Tech41 min ago
Chinese scientists create optical chip that makes AI 100 times faster with less energy
Chinese researchers have developed a new type of chip connection that uses light instead of electricity to link standard computer chips. This optical system speeds up artificial intelligence tasks by more than 100 times while using only about one-ninth of the normal computing power. The breakthrough could help solve the growing problem of energy consumption in AI data centers.
As AI models become more common in everyday life, they require enormous amounts of computing power. Currently, companies build larger data centers and add more graphics processing units (GPUs) to meet this demand. But this approach uses huge amounts of electricity and generates a lot of heat.
The new all-optical interconnect system works by transmitting data using light pulses between chips. This is much faster and more efficient than traditional electrical connections. In tests, the system performed distributed inference—where multiple chips work together to run an AI model—over 100 times faster than current methods.
The researchers say this technology could reduce the energy and hardware needed for AI computing. It may also help make AI systems faster and more accessible without requiring massive data centers. The work was published in a Chinese scientific journal and is seen as a major step forward in optical computing.
SCMP
Tech5 hr ago
Government Schools Close Digital Gap with Improved Internet and Smart Classrooms
Government schools in India have made significant strides in bridging the digital divide, according to recent data. Internet connectivity in these schools has increased substantially, narrowing the gap with private institutions. Smart classroom access has also seen notable improvements, with national coverage rising overall. Government schools, in particular, recorded strong gains in this area.
Computer availability improved across all types of school management, including government, government-aided, and private institutions. However, digital libraries remain scarce in most schools, highlighting a continuing challenge.
The progress reflects ongoing efforts to equip government schools with modern technology, helping students gain digital skills essential for today's world. While the digital divide is not fully closed, the trend shows positive movement toward greater equality in educational resources.
Times of India
Tech8 hr ago
India's own train safety system KAVACH now operational on Solapur-Wadi route
The Solapur–Wadi section of the Central Railway has become the first route in the Solapur Division to be equipped with KAVACH, an indigenous train protection system developed in India. The 149.476-kilometer stretch now benefits from this technology, which is designed to prevent collisions and enhance railway safety.
KAVACH is an automatic train protection system that continuously monitors train speed and applies brakes automatically if the driver fails to respond to signals. It uses radio communication to transmit data between trains and trackside equipment. The system was developed under the 'Make in India' initiative and is recognized for its low cost and high reliability.
The installation on the Solapur–Wadi section marks a significant step towards modernizing Indian Railways' safety infrastructure. The system is expected to reduce human errors and improve operational efficiency. According to railway officials, KAVACH will be extended to other routes in the coming years.
This development aligns with the government's focus on enhancing passenger safety and adopting advanced technology in the rail network. The Solapur–Wadi route now joins a select group of railway sections in the country that have implemented this homegrown solution.
The Hindu
Tech8 hr ago
Karnataka Police to Launch Digital FIR System for Cybercrime Victims
The Karnataka State Police are set to introduce a new electronic system for reporting cybercrimes, making it easier for victims to file complaints. Under the upcoming system, when a person calls the central cybercrime helpline number 1930, the operator will enter the details directly into the Karnataka Police IT portal and the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal. This entry will automatically generate an e-zero FIR, which is a digital version of the First Information Report. Traditionally, filing an FIR requires visiting a police station and filling out paperwork. The e-zero FIR aims to speed up the process, allowing police to start investigations without delay. The system is expected to be launched soon, though an exact date has not been announced. This move is part of ongoing efforts to modernize policing and tackle the rising number of online frauds, scams, and other cyber offenses. The e-zero FIR will be considered a legal document, similar to a regular FIR, and can be used as a basis for further legal action. The integration with the national portal ensures that cases are tracked at both state and central levels. Victims will receive a copy of the e-zero FIR via email or SMS, providing immediate proof of the complaint. The initiative is particularly important for victims in remote areas, who may find it difficult to reach a police station. By digitizing the first step of reporting, the Karnataka Police hope to encourage more people to come forward and report cybercrimes without fear of lengthy procedures.
The Hindu
Tech9 hr ago
Google New Setting Lets Company Use Your Photos and Voice for AI Training
Google has introduced a new setting called 'Save Media' that allows the company to use your photos, voice recordings, and uploaded files to train its artificial intelligence models. This setting is turned on by default for some users, and the data can be kept for up to four years. The move is part of Google's efforts to improve its AI products, such as Google Lens and voice search. However, privacy advocates have raised concerns about how Google handles user data. The Save Media setting applies to images taken with Google Lens, voice search queries, and any files you upload to Google services. Users can opt out by going into their Google account settings and disabling the Save Media option. If disabled, Google says it will not use that data for AI training. But experts warn that many users may not be aware of the setting or how to change it. Google has faced scrutiny in the past over data collection practices. The company maintains that it uses data responsibly and gives users control over their information. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, the use of personal data for training these systems is likely to remain a hot topic. Users are encouraged to review their privacy settings regularly.
Fox News
Tech16 hr ago
Musk and OpenAI CEO Altman Exchange Barbs in Latest Public Spat
Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have renewed their public feud, trading insults online. The latest exchange began when Musk called Altman 'Scam Altman' on social media. Altman responded by suggesting Musk is obsessed with him, saying 'Elon is obsessed with me.'
Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but left the company in 2018. Since then, he has repeatedly criticized OpenAI for shifting from its original nonprofit mission to a for-profit model. Musk has also raised concerns about the safety of artificial intelligence, which he says OpenAI is not handling properly.
OpenAI, meanwhile, has defended its move to a 'capped-profit' structure, arguing it needs funding to develop advanced AI. Altman has dismissed Musk's criticisms as stemming from personal grievances rather than genuine concerns.
The spat highlights ongoing tensions in the AI industry, where former collaborators often become rivals. Musk is developing his own AI startup, xAI, which competes with OpenAI. This latest clash is just one of many between the two tech leaders.
NDTV World