How do you solve a problem like DeepSeek?

The US was widely considered the leader in AI, but a Chinese startup has called that dominance into question

Hello, and welcome back to TechScape. There was a lot of news last week. To run it down in an expedient fashion:

• Donald Trump, Sam Altman, Masayoshi Son and Larry Ellison announced a $500bn initiative to expand infrastructure supporting artificial intelligence dubbed Stargate. On its heels came a press release from Meta vowing to expand its capital expenditure to $65bn in the coming year to expand its data centers.

Topics

DeepSeek vs ChatGPT - how do they compare?

The Chinese AI app has raced to the top of the download charts - does it perform as well as its US rivals?
BBC News - 1d
Data Centers Have a Cooling Problem—These Companies Are Solving It

3D Architech and Apheros are working on innovative solutions to make those big AI brains more sustainable.
Inc. - 2d
Want to Look Like Chappell Roan? She Tells You How.

In a new series, the pop star discusses the mechanics of modern fame, including her instructions to fans of what to wear to her concerts.
The New York Times - 5d
How do you prove a credit card debt is uncollectible?

Proving that your old credit card debt is uncollectible could save you a lot of hassle — and a lot of money.
CBS News - Jan. 21
Want to Smell Like Donuts? Beauty Brands Think You Do

The food-beauty crossover is suddenly everywhere. It is the allure of nostalgia, the pull of meme culture, and the sticky-sweet scent of capitalism wafting through the air—and we are eating it up.
Wired - Jan. 18
After call to overhaul diagnosis of obesity, how can you tell if your weight is a problem?

Report by Lancet Commission says BMI should be used as ‘screening tool’ rather than determining factor. This week, doctors confirmed what many people have felt for a long time: the way we think ...
The Guardian - Jan. 18
How Do You Convince Consumers to Eat Plant-Based Meat?

The imitation meat industry is facing an identity crisis, and the challenge of convincing American consumers to make more planet-friendly choices.
The New York Times - Jan. 16
Detroit has its hands full solving the Jayden Daniels problem

The Lions are two home wins from their first Super Bowl in franchise history, but the Commanders QB could play the ultimate spoiler tonight.
Yahoo Sports - Jan. 16
Do Tom Thibodeau's Knicks have a minutes problem?

After winning nine games in a row and capping a strong 12-2 December, the Knicks fell in back-to-back games in which they looked outmatched without their starting unit in and gassed down the stretch.
Yahoo Sports - Jan. 6

More from The Guardian

Plane with 64 onboard crashes near Washington DC after collision with military helicopter – follow live

Rescuers search Potomac river after regional passenger jet operated by PSA Airlines collides midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington national ...
The Guardian - 8m
US-born teenager murdered by father in Pakistan over TikTok content

Anwar ul-Haq confessed to shooting his 15-year-old daughter after she continued with her ‘objectionable’ posts. A man who had recently brought his family back to Pakistan from the United States has ...
The Guardian - 13h
Trump orders opening of migrant detention center at Guantánamo Bay

President signs executive order instructing preparation of facility to house 30,000 immigrants at US naval base in Cuba. US politics – live Donald Trump has signed an executive order to ...
The Guardian - 8h
Race to rescue driver trapped in Japan sinkhole for two days

Attempts in Japan to retrieve the man were temporarily halted early on Wednesday after a second sinkhole appeared. Rescue workers in Japan are battling water leaks, gas pipes and unstable ground ...
The Guardian - 1h
Taranaki Mounga, New Zealand’s second-highest mountain, granted same legal rights as a person

Second-highest peak in Aotearoa, formerly called Mount Egmont by European settlers, has its spiritual status formally recognised by government . New Zealand’s second-highest mountain and its ...
The Guardian - 48m

More in World

Plane with 64 onboard crashes near Washington DC after collision with military helicopter – follow live

Rescuers search Potomac river after regional passenger jet operated by PSA Airlines collides midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington national ...
The Guardian - 8m
After Southport, Westminster is floundering. It should look to Idris Elba | Martin Kettle

The Home Office has some good ideas, but a documentary on knife crime by the actor offers the template for a new approach. The list of painful questions left behind for a wounded Britain by the ...
The Guardian - 11m
After Southport, Westminster is floundering. It should look to Idris Elba | Martin Kettle

The Home Office has some good ideas, but a documentary on knife crime by the actor offers the template for a new approach. The list of painful questions left behind for a wounded Britain by the ...
The Guardian - 11m
FirstFT: EU debates return to Russian gas as part of Ukraine deal

Also in today’s newsletter, passenger jet and US Army helicopter collide over Washington and SoftBank in talks to invest up to $25bn in OpenAI
Financial Times - 19m
Taranaki Mounga, New Zealand’s second-highest mountain, granted same legal rights as a person

Second-highest peak in Aotearoa, formerly called Mount Egmont by European settlers, has its spiritual status formally recognised by government . New Zealand’s second-highest mountain and its ...
The Guardian - 48m