Microsoft has developed its own custom AI chip and Arm-based CPU to power its Azure data centers, reducing reliance on Nvidia. The Azure Maia AI chip and Azure Cobalt CPU, set to launch in 2024, are designed for training large language models and managing cloud workloads respectively. The move comes amid a surge in demand for Nvidia’s H100 GPUs, used widely for AI applications. Microsoft’s new chips could lower the cost of AI for its customers and diversify the supply chain.
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