Blaize is set to be the first AI chip startup to go public in 2025

Blaize, an AI chip startup started by ex-Intel engineers, is gearing up to go public on Nasdaq through a SPAC deal this Tuesday, as reported by TechCrunch.

Founded in 2011 and based in El Dorado Hills, California, Blaize focuses on AI chips designed for edge applications like drones, robots, and smart cameras. The company has garnered support from investors including Samsung and Mercedes-Benz, raising a total of $335 million.

Even though it reported a loss of $87.5 million in 2023 on just $3.8 million in revenue, Blaize is highlighting $400 million in deals, which includes a significant $104 million defense contract in EMEA aimed at developing systems that can detect drones and identify troops. CEO Dinakar Munagala believes that edge computing is the way forward because it offers advantages in cost, latency, and privacy. While Nvidia is concentrating on data centers, Blaize is putting its energy into practical AI solutions that address real-world needs that often get overlooked.

Read more on TechCrunch

Flying cars and groundbreaking apps empowering people with disabilities: Tech innovations take the spotlight at CES 2025.

At CES 2025, groundbreaking technologies took the spotlight, with innovations aimed at empowering people with disabilities and futuristic concepts like flying cars generating excitement. Key highlights included an app designed to enhance accessibility and independence for individuals with disabilities, leveraging AI and voice commands. Meanwhile, flying car prototypes showcased the future of urban mobility, drawing significant attention for their potential to revolutionize transportation. Other advancements included wearable health tech, next-gen robotics, and immersive virtual reality experiences, underscoring how technology continues to shape the future. The event highlighted global strides toward inclusivity, sustainability, and smarter living through technological innovation.

Read more on thehindu.

Matt Mullenweg deactivates WordPress accounts of key contributors.

In a recent blog post, Mullenweg shared that he had disabled the WordPress.org accounts of a few contributors, such as Joost de Valk and Karim Marucchi. This action was taken due to their supposed intentions to create a fork of WordPress, according to TechCrunch. This decision comes after these contributors expressed interest in spearheading the next WordPress update, particularly after Automattic announced it would be scaling back its support for the open-source project.

Read more on TechCrunch.

SC Halts ₹1 Lakh Crore GST Notices Against Online Gaming Firms Over Tax Fraud


The Supreme Court has put a hold on GST showcase notices totaling over ₹1 lakh crore that were sent to online gaming companies and casinos due to accusations of tax evasion. A bench led by Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan paused the proceedings and has set a date for the next hearing on March 18. A change to the GST law in October 2023 required foreign gaming companies to register in India and imposed a 28% GST on the total value of bets. Companies like Games 24×7 and Head Digital Works have challenged these hefty demands, leading the Supreme Court to take over cases from nine high courts in order to issue a unified decision.

Read more on Presstrustofindia.

Will TikTok Be Banned? Supreme Court to Decide Soon


The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on a potential TikTok ban unless ByteDance sells its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025. The justices leaned towards national security over free speech. Frank McCourt and Kevin O’Leary proposed buying TikTok’s U.S. assets. If no sale happens, TikTok could be banned from U.S. app stores, affecting its functionality. The outcome might influence future cases involving foreign tech in the U.S.

Read more on CNNBusiness.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai Shares Exciting AI Plans for 2025

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has shared the company’s ambitious plans for AI leading up to 2025. During his reflection on the successes of 2024, he highlighted how crucial AI and technical innovation are in shaping Google’s offerings. Pichai expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming year, underlining the impressive strides made in AI development.

Here are some of the key points from his announcement:
  • Notable achievements in 2024 included Gemini 2.0, Willow, and Veo 2.
  • There were significant advancements made across various Google platforms, including Search, YouTube, Cloud, Android, and Pixel.
  • Exciting new AI products and features are expected to be launched in the next few months.
  • Google’s comprehensive approach continues to position it at the forefront of technical and AI leadership.

Read more on livemint.