AI Infrastructure AI News & Updates

Microsoft Reduces Data Center Footprint Amid Industry Expansion

Microsoft has canceled leases totaling approximately two data centers' worth of capacity with multiple providers. This contraction stands in contrast to significant industry expansion, including the $500 billion Stargate project by OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, and raises questions about Microsoft's expectations for future AI demand.

xAI's Supercomputer Operations Raise Environmental and Health Concerns

Elon Musk's xAI has applied for permits to continue operating 15 gas turbines powering its "Colossus" supercomputer in Memphis through 2030, despite emissions exceeding EPA hazardous air pollutant limits. The turbines, which have been running since summer 2024 reportedly without proper oversight, emit formaldehyde and other pollutants affecting approximately 22,000 nearby residents.

Amazon Plans $100 Billion AI Investment in 2025 as Big Tech Accelerates Spending

Amazon has announced plans to spend over $100 billion on capital expenditures in 2025, with the vast majority dedicated to AI capabilities for its AWS cloud division. This represents a significant increase from Amazon's $78 billion capex in 2024, and aligns with similar massive AI investments announced by other tech giants including Meta, Alphabet, and Microsoft, who are collectively planning to spend hundreds of billions on AI infrastructure.

India to Host Chinese DeepSeek AI Models on Local Servers Despite Historical Tech Restrictions

India's IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced plans to host Chinese AI lab DeepSeek's models on domestic servers, marking a rare allowance for Chinese technology in a country that has banned over 300 Chinese apps since 2020. The arrangement appears contingent on data localization, with DeepSeek's models to be hosted on India's new AI Compute Facility equipped with nearly 19,000 GPUs.