Biden proposes new export controls on GPUs targeting China

The Biden administration has unveiled its “AI diffusion rule,” which aims to restrict the export of GPUs that are most coveted for AI applications. Although it does not mention the nation by name, it’s broadly viewed as a means to prevent China from outpacing the US in AI development.

The rule proposes three licensing tiers. The first tier is unrestricted and includes the domestic market as well as 18 strategic allies. The majority of countries fall into a second tier, which will have caps on how much compute power they can import via top GPUs from the US. The third tier includes China, Russia, Iran and North Korea, and effectively bars US companies from selling their most powerful GPUs there.

US-based companies would also be prevented from sharing many details of their AI software models with countries outside that first tier, and would need to ask permission from the federal government before building large data centers in any tier two nation.

Many parties, including the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), issued statements condemning the decision, believing that the restrictions will do more to push nations towards working with China. “The new rule risks causing unintended and lasting damage to America’s economy and global competitiveness in semiconductors and AI by ceding strategic markets to our competitors,” SIA wrote.

NVIDIA also objected, with Ned Finkle, the company’s Vice President of Government Affairs, saying the Biden Administration “seeks to undermine America’s leadership with a 200+ page regulatory morass, drafted in secret and without proper legislative review.”

The rule has a 120 day comment period, so whether it survives the incoming Trump administration remains an open question.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/biden-proposes-new-export-controls-on-gpus-targeting-china-144022297.html?src=rss 

The 256GB Meta Quest 3S is down to its lowest price yet

The Meta Quest 3S 256GB model is currently down to $349, its lowest price yet. This is our favorite cheap VR headsets, and at $51 off it’s even cheaper than ever.

If you purchase a Meta Quest 3S now, you also get a copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow and a three-month free trial of Meta Quest+. Both freebies have a combined value of $70. The Meta Quest+ subscription unlocks around 25 games, as well as multiplayer support for some titles. Additionally, you can redeem two free games a month. All redeemed apps belong to you, too, so they won’t disappear if your subscription ends.

The Meta Quest 3S doesn’t only do VR; its mixed reality capabilities are also excellent. You can adjust how much VR immersion you want and it supports multiple windows in your display for effortless multitasking. The headset itself has speakers, but if you want better sound, you’ll have to choose between USB-C earphones or slotting a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter for your other earphones.

If you’re interested in a deeper dive into the Meta Quest 3S capabilities, take a look at our review.

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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-256gb-meta-quest-3s-is-down-to-its-lowest-price-yet-153735525.html?src=rss 

Samsung’s 2024 Smart M8 monitor is on sale for just $399

Samsung’s 32-inch Smart Monitor M8 (M80D, 2024 refresh) can act not only as a monitor with a webcam, but a smart TV as well thanks to the built-in speakers and support for cloud gaming and streaming platforms. It normally costs $700, but it’s back down near an all-time low of $400 at Amazon, netting you a savings of $300 or 43 percent.

The refreshed Smart Monitor M8 has the same features as past models, but can now do even more things with the need for a computer or console — including video calls via the detachable webcam and streaming content from providers like Netflix and Prime Video. There’s even a tool that lets you quickly send images and text from other Samsung devices, like Galaxy smartphones and Book laptops, to the monitor. It also integrates with Galaxy Buds to offer a “surround sound-like experience” with minimal latency.

It offers UHD (3,840 x 2,160) resolution at up to 60Hz, along with HDR10+. With a VA panel, it’s decently bright at 400 nits, offers a 4-millisecond response time and displays up to a billion colors, with 99 percent sRGB coverage. Input-wise, you get USB-C and Micro HDMI 2.0 inputs, along with a USB-C charging interface. Finally, it has a a detachable SlimFit Cam for video calls, making it a solid choice for work or light content creation.

That’s just the half of it, though. It’s a WiFi-capable smart TV that supports Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV, as well as cloud gaming platforms. It comes with built-in dual 5W speakers and a home hub that allows you to use it to control SmartThings-compatible IoT devices like lights and thermostats. It even has built-in support for Microsoft 365, so you can edit documents or browse the web without having to connect it to a computer.

Other features include the ability to change the angle and position with the high-adjustable stand, along with a game bar that makes it easy to switch between cloud services. Normally it sells for $700, making the $400 sale price a particularly good deal — so it’s best to act fast while it’s in stock.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/samsungs-2024-smart-m8-monitor-is-on-sale-for-just-399-130009470.html?src=rss 

How to watch Blue Origin’s inaugural New Glenn launch

Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is ready for liftoff. After some weather-related delays over the weekend, the Jeff Bezos-owned space company said that the $2.5 billion reusable rocket, which has been in development for nearly 13 years, will target its first launch no earlier than Monday, January 13. Its three-hour launch window kicks off at 1AM ET. The webcast will begin an hour before launch, and you can watch New Glenn take flight on Blue Origin’s website, X or the company’s YouTube channel.

New Glenn’s inaugural mission (NG-1) will serve as its first Space Force national security certification flight, necessary to compete against the likes of SpaceX for Department of Defense and national intelligence contracts. Its reusable first stage is designed for at least 25 flights. Blue Origin has several New Glenn vehicles in production.

The Blue Ring Pathfinder

Blue Origin

Blue Origin describes New Glenn as “our giant, reusable rocket built for bigger things.” The “giant” bit is apt: The rocket stands over 320 ft (98 m) high. As for its “bigger things,” that includes the metaphorical (like potential missions to Mars) and literal: It can carry over 45 metric tons to low Earth orbit (LEO) and 13 to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). By comparison, rival SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy can lift nearly 64 metric tons to LEO and almost 27 to GTO orbit.

On its maiden voyage, New Glenn will carry a prototype of the company’s multipurpose Blue Ring Pathfinder. The craft is designed to transport, refuel and host satellites and other spacecraft and can carry three metric tons of cargo into space. Friday’s launch will test Blue Ring’s core flight / ground systems and operational capabilities.

Blue Origin

After New Glenn lifts off from Launch Complex 36 in Cape Canaveral, its reusable first stage will land on a barge, “Jacklyn,” floating several hundred miles away in the Atlantic Ocean.

New Glenn, named after pioneering astronaut John Glenn, completed its first launch countdown dress rehearsal on December 27. After several countdown attempts over a few hours, the rocket’s seven BE-4 engines ignited and fired for 24 seconds (spending 13 seconds at 100 percent thrust), paving the way for Friday’s targeted launch. The rocket’s first flight was initially slated for October, carrying two Mars-bound NASA satellites, but the launch was scrapped because it wouldn’t be ready by then.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/how-to-watch-blue-origins-inaugural-new-glenn-launch-013009830.html?src=rss 

‘Landman’ Season 2: Will Taylor Sheridan’s Show Return to Paramount+?

‘Landman’ made a splash with season 1, and fans are already asking if the show will return for a second season. Find out details below.

‘Landman’ made a splash with season 1, and fans are already asking if the show will return for a second season. Find out details below. 

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