Intel foundry. Image: Intel Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company has offered a share in its proposed acquisition of Intel’s chip foundries to NVIDIA, Broadcom, and AMD, sources told Reuters. The Taiwanese chipmaker intends to oversee the operations of Intel’s fab division, but aims to retain less than 50% ownership and is seeking multiple partners for the deal. Intel’s reluctance and internal divisions According to the anonymous sources, Intel does not want to sell its chip design house separately from the foundry division, which manufactures custom chips for its customers. Intel executives are also divided on whether striking any deal is a good idea. Last month, it was reported that TSMC and Broadcom were considering splitting the U.S. company’s manufacturing and design arms between them. Intel’s factories already operate somewhat independently; since 2022, they have taken orders from outside customers and in-house at equal priority. More about data centers Challenges in potential TSMC-Intel partnership TSMC has its own demands when it comes to the joint venture, as it wants any potential investors to also be Intel advanced-manufacturing customers. It did pitch to Qualcomm in the early stages, but the company has since exited discussions, sources said. SEE: Qualcomm, Intel, and Others Form Ambient IoT Coalition The sources added that any manufacturing partnership between TSMC and Intel would be difficult and costly in practice, as they use very different processes, materials, and tool setups when making their chips. Managing trade secrets between the two companies would pose another significant hurdle. Intel, TSMC, Nvidia, AMD, and Qualcomm declined Reuters’ requests for comment, while the White House and Broadcom did not respond. The pitch to NVIDIA, Broadcom, and AMD was reportedly made before TSMC announced earlier this month that it would invest an additional $100 billion building data centres in the U.S., bringing total spending to $160 billion. It dubbed this the “largest single foreign direct investment in U.S. history.” Trump is at the helm of the joint venture U.S. President Donald Trump encouraged TSMC to assist in pulling Intel out of its slump, according to the Reuters sources, by taking over some of Intel’s U.S. chipmaking factories. He is keen to revive the former U.S. manufacturing icon while strengthening domestic production, so he does not want any part of Intel to be fully foreign-owned, the sources added. SEE: Trump Calls for CHIPS Act Repeal, Slams ‘Horrible’ Subsidies Intel’s decline amid industry shift Intel used to be a giant in the CPU industry, but the AI boom and a failure to strategize in a way that benefits from current trends have led to struggles. Intel is unusual among its rivals in that it has not focused solely on either manufacturing or designing chips; as a result, it has seen its chip-making endeavors eclipsed by TSMC. The U.S. manufacturing icon also had some struggles with quality in 2024, leading to it reporting its first net loss since 1986 and dropping from first to second on Gartner’s list of top global semiconductor vendors by revenue growth. source

With their heavy battery packs, EVs are hardly known for being lightweight. That is, perhaps, until now.  British startup Longbow — founded by former Tesla, Lucid, and Polestar execs — emerged from stealth today with plans for two new ultralight EVs. The company bills the cars as “spiritual successors” to the iconic Lotus Elise and Jaguar E-Type. The first of the pair is Speedster, a nimble, open-top sports car weighing just 895kg that could accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds. Speedster will have an estimated range of 275 miles and a starting price of ₤84,995. The first customer deliveries are slated for 2026. Longbow said it initially wants to build 150 Speedsters. Following that, it plans to put its full attention on the EV’s slightly bulkier and cheaper brother — the Roadster. Costing ₤64,995 and weighing 995kg, the Roadster will be heavier but only marginally slower, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds.   Both the Speedster and the Roadster are featherweights in comparison to today’s EVs, which on average weigh around 2,000kg. In the sports car class, Tesla’s Roadster, which tipped the scales at 1,305kg, was one of the lightest ever to enter serial production, but that was phased out in 2012.   “Our first two cars embody everything a modern driver’s car should be: agile, balanced, electric, and exhilarating,” said Longbow’s co-founder and CEO David Davey, whose previous accomplishments include launching Lucid Motors in Europe and claims to have driven the Tesla Roadster that Elon Musk launched into space. “We are reviving an icon, the lightweight British sports car,” he said.  Together, the Roadster and Speedster represent a whole new class of cars — and a middle finger to the auto establishment.  The Speedster is a throwback to iconic British sports cars. Credit: Longbow Over the years, EVs have been getting bigger and bigger — in market share, sure — but also in physical size. That’s partly because batteries are getting heavier and taking up more space. But it’s also because automakers are catering to demand for electric equivalents of SUVs, pickup trucks, and even hummers.  “Astonishingly, the very segment that sparked the electric revolution — the global 2 seater sports car market worth approximately $16bn, encompassing around 250,000 vehicles per year — remains almost untouched by electrification,” Davey wrote on LinkedIn.  With most established automakers all competing in the same segment, Longbow looks to seize a gap in the market.  Longbow’s EV credentials That all sounds great, but what sets this apart from all the other fancy 3D renders out there? First, Longbow’s CV is drenched in EV acumen. The founders — Davey, Jenny Keisu, and Mark Tapscott — have combined experience launching electric vehicles at Tesla, Uber, Polestar, and Lucid. Keisu was the CEO of X Shore, adding electric boating expertise into the mix. “We bring experience from the heart of EV innovation, understanding intimately how to design and deliver game-changing vehicles at commercial scale,” said Davey.  The Longbow founders (left to right): Daniel Davey, Jenny Keisu, and Mark Tapscott. Credit: Longbow Then there’s Longbow’s rather modest designs and specs. Instead of reinventing the wheel, the company is adopting a basic aluminium chassis, featuring reusable and configurable parts for greater durability. It also plans to source most of the car’s parts from third parties. That includes a rather basic 240kW motor, readily available off-the-shelf.  Yes, this all makes both the Speedster and Roadster slower than an electric hypercar and less fancy than a Porsche Taycan or Maserati Granturismo Folgore. But then again, it’s also a fraction of the price. Longbow’s pair of EVs could be the sweet spot for someone looking for a Sunday drive to replace their old Porsche Boxster or Lotus Elise.  The Roadster is the bigger brother of the Speedster. Credit: Longbow The Speedster and Roadster are already available for pre-order. And Longbow — which has been operating in stealth for the last few years — hopes to unveil its first prototype later this year.  “We’re not naïve about the challenges ahead,” said Davey. “Scaling production, navigating global supply chain complexities, and confronting competition from legacy automakers requires strategic foresight.” For these reasons, the company will start with a limited edition Speedster of 150 units before moving to series production of the Roadster. “The Next in Tech” is one of three key themes at TNW Conference, which takes place on June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Tickets for the event are now on sale. To get 30% off, use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at the check-out. source

Join our daily and weekly newsletters for the latest updates and exclusive content on industry-leading AI coverage. Learn More Google’s latest open-source AI model Gemma 3 isn’t the only big news from the Alphabet subsidiary today. No, in fact, the spotlight may have been stolen by Google’s Gemini 2.0 Flash with native image generation, a new experimental model available for free to users of Google AI Studio and to developers through Google’s Gemini API. It’s the first time a major U.S. tech company has shipped multimodal image generation directly within a model to consumers. Most other AI image generation tools were diffusion models (image-specific ones) hooked up to large language models (LLMs), requiring a bit of interpretation between two models to derive an image that the user asked for in a text prompt. This was the case both for Google’s previous Gemini LLMs connected to its Imagen diffusion models, and OpenAI’s previous (and still, as far as we know) current setup of connecting ChatGPT and various underlying LLMs to its DALL·E 3 diffusion model. By contrast, Gemini 2.0 Flash can generate images natively within the same model into which the user types text prompts, theoretically allowing for greater accuracy and more capabilities — and the early indications are that this is entirely true. Gemini 2.0 Flash, first unveiled in December 2024 but without the native image-generation capability switched on for users, integrates multimodal input, reasoning and natural language understanding to generate images alongside text. The newly available experimental version, gemini-2.0-flash-exp, enables developers to create illustrations, refine images through conversation and generate detailed visuals based on world knowledge. How Gemini 2.0 Flash enhances AI-generated images In a developer-facing blog post published earlier today, Google highlights several key capabilities of Gemini 2.0 Flash’s native image generation: • Text and image storytelling: Developers can use Gemini 2.0 Flash to generate illustrated stories while maintaining consistency in characters and settings. The model also responds to feedback, allowing users to adjust the story or change the art style. • Conversational image editing: The AI supports multi-turn editing, meaning users can iteratively refine an image by providing instructions through natural language prompts. This feature enables real-time collaboration and creative exploration. • World knowledge-based image generation: Gemini 2.0 Flash leverages broader reasoning capabilities than many other image generation models, to produce more contextually relevant images. For instance, it can illustrate recipes with detailed visuals that align with real-world ingredients and cooking methods. • Improved text rendering: Many AI image models struggle to accurately generate legible text within images, often producing misspellings or distorted characters. Google reports that Gemini 2.0 Flash outperforms leading competitors in text rendering, making it particularly useful for advertisements, social media posts and invitations. Initial examples show incredible potential and promise Googlers and some AI power users took to X to share examples of the new image generation and editing capabilities offered through Gemini 2.0 Flash Experimental, and they were undoubtedly impressive. AI and tech educator Paul Couvert pointed out that “You can basically edit any image in natural language [fire emoji]. Not only the ones you generate with Gemini 2.0 Flash but also existing ones,” showing how he uploaded photos and altered them using only text prompts. Users @apolinario and @fofr showed how you could upload a headshot and modify it into totally different takes with new props like a bowl of spaghetti, or change the direction the subject was looking in while preserving their likeness with incredible accuracy, or even zoom out and generate a full-body image based on nothing other than a headshot. Google DeepMind researcher Robert Riachi showcased how the model can generate images in a pixel-art style and then create new ones in the same style based on text prompts. AI news account TestingCatalog News reported on the rollout of Gemini 2.0 Flash Experimental’s multimodal capabilities, noting that Google is the first major lab to deploy this feature. User @Angaisb_ aka “Angel” showed in a compelling example how a prompt to “add chocolate drizzle” modified an existing image of croissants in seconds — revealing Gemini 2.0 Flash’s fast and accurate image editing capabilities via simply chatting with the model. YouTuber Theoretically Media pointed out that this incremental image editing without full regeneration is something the AI industry has long anticipated, demonstrating how it was easy to ask Gemini 2.0 Flash to edit an image to raise a character’s arm while preserving the entire rest of the image. Former Googler turned AI YouTuber Bilawal Sidhu showed how the model colorizes black-and-white images, hinting at potential historical restoration or creative enhancement applications. These early reactions suggest that developers and AI enthusiasts see Gemini 2.0 Flash as a highly flexible tool for iterative design, creative storytelling and AI-assisted visual editing. The swift rollout also contrasts with OpenAI’s GPT-4o, which previewed native image generation capabilities in May 2024 — nearly a year ago — but has yet to release the feature publicly, allowing Google to seize the opportunity to lead in multimodal AI deployment. As user @chatgpt21 aka “Chris” pointed out on X, OpenAI has in this case “los[t] the year + lead” it had on this capability for unknown reasons. The user invited anyone from OpenAI to comment on why. My own tests revealed some limitations with the aspect ratio size — it seemed stuck in 1:1 for me, despite my asking in text to modify it — but it was able to switch the direction of characters in an image within seconds. While much of the early discussion around Gemini 2.0 Flash’s native image generation has focused on individual users and creative applications, its implications for enterprise teams, developers and software architects are significant. AI-powered design and marketing at scale: For marketing teams and content creators, Gemini 2.0 Flash could serve as a cost-efficient alternative to traditional graphic design workflows, automating the creation of branded content, advertisements and social media visuals. Since it supports text rendering within images, it could streamline ad creation, packaging design and promotional graphics, reducing reliance

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Image: Intel Intel has named chip industry veteran Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO, effective March 18. The 65-year-old spent 12 years as the CEO of Cadence Design Systems, a company specializing in software and hardware solutions for chip design, during which he doubled its revenue. Tan also founded a venture capital firm that has backed numerous successful tech startups and served on the boards of major tech companies, including Intel, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Schneider Electric. “Together, we will work hard to restore Intel’s position as a world-class products company, establish ourselves as a world-class foundry and delight our customers like never before,” Tan said in a letter to Intel employees on Wednesday. TechRepublic breaks down key details about the Malaysian-born executive as he takes charge of the U.S. tech giant. 1. Tan was on Intel’s board of directors As CEO of Cadence Design Systems, Tan oversaw the company’s supply of design solutions and IP to Intel. He also served on Intel’s board of directors from 2022 to 2024. This was a significant era for the company as it was shifting towards its IDM 2.0 strategy, an effort aimed to modernize its manufacturing capabilities. Tan resigned from the board in August, citing a “personal decision based on a need to reprioritize various commitments.” His departure signaled his independence. According to Reuters, he was frustrated with the company’s large workforce and its bureaucratic, risk-averse culture. 2. Tan is replacing ousted CEO Gelsinger He is replacing Pat Gelsinger, who was removed by Intel’s board in December 2024 following more than 30 years at the company. Gelsinger’s ambitious turnaround plan — which involved funnelling money into new fabs — failed to provide notable market share growth or profitability. Following Tan’s appointment, Intel’s shares surged by 12%, reflecting investor optimism. Unlike an ex-financier who might push for immediate gains through divestitures, Tan is expected to take a more strategic, long-term approach rather than adhering to legacy processes. What’s hot at TechRepublic 3. Tan will try to revive Intel’s chip business Once a dominant force in the CPU industry, Intel has struggled amid the AI boom and shifting industry dynamics. Unlike rivals who specialize in either chip design or manufacturing, Intel continues to operate in both sectors — a strategy that has left its fabrication efforts lagging behind TSMC. In 2024, Intel’s stock declined by 60%, and the company fell from first to second place on Gartner’s list of top global semiconductor vendors by revenue growth. With a background in both chip design and manufacturing, Tan is well-positioned to lead Intel’s turnaround. SEE: Qualcomm, Intel, and Others Form Ambient IoT Coalition 4. Tan will have to negotiate with U.S. chipmakers Intel faces pressure from competitors circling its custom chip foundries. In recent weeks, TSMC, NVIDIA, Broadcom, and AMD have been considering a joint takeover of Intel’s custom chip foundries, with NVIDIA and Broadcom initiating manufacturing testing. TSMC and Broadcom were also considering splitting Intel’s manufacturing and design arms, a move Intel execs are reportedly pushing back against. Tan’s leadership will be critical in determining how these negotiations unfold. SEE: TSMC’s $100B Investment in US Data Centers Sets Foreign Investment Record 5. Tan has Trump’s support According to Reuters, U.S. President Donald Trump encouraged TSMC to help revive Intel by taking over some of its U.S. chipmaking factories. Trump, who has prioritized strengthening domestic chip production, opposes any plan that would result in full foreign ownership of Intel’s assets. As a result, TSMC is reportedly limiting its stake in Intel to under 50% to ensure regulatory approval under a potential Trump administration. source

By Ali Sullivan ( March 13, 2025, 7:11 PM EDT) — Drone manufacturer DJI wants the U.S. Department of Defense to turn over classified information behind the decision to list it as a Chinese military company, claiming the materials are essential for its lawsuit contesting the designation…. Law360 is on it, so you are, too. A Law360 subscription puts you at the center of fast-moving legal issues, trends and developments so you can act with speed and confidence. Over 200 articles are published daily across more than 60 topics, industries, practice areas and jurisdictions. A Law360 subscription includes features such as Daily newsletters Expert analysis Mobile app Advanced search Judge information Real-time alerts 450K+ searchable archived articles And more! Experience Law360 today with a free 7-day trial. source

The company introduces three Agentblazer Status levels to recognize the development of Agentforce skills, culminating in its Agentforce Specialist certification. source

By Nadia Dreid ( March 10, 2025, 9:51 PM EDT) — The Federal Communications Commission’s new leader wants to know if YouTube and Google have a policy, “secret or otherwise,” of discriminating against faith-based programming after receiving a complaint from the network that owns the popular Christian streaming service PureFlix…. Law360 is on it, so you are, too. A Law360 subscription puts you at the center of fast-moving legal issues, trends and developments so you can act with speed and confidence. Over 200 articles are published daily across more than 60 topics, industries, practice areas and jurisdictions. A Law360 subscription includes features such as Daily newsletters Expert analysis Mobile app Advanced search Judge information Real-time alerts 450K+ searchable archived articles And more! Experience Law360 today with a free 7-day trial. source

Offering this kind of training to employees could be a recruiting advantage for companies. According to Korn Ferry’s global workforce survey of 10,000 professionals, released in late October, development opportunities were the fourth most important factor in accepting a new job offer, after flexible working hours, generous compensation, and job security. However, only 32% of companies say they plan to focus on upskilling current employees to address skill gaps. To help address the skills shortage, the public sector is also stepping up. For example, the District of Columbia has already invested $1.2 million in AI training programs for DC residents, including data science, Python, and other areas. And students don’t pay for these classes. “We pay people to go into these trainings, and then connect them with an internship or apprenticeship where for six months we pay their wages, and they get their experience,” says Unique Morris-Hughes, director of the Department of Employment Services for the District of Columbia. “When they complete the program, they’re ready to go right into the field.” The accelerating pace of change What makes gen AI different from other major tech revolutions is that the AI itself can be used to help meet the challenges it creates. “Unlike any other technology, you can talk to it like a person,” says Adam Paulisick, professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. “This single shift has led to more receptivity, adoption, and faster training than any other technology we have.” And the changes are cumulative and unpredictable, he adds. “In three to five years, people might just have an agent, and websites become unnecessary,” he says. “Those kinds of nonlinear changes are hard to understand right now.” source

By Christopher Cole ( March 12, 2025, 8:09 PM EDT) — The nation’s telecom rules will get a makeover to “delete” a lot of requirements the Federal Communications Commission has determined are no longer needed under an effort launched Wednesday by FCC Chair Brendan Carr…. Law360 is on it, so you are, too. A Law360 subscription puts you at the center of fast-moving legal issues, trends and developments so you can act with speed and confidence. Over 200 articles are published daily across more than 60 topics, industries, practice areas and jurisdictions. A Law360 subscription includes features such as Daily newsletters Expert analysis Mobile app Advanced search Judge information Real-time alerts 450K+ searchable archived articles And more! Experience Law360 today with a free 7-day trial. source