged to consider the broader implications of their innovations. The dialogue surrounding AI safety is becoming increasingly critical, especially as the technology continues to evolve at a breakneck pace.

Chinese AI firms are now at a crossroads, balancing the need for innovation with the imperative of ensuring safety and ethical standards. The industry insiders argue that the cultural context in which these technologies are developed plays a crucial role in shaping their safety practices. They contend that Western criticisms often overlook the nuances of the Chinese approach to AI development and safety.

As the competition intensifies, the focus on safety will likely become a defining factor in the success of Chinese AI companies. The ability to address safety concerns while continuing to innovate will be essential for gaining the trust of global users. The upcoming releases of new AI models will serve as a litmus test for how well these companies can navigate the complex landscape of technological advancement and safety considerations.

In summary, the Chinese AI sector is making strides in performance while grappling with the critical issue of safety. The industry's response to Western criticism reflects a broader understanding of the need for a culturally informed approach to AI development. As the landscape evolves, the emphasis on safety will be paramount in shaping the future of AI in China and beyond.

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• Chinese AI firms argue for a culturally contextual understanding of safety practices

• DeepSeek faced bans in over ten countries due to safety concerns

• Chinese models have narrowed the performance gap with US rivals

• Industry insiders stress the need for a balanced focus on innovation and safety