Lidl owner plans to build EU-funded AI gigafactory
The owner of supermarket chain Lidl has announced plans to build one of several AI 'gigafactories' backed by the European Union. The facility would be part of a broader EU initiative to boost sovereign AI infrastructure. The news was reported by Cybernews on July 12, 2026.
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DeepSeek plans to develop its own AI chips to bypass US export controls
DeepSeek, the Chinese startup behind competitive LLMs, is planning to enter the silicon business by developing its own AI chips, according to Reuters. The company has been working on the move for about a year, meeting with potential hardware partners and hiring engineers for the project. This move is seen as a response to US export controls that restrict Chinese access to advanced semiconductors.
Alibaba launches agentic AI tool for enterprises with Slack, Teams integration plans
Alibaba unveiled a new enterprise AI tool on July 11, 2026, designed as an agentic assistant for businesses. The tool is planned to integrate with Slack and Microsoft Teams, signaling Alibaba's push into enterprise productivity AI.
AI-driven layoffs backfiring: half of companies expected to rehire after cuts
Multiple reports and analyses indicate that AI-driven layoffs in tech are not yielding expected productivity gains, with many companies now planning to rehire. A new report suggests half of firms that cut jobs will start rehiring, as the limits of AI become apparent. Microsoft cut 4,800 jobs, including deep Xbox restructuring, while Block announced nearly half its workforce will be slashed. The trend has sparked developer alienation and broader concerns about job displacement.
↑ Updated Sat, Jul 11, 2026, 11:35 AM — Reports indicate half of companies that laid off workers due to AI will start rehiring, as the limits of AI become appar
Apple sues OpenAI, accuses ex-employees of stealing trade secrets
Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that former employees stole trade secrets related to AI technology. The case, reported on July 10, 2026, centers on claims that OpenAI used Apple's proprietary data and models without permission. This legal action could have significant implications for AI development and corporate IP protection.
TeraWulf pivots from Bitcoin mining to AI infrastructure provider
TeraWulf, originally a Bitcoin mining company, is repositioning itself as an AI infrastructure provider, highlighting that the AI buildout now requires power access, land, cooling, transmission, financing, and rapid data center construction. This shift raises questions about which companies are best positioned to benefit from the AI infrastructure boom.