PsiQuantum announced an optical circuit switch built on its silicon photonics technology, aimed at AI data center GPU networking. A lab prototype with eight inputs and outputs lost just 1.2 dB of light without needing an amplifier, compared with a typical 3 dB loss tolerance in data center optics. The device is smaller than rivals' switches, which range from 32 to 300 ports, but PsiQuantum says larger versions are in development.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-10-30
A Sierra Club report cited by Bloomberg estimates that planned AI data centers in the US could increase power-sector carbon emissions by 618 million metric tons between 2025 and 2030, a 42% jump that would push 2030 emissions to 2.1 billion metric tons. The group also estimates off-grid power sources built to supply data centers directly could add another 460 million metric tons, roughly Mexico's annual emissions.
techspot.com
· 2026-10-29
A Wired opinion piece, shared via Slashdot, argues that the modern internet has become toxic, citing privacy and mental-health lawsuits against Meta and Google, smartphone bans in schools, youth social media restrictions in several countries, and a flood of AI-generated 'slop' content. The author points to Oxford's naming of 'rage bait' as 2025's word of the year as evidence that manipulative, AI-amplified engagement tactics now dominate online spaces.
tech.slashdot.org
· 2026-10-29
Fujifilm will invest 10 billion yen ($63.3 million) to expand capacity at its Odawara plant, aiming to boost magnetic tape production by up to five times by fiscal year 2028. The upgrade will let it manufacture tapes with capacities up to 100TB, marking its largest investment in tape storage in roughly two decades, according to Nikkei Asia.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-10-29
A WIRED commentary argues that the modern internet has become toxic, citing Meta and Google settlements over privacy and mental health lawsuits, school smartphone bans, and new under-16 social media restrictions in several countries. It also points to generative AI flooding feeds with low-quality content and Oxford University Press naming 'rage bait' its 2024 word of the year amid reduced content moderation by platform owners.
wired.com
· 2026-10-28
Xbox Series X pricing has risen sharply since its November 2020 launch at $499, with current models ranging from $725 to $900 depending on storage configuration. The 1TB disc version now sells around $799 and the digital-only white edition for $750, a roughly 60 percent increase from launch price.
engadget.com
· 2026-10-27
A new class of transformers that combine magnetic components with high-power semiconductors is under development as an alternative to conventional steel-and-copper transformers used to step electricity voltage up and down across the grid. These solid-state devices are more compact and offer finer control over electricity flow, though they cannot yet replace the largest traditional transformers used for high-voltage, long-distance transmission.
technologyreview.com
· 2026-10-27
NBC reporting details a wave of cargo thefts targeting servers and components headed to US data center construction sites, including a $13 million load stolen near Fayetteville, Georgia and a $10 million shipment taken in Texas. In both cases, thieves rammed police escort vehicles and tampered with GPS trackers before making off with the equipment. Investigators say roughly two dozen such thefts have occurred since last year, with some single shipments valued above $30 million.
futurism.com
· 2026-10-26
Elon Musk said on X that more than 200 'neocloud' companies could face mass failure and consolidation, citing tightening debt markets that now favor firms with revenue beyond AI data centers. Shares of Nebius, CoreWeave and Iren fell more than 4% in premarket trading Monday before paring losses. Musk's comments came in response to a post from Social Capital founder Chamath Palihapitiya, who warned of stranded, underutilized compute capacity emerging by 2027.
cnbc.com
· 2026-10-26
Nvidia has entered a preliminary partnership with German energy firm PreussenElektra to evaluate whether its decommissioned nuclear power plant sites could be converted into AI data centers. The assessment, announced October 21st, will examine grid connections, land availability and existing industrial infrastructure at the former plants to see if they can support high-performance computing facilities.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-10-25
Google's Finland country manager apologized after the company cleared roughly 816 acres of forest near Muhos without authorization, and Finnish regulators ordered it to stop further clearing near Otanmäki, where about 500 acres had already been cut down. Local residents say wolves and other wildlife have begun entering nearby villages after being displaced from the cleared forest, raising safety concerns alongside complaints about construction noise and streams turning brown.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-10-23
Carrier Global announced plans to build a $600 million manufacturing plant in Texas dedicated to producing cooling systems for data centers. The company described it as the largest single investment in its history, tied to rising demand from customers operating AI-focused data centers.
wsj.com
· 2026-10-22
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