Musk’s xAI Raises a Staggering $20 Billion for AI Buildout
Elon Musk’s xAI has secured a massive $20 billion in new funding. The capital will supercharge its AI infrastructure buildout and the development of its Grok models.
Author: Gabriel Novak
Gabriel Novak is a seasoned technology columnist and industry analyst at IMDControls.com, specializing in semiconductor supply chains, processor architectures, and emerging hardware trends that shape industrial computing. With a decade of experience studying global chip production and its impact on automation and embedded systems, Gabriel provides in-depth analysis of how shifting supply dynamics, fabrication advancements, and processor roadmaps influence the next generation of industrial controllers and edge devices. His columns bridge the worlds of manufacturing strategy and silicon innovation, offering readers a clear view of how component evolution drives performance, reliability, and long-term sustainability across the automation sector.
Accenture Buys UK AI Firm Faculty to Boost Enterprise AI Muscle
Consulting giant Accenture is moving to acquire Faculty, a UK-based AI company. The deal aims to significantly expand Accenture’s ability to deploy advanced AI solutions for its global clients.
Nvidia’s CEO shrugs off California’s billionaire tax proposal
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says he isn’t worried about a potential California tax targeting billionaires. The proposed 5% levy on assets over $1 billion would apply retroactively to residents as of January 1, 2026.
Lies of P Publisher Wants AI to “Maximize Player Engagement”
The co-CEO of Neowiz says nearly every game company in Korea is using AI tools like ChatGPT. The goal is to automate routine work so teams can focus on player engagement strategies.
NetEase’s Wuxia Hit Gets Guild Battles and a Bizarre New Mode
NetEase has detailed the January 2026 roadmap for its breakout Wuxia RPG, Where Winds Meet. The v1.2 update on January 9 introduces Guild Battles and the absurd “Elder Express” mode, building on a game that has already surpassed 15 million players.
VinFast’s Vietnam deliveries double, but overseas struggles continue
Vietnamese EV maker VinFast says it delivered about 170,000 units in its home country in 2025, nearly doubling its 2024 figure. The strong domestic growth contrasts sharply with its ongoing challenges and stock declines in competitive international markets like North America.
DoorDash CEO Slams “Desperation Score” Claim as “Appalling”
DoorDash CEO Tony Xu has vehemently denied allegations from a viral Reddit post that a food delivery app uses a “desperation score” for drivers. Xu stated he would fire anyone who tolerated such a culture. The unverified post’s claims have sparked outrage and come as new legislation, like California
PayPal Wants to Be an Ad Giant, and It Has the Receipts to Prove It
PayPal is launching a major new advertising platform built on its “transaction graph” of real purchases. The move directly challenges the “walled gardens” of traditional tech giants by offering verified sales data, not just modeled intent. Early results, like a 20% sales lift for Ulta Beauty, show t
Sony’s AI Ghost Could Play Your Games For You
PlayStation is exploring a radical new form of in-game assistance. A patented “AI Ghost” could analyze your play and either show you the way or take full control to get you past a tough spot.
Galaxy S26 Price Hike Coming, But Maybe Not for the US
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series might see a price increase of $30 to $60 for its 256GB models, driven by soaring memory costs. However, a new report suggests the company may absorb those costs and keep US pricing flat. The first Galaxy Unpacked event for 2026 is rumored for February 25 in San Francisco.