Google and MediaTek in Talks to Develop Next Generation AI Chips
As per reports, Google is planning to collaborate with MediaTek to develop the next generation of AI chips, Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), expected to be launched next year. This collaboration denotes a major alteration in Google's chip strategy, though the tech giant will not completely cut the ties with Broadcom, which has been its exclusive partner for AI chip development over recent years. MediaTek having strong alliance with TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), a major semiconductor manufacturer and offering lower per-chip costs, has become the company’s primary motive behind this move.
Moreover by collaborating with MediaTek, Google will be able to design its own AI server chips for internal research and cloud customer services, enabling it to stay competitive in the AI market and reduce dependency on Nvidia. This strategic partnership is crucial as the other competitors like OpenAI and Meta experience rising demand for Nvidia chips.
Last year, Google launched its sixth-generation TPU, providing a practical alternative to Nvidia chips for both its operations and cloud customers.
Reports stipulated that Google spent between $6 billion and $9 billion on TPUs, closely linked to Broadcom's revenue targets in AI semiconductors.
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Additionally, Google is in discussion for a partnership with Apple to offer Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging to Indian mobile users, involving local telecom operators. This collaboration is believed to pave way for better integration of messaging services beyond traditional SMS by greatly affect application-to-person (A2P) messaging and enhancing business communications amid the growing use of platforms like WhatsApp.