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Home/Models & Labs
Models & Labs

Google Developing New AI Chip for Gemini Models

TechCrunch AI·July 20, 2026·high confidence

Why it matters

  • →Custom AI chips can significantly enhance model efficiency and performance.
  • →Reducing dependency on Nvidia could alter the competitive landscape in AI hardware.
  • →Improved efficiency addresses concerns about AI computing capacity and costs.
Google Developing New AI Chip for Gemini Models
©TechCrunch AI

Google is reportedly developing a new AI chip, 'Frozen v2', to enhance the efficiency of its Gemini models. Expected to launch in 2028, the chip could be six to ten times more efficient than existing AI chips, according to sources. This development is part of a broader trend where tech companies are creating custom chips to reduce dependency on Nvidia and improve AI model performance. The news has positively influenced Google's stock, indicating investor confidence in the company's AI strategy.

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Anthropic's $1.5 billion settlement over copyright infringement has been approved, marking a pivotal moment in the intersection of AI and copyright law. The settlement compensates authors and publishers $3,000 per work due to Anthropic's use of pirated books for AI training. While the court ruled that training AI on copyrighted text constitutes fair use, it highlighted the illegality of sourcing books from pirate sites. This decision remains a district court ruling and does not establish a binding precedent, leaving the broader legal landscape open. The case highlights ongoing tensions in the AI industry regarding the use of copyrighted materials, as similar lawsuits continue against other major tech companies.

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TechCrunch AI·Jul 20, 2026

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The b10069 release of llama.cpp brings notable improvements to OpenCL support, particularly targeting Adreno GPUs. By enabling broadcast for Adreno MUL_MAT and respecting view offsets, this update aims to boost performance for multi-stream operations on llama-server. The release also extends general GEMM/GEMV support for broadcast, which could optimize operations across different hardware setups. Although there are no revolutionary new features, these updates represent a consistent enhancement in compatibility and performance, especially for developers working with a range of hardware configurations.

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The b10075 release of llama.cpp marks a significant step in enhancing its compatibility across diverse hardware setups. With the addition of ROCm 7.2 support on Ubuntu, AMD GPU users can now enjoy improved performance. Windows users benefit from the inclusion of CUDA 13.3, ensuring better integration with NVIDIA GPUs. The update also brings Vulkan support, which optimizes GPU utilization for developers. Although no new model architectures are introduced, this release reinforces llama.cpp's role as a flexible and adaptable inference runtime for developers working in varied environments.

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Thinking Machines has unveiled Inkling, a new open-weights model boasting 975 billion parameters. While the model is described as 'deliberately mid,' its release marks a significant step in the ongoing evolution of large language models. This development could provide new opportunities for developers seeking to leverage massive AI models with open access. The introduction of Inkling suggests a shift towards more accessible and customizable AI tools, potentially democratizing the use of advanced AI capabilities.

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