Tech

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stated that demand for H200 AI chips in China is “very high,” following potential U.S. export approval. The company has reactivated its supply chain and is finalizing export license details. These chips are crucial for AI development, and the Chinese market holds significant potential for Nvidia. Huang anticipates sales will be incremental to existing forecasts, with China’s regulatory approval likely indicated by purchase orders rather than formal announcements.

Epic Cleantec, a startup focused on wastewater recycling, is now brewing craft beer with reclaimed water from showers and laundry. Their advanced purification process ensures high-quality, clean water for brewing, aiming to shift public perception of recycled water by offering it in a popular format. This initiative not only conserves freshwater resources but also promotes a broader message about sustainable water management in buildings. The beer is available for purchase online and in select retail locations.

Amazon’s new AI shopping tools, “Shop Direct” and “Buy for Me,” are facing backlash from retailers. These features allow Amazon’s AI to list and even purchase products from external websites without explicit consent. Businesses report unauthorized listings and fulfillment issues, feeling exploited. Amazon claims the tools help customers discover products and businesses reach new audiences, offering an opt-out. This initiative highlights the growing tension between AI-driven e-commerce innovation and businesses’ control over their data and listings.

xAI has successfully raised $20 billion, surpassing its initial target and reaching a valuation of $230 billion. This funding comes amidst a boom in the AI sector, with significant investments in competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic. The company also merged with X (formerly Twitter) and is facing regulatory scrutiny over its Grok chatbot’s content. Despite controversies, xAI has secured a partnership with the Department of Defense and is integrating Grok into prediction markets.

Meta has appointed Curtis Joseph Mahoney as its new Chief Legal Officer, succeeding Jennifer Newstead. Mahoney, formerly of Microsoft, brings extensive legal and regulatory experience to Meta as the company faces significant litigation and scrutiny, particularly regarding child safety. His background in AI innovation and global trade is expected to bolster Meta’s legal strategy amidst its development of the metaverse and advanced technologies.

Meta’s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses are experiencing overwhelming demand in the U.S., leading to production delays and a postponed international rollout. The company is prioritizing existing U.S. orders, with waitlists extending into 2026. This high consumer interest in Meta’s AI-powered eyewear, which offers photo/video capture, music, calls, and AI assistant interaction, highlights a growing market for wearable AI devices.

AMD is actively hiring, prioritizing candidates with a demonstrated embrace of AI technology. CEO Lisa Su clarified that the chip giant is not slowing hiring due to AI, but rather seeking “AI forward” talent to enhance productivity. This strategy positions AMD to capitalize on the AI revolution, integrating the technology across its operations and viewing it as an augmentation of human capabilities. Despite broader concerns about AI’s impact on employment, AMD is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation.

CNBC is now accepting applications for the 2026 Disruptor 50 list, focusing on AI companies deploying technology at scale for tangible business value. Submissions are due February 23rd. Companies founded after January 1, 2011, are eligible. The selection process will evaluate scalability, growth, and technology implementation, reflecting a shift towards pragmatic, enterprise-centric disruption and public market readiness, even for capital-intensive ventures.

NinjaOne has surpassed $500 million in ARR, experiencing nearly 70% year-over-year revenue growth and a 60% increase in its 35,000-strong customer base. This success is attributed to continuous product innovation, exceptional customer support, and a unified IT management platform. The company, valued at $5 billion, anticipates further growth, planning to integrate AI into its offerings to enhance IT efficiency and productivity.

Stock futures traded cautiously as markets processed geopolitical developments from Venezuela, evolving monetary policy signals from the Fed, and significant technological shifts. Investors are watching for inflation trends and AI’s dual impact on productivity and hiring. The automotive sector shows divergence, with GM and Lucid reporting sales growth while Stellantis navigates a decline, and EV makers face scaling challenges. Nvidia is aggressively entering the autonomous vehicle market with robotaxi tests. JPMorgan Chase is launching exclusive client advisory services, and San Jose’s mayor opposes a proposed “billionaires tax.”