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Jul 29
Moonshot AI reportedly eyes more Nvidia Blackwell chips for Kimi K4 despite US export curbs

Chinese AI startup Moonshot AI is planning its next frontier model, Kimi K4, and is seeking additional access to Nvidia's advanced Blackwell GPUs despite US export restrictions intended to keep such chips out of China, according to The Information. The report says K4 would be significantly larger than the recently launched Kimi K3, underscoring the growing computing demands of China's leading AI developers.

Nvidia's power in AI has never rested on GPU performance alone — it has also depended on the CUDA software ecosystem. That moat is now facing a new variable as AMD deepens its challenge through software, systems, and partnerships with Anthropic.

Advantest raised its outlook for the fiscal year ending March 2027 after demand for chip-test equipment tied to AI data centers strengthened, pushing results above market expectations. According to Bloomberg and Nikkei, the Japanese semiconductor equipment maker now expects operating profit to rise 70% in fiscal 2026, compared with a prior forecast of 26% and above the 42% average analyst estimate.

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has released a policy paper rejecting allegations that the country's manufacturing sector suffers from "overcapacity," arguing that the concept has been misused to justify protectionist trade measures against Chinese exports. The document, published on July 28, 2026, outlines Beijing's position on industrial policy, trade balances and global supply chains.
Qualcomm Technologies and BMW Group have signed a long-term agreement under which Qualcomm will supply compute silicon for BMW's next-generation digital cockpit and advanced driver assistance and automated driving systems. The deal, announced on July 29, extends the partnership through the next decade, although financial details of the agreement have not been revealed.

Meta Platforms' second-quarter results showed a widening gap between its fast-growing advertising business and the cost of building AI infrastructure. Free cash flow fell to US$784 million, while the company lifted the lower end of its 2026 capital expenditure forecast to US$130 billion.

Microsoft reported stronger-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter results, driven by accelerating Azure cloud growth and rising adoption of its AI products, reinforcing investor confidence that the company's heavy investments in AI are generating commercial returns. Robust guidance for the current quarter and continued enterprise demand also eased concerns over spending on AI infrastructure.

Meta Platforms delivered stronger-than-expected second-quarter revenue, but weaker earnings, shrinking free cash flow and a cautious third-quarter outlook intensified investor scrutiny of its rapidly expanding AI infrastructure budget.
Qualcomm has completed its acquisition of Modular, strengthening its push into AI software that can run across devices, data centers, and edge systems worldwide. The deal could broaden access to more efficient generative and agentic AI tools, while intensifying competition in a fast-growing market shaping global computing infrastructure.
Arm Holdings reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter results as demand for AI and data center chips lifted licensing and royalty revenue. However, the company's warning of slower smartphone royalty growth overshadowed its upbeat forecast, highlighting the challenge of balancing maturing handset markets with expanding AI opportunities.
As power grids, renewable energy systems, and artificial intelligence data centers expand, a new US restriction on Chinese-made inverters and robots could affect suppliers, utilities, and security policies well beyond America. The move may accelerate shifts in global sourcing, tighten scrutiny of connected devices, and influence how other markets manage critical infrastructure risks.
Meta Platforms reported strong second-quarter revenue growth driven by its Family of Apps business, but lower profit and a higher spending outlook highlighted the mounting costs of its artificial intelligence (AI) expansion. The company's updated guidance and ongoing legal challenges prompted investor concerns over the pace of returns from its AI investments.