Microsoft rolls out next generation of its AI chips, takes aim at Nvidia’s software

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Microsoft has unveiled the second generation of its in-house artificial intelligence chip, Maia 200, alongside new software tools designed to challenge Nvidia’s dominance among AI developers. The chip is going live this week at a Microsoft data center in Iowa, with a second deployment planned in Arizona, marking a key step in the company’s effort to reduce reliance on external chip suppliers.

The Maia 200 follows Microsoft’s first Maia chip introduced in 2023 and arrives as major cloud providers increasingly develop their own AI hardware. Companies such as Google and Amazon Web Services, traditionally large Nvidia customers, are now rolling out custom chips that compete directly with Nvidia’s offerings. The shift reflects growing demand for tailored AI infrastructure optimized for large-scale cloud workloads.

Alongside the new chip, Microsoft announced a suite of software tools to support developers, including Triton, an open-source programming framework that performs similar functions to Nvidia’s widely used Cuda software. By strengthening its software ecosystem, Microsoft is targeting what many analysts view as Nvidia’s most significant competitive advantage.

The Maia 200 is manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company using advanced 3-nanometer technology and incorporates high-bandwidth memory. Microsoft has also emphasized the use of SRAM, a fast memory type that can improve performance for AI systems handling large volumes of user requests, a design choice increasingly favored by Nvidia’s emerging competitors.

VinFast teams up with Autobrains to develop low-cost self-driving tech

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Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast has partnered with artificial intelligence company Autobrains to develop advanced autonomous driving technology, including a low-cost “Robo-Car” system. The collaboration is aimed at accelerating VinFast’s self-driving ambitions while reducing costs by moving away from expensive sensor-heavy approaches.

The partnership will focus on improving driver assistance systems for upcoming VinFast electric vehicles, building on the company’s existing Level 2 autonomy capabilities. Pilot testing of the enhanced technology is already underway on the VF 8 and VF 9 models, with plans to gradually roll out more advanced features across VinFast’s vehicle lineup.

In addition, the companies are exploring a new Robo-Car architecture designed to enable higher levels of autonomy without relying on costly LiDAR sensors, radar systems or high-definition maps. Similar to Tesla’s strategy, the system uses seven standard cameras combined with a compact, high-performance computing chip. Testing is currently taking place in controlled zones in Hanoi, with expansion planned to larger cities and international markets.

Texas governor bars state employees from using Shein, Alibaba products

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a ban on state employees using products from several Chinese-owned companies, including Shein, Alibaba and TP-Link, citing concerns over data security and the privacy of Texans. The restriction applies to state-owned devices and networks and covers physical hardware, software and artificial intelligence tools.

The list of prohibited companies also includes online shopping platform Temu, battery maker CATL, Chinese drone manufacturer Autel and artificial intelligence firm iFlyTek. Abbott said the move was aimed at preventing potential access by the Chinese government to sensitive data handled by Texas state agencies.

The decision follows a broader trend among U.S. state and federal officials to limit the use of technology linked to China on security grounds. While Texas has taken a firm stance, the move comes as Washington and Beijing reached a temporary easing of tensions last October after years of trade and technology disputes.

Abbott’s order reflects ongoing concerns about foreign technology in government systems and adds Texas to a growing list of U.S. jurisdictions imposing restrictions on Chinese-linked products in the name of cybersecurity and national security.