Tech

SoftBank plans acquisition of DigitalBridge for AI expansion

SoftBank advances towards acquiring DigitalBridge to boost AI infrastructure amid soaring global data center demand

Published

3 weeks ago

December 30, 2025

Harvey Vargas

SoftBank advances towards acquiring DigitalBridge to boost AI infrastructure amid soaring global data center demand

In Short:
– SoftBank may acquire DigitalBridge to enhance its AI infrastructure amid rising global data centre demand.
– The deal could control $108 billion in digital assets, with financial details yet to be disclosed.

SoftBank Group is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire DigitalBridge Group, a move that would dramatically expand the Japanese conglomerate’s control over critical AI infrastructure as global demand for data centres accelerates. The potential deal, which could be announced within days, would give SoftBank exposure to roughly $108 billion in digital infrastructure assets, including data centres, cell towers and fibre networks. While financial terms remain undisclosed, the talks are said to be at an advanced stage.

The acquisition fits squarely into founder Masayoshi Son’s renewed bet on artificial intelligence and computing capacity. DigitalBridge manages investments in major data centre operators such as Vantage Data Centers, Switch, DataBank and AtlasEdge, placing SoftBank at the centre of the infrastructure powering next-generation AI. The company is also a key participant in Stargate, a $500 billion private-sector AI initiative announced earlier this year, and recently agreed to buy ABB’s robotics division as part of its broader push into physical AI.

Intensifying competition

Markets have reacted strongly to the prospect of the deal, with DigitalBridge shares surging as much as 47% after the initial reports emerged. The rally highlights intensifying competition for data centre assets, as AI drives unprecedented demand for computing power. McKinsey estimates AI-related infrastructure spending could reach $6.7 trillion by 2030, while Goldman Sachs forecasts global data centre power consumption will rise 175% from 2023 levels by the end of the decade. If completed, the acquisition would mark SoftBank’s return to direct ownership of a major digital infrastructure platform at a pivotal moment in the AI race.

Tech

TSMC posts record profits on AI chip boom

TSMC posts record Q4 profit, driven by strong chip demand, exceeding predictions and signaling market dominance.

Published

4 days ago

January 16, 2026

Harvey Vargas

TSMC posts record Q4 profit, driven by strong chip demand, exceeding predictions and signaling market dominance.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has posted a record net profit for the fourth quarter, driven by strong demand for advanced chips.

Net profit surged 35% year-on-year, exceeding analyst expectations and signalling a dominant position in the semiconductor market.

Quarterly revenue also rose 20.5% compared to last year, supported by robust sales in AI and high-performance computing segments. The company’s success reflects the growing global appetite for cutting-edge semiconductor technology.

Looking ahead, TSMC plans to ramp up capital expenditure, projecting investments of up to $56 billion in 2026. The positive results have sparked an upbeat reaction across global markets, highlighting TSMC’s influence in the tech sector.

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#TSMC #Semiconductors #AIChips #TechNews #HighPerformanceComputing #StockMarket #QuarterlyEarnings #TechInvesting

Tech

X restricts Grok AI as global backlash grows

X restricts Grok AI from creating sexualized images amid global backlash and regulatory concerns, aligning with UK guidelines.

Published

5 days ago

January 15, 2026

Harvey Vargas

X restricts Grok AI from creating sexualized images amid global backlash and regulatory concerns, aligning with UK guidelines.

X has announced new restrictions on its Grok AI chatbot, preventing it from generating sexualized images of women amid mounting criticism and regulatory scrutiny worldwide.

The move comes after concerns over non-consensual image manipulation sparked widespread backlash from users, advocacy groups, and authorities.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the platform’s latest changes align with British law, as Ofcom launches a formal investigation to determine whether X has violated the Online Safety Act.

Regulators are closely monitoring the situation, highlighting growing global concerns about the ethical use of AI in image generation. Critics have argued that X’s initial measures were insufficient and did not adequately address the risks associated with sexualized AI content.

The controversy has also prompted action in Southeast Asia. Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked access to Grok entirely, citing the platform’s potential to generate inappropriate content.

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#GrokAI #XPlatform #AIRegulation #OnlineSafety #KeirStarmer #AIControversy #TechNews #DigitalEthics

Tech

AI drives memory prices higher as SK hynix and TSMC expand

Explore the rising global memory market driven by AI demand and hear insights from Brad Gastwirth on industry trends.

Published

6 days ago

January 14, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Explore the rising global memory market driven by AI demand and hear insights from Brad Gastwirth on industry trends.

The global memory market is on the rise, with prices climbing steadily thanks to booming AI infrastructure demand.

Companies like SK hynix and TSMC are investing heavily in advanced packaging and new facilities to meet this unprecedented growth.

We speak with Brad Gastwirth from Circular Technologies about the forces behind this upward momentum. From the difference between AI-driven and consumer-driven demand to the increasing memory requirements per AI system, Brad breaks down the trends shaping the industry.

We also explore the implications of lean DRAM and NAND inventories, disciplined supply growth, and the challenges of expanding packaging capacity versus wafer fabrication. Tune in to understand why incremental demand surprises can have a huge impact on memory pricing.

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#AIMemory #SKHynix #TSMC #TechInvesting #MemoryMarket #AIInfrastructure #Semiconductors #TickerNews