Intel is reportedly making plans for significant layoffs as part of cost-cutting measures due to decreasing market share. The company is expected to announce these changes during their upcoming quarterly results. Despite maintaining a strong presence in the PC and server markets, Intel has been losing ground in the face of increasing demand for AI chips. CEO Pat Gelsinger has been working on strategies to pivot towards investing in advanced AI chip technology and exploring new market segments.
Sources reveal that Intel aims to reduce annual costs by $3 billion in 2023 through a reduction in headcount from 131,900 to 124,800 employees. Earlier projections indicated that the company intended to achieve annual cost savings between $8 billion and $10 billion by 2025. Analysts predict that second-quarter revenue for Intel will remain consistent with the previous year, with a notable decline in revenue from data centers and AI by 23%. Intel, known historically for designing and manufacturing its own chips, is now expanding into the foundry business to manufacture chips for other companies.
Recently, Meta introduced a cutting-edge AI model called SAM 2 (Segment Anything Model 2), designed to add special effects to objects in videos. Building on the success of its predecessor, SAM, which facilitated features like ‘Backdrop’ and ‘Cutouts’ on Instagram, this new model is focused on video content. SAM 2 can accurately segment objects in videos, ensuring consistent tracking across frames in real-time. Beyond entertainment applications, the technology has potential uses in fields such as oceanic research, cancer screening, and disaster relief efforts.
On another front, OpenAI, with backing from Microsoft, has unveiled an advanced voice mode as part of ChatGPT Plus. This feature, initially delayed for refinement, enables users to experience real-time responses from ChatGPT and allows interruptions during conversations, resulting in a more naturalistic interaction. OpenAI prioritized enhancing the AI model’s ability to identify and avoid inappropriate content while also improving user-friendliness and scalability. Notably, earlier concerns raised about voice replication without consent, like actress Scarlett Johansson’s voice acting, were addressed by OpenAI, clarifying that the model’s voice was not based on any particular individual.
In conclusion, these developments reflect the evolving landscape of technology and innovation, showcasing the efforts of leading companies like Intel, Meta, and OpenAI to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing environment.
