This Week at Nvidia
02 Jan 2025. Welcome to This Week at Nvidia, your comprehensive source of the latest developments surrounding Nvidia Corporation
Nvidia Set to Unveil Groundbreaking AI-Focused GPU Technologies at CES 2025
As the tech world eagerly anticipates the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, Nvidia is poised to make a significant splash with its upcoming announcement of new "AI-focused" GPU technologies. Set to be unveiled on January 6, 2025, during CEO Jensen Huang's keynote address, these innovations are expected to redefine the landscape of artificial intelligence and graphics processing.
The announcement, initially teased by Nvidia partner Inno3D, hints at a range of groundbreaking features that will be incorporated into the highly anticipated RTX 50 series of GPUs. Among the most notable advancements are "enhanced AI-driven upscaling," "AI-boosted power efficiency," and "AI-accelerated graphics." These improvements suggest that Nvidia is doubling down on its commitment to integrating AI capabilities into its hardware, potentially revolutionizing both gaming and professional applications.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the upcoming announcement is the mention of "Neural Rendering Capabilities." This technology could represent a significant leap forward in graphics processing, potentially allowing for more realistic and complex visual experiences in games and professional visualization tools. Industry analysts speculate that Neural Rendering could become the new benchmark for graphics performance, much like how ray tracing became a focal point with the introduction of the RTX 40 series.
Nvidia is also expected to showcase advancements in its Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology. The company may introduce a new iteration of DLSS or demonstrate significant improvements to the existing version, promising even greater performance gains for users of their GPUs. This could be particularly impactful for gamers and professionals working with high-resolution displays or demanding applications.
The focus on AI-enhanced features aligns with Nvidia's broader strategy of leveraging its expertise in artificial intelligence to maintain its competitive edge in the GPU market. As rivals like AMD and Intel continue to make strides in graphics technology, Nvidia's emphasis on AI integration could be a key differentiator.
Industry insiders are particularly interested in how these new technologies will impact the fields of content creation, scientific research, and enterprise applications. The potential for AI-accelerated workflows could lead to significant productivity gains across various sectors.
Jensen Huang's keynote at CES 2025 is shaping up to be a must-watch event for anyone interested in the cutting edge of technology. As we await further details, the promise of AI-enhanced GPU technologies continues to fuel excitement and anticipation throughout the industry.
Nvidia RTX 50-Series GPUs: A New Era of Graphics Performance
On December 28, 2024, Nvidia officially confirmed that it will announce the RTX 50-series graphics cards during CES 2025 on January 6, 2025. This announcement has sent waves of excitement through the tech community, as it marks the beginning of a new era in graphics processing technology.
The RTX 50-series, based on the Blackwell architecture, is expected to bring significant improvements in performance and efficiency over its predecessor, the RTX 40-series. According to industry insiders, the launch strategy for the RTX 50-series may differ from previous generations. Reports suggest that the RTX 5080 might be the first model to hit the market, potentially arriving in mid-January 2025, shortly after the CES keynote.
The flagship RTX 5090 is expected to follow closely, with predictions pointing to a release before the end of January or, at the latest, by mid-February. This staggered release strategy could be Nvidia's way of managing supply chains and building anticipation for its top-tier model.
One of the most exciting aspects of the RTX 50-series is the potential for significant performance gains. Early benchmarks, while unconfirmed, hint at substantial improvements in AI workloads and gaming performance. The new GPUs are rumored to feature enhanced ray tracing capabilities and more efficient tensor cores, which could translate to better frame rates and more realistic graphics in games.
Nvidia's focus on AI integration is expected to be a key selling point for the RTX 50-series. The company is likely to introduce advancements in its Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology, possibly unveiling DLSS 4. This could provide even greater performance gains, especially for gamers and professionals working with high-resolution displays or demanding applications.
However, there are some concerns among enthusiasts about the potential specifications of lower-end models. Rumors suggest that the RTX 5060 might retain 8GB of video RAM, the same as its predecessor, which could be a point of contention given the increasing demands of modern games and applications.
As CES 2025 approaches, the tech community is buzzing with predictions and wishlists for the RTX 50-series. Will Nvidia unveil a surprise feature that no one saw coming? How will their new offerings stack up against competitors in an increasingly crowded market? And what implications will these announcements have for the future of computing and AI?
The RTX 50-series launch is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated tech events of early 2025. Whether you're a gamer, a content creator, an AI researcher, or simply a tech enthusiast, Nvidia's upcoming announcement promises to offer a glimpse into the future of graphics processing technology.
Nvidia Acquires AI Startup Run:ai in $700 Million Deal
In a significant move that underscores its commitment to advancing AI technologies, Nvidia has finalized the acquisition of Run:ai, an Israeli AI startup specializing in software that optimizes hardware for Artificial Intelligence. The deal, valued at approximately $700 million, was officially concluded on December 30, 2024, marking a major milestone in Nvidia's ongoing efforts to strengthen its position in the AI ecosystem.
Run:ai, known for its innovative approach to managing GPU resources for AI in the cloud, has been a key player in enhancing the efficiency of AI workloads. The acquisition is expected to bolster Nvidia's capabilities in optimizing AI operations, providing the company with a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI hardware and software market.
In a surprising move that has caught the attention of industry analysts, Run:ai announced that its software will be open-sourced following the acquisition. This decision is seen as a strategic play by Nvidia to extend the reach of Run:ai's technology across the broader AI ecosystem, potentially allowing competitors such as AMD and Intel to adapt the software for their hardware.
Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of Nvidia, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "We're excited to welcome the Run:ai team to Nvidia. Open-sourcing the software will enable it to extend its availability to the entire AI ecosystem." This statement reflects Nvidia's vision of fostering innovation and collaboration within the AI industry, even as it continues to dominate the market for AI chips.
The acquisition of Run:ai is not just about technology; it's also about talent. Run:ai's team will be integrated into Nvidia's Israeli operations, which already boast approximately 4,000 employees across seven R&D centers. This influx of expertise is expected to further enhance Nvidia's capabilities in AI workload optimization and cloud computing.
Industry experts are particularly excited about the potential synergies between Run:ai's software and Nvidia's hardware. By combining the accelerated computing power of Nvidia GPUs with the dynamic AI workload orchestration of Run:ai's Atlas platform, organizations in various sectors, particularly financial services, are expected to see significant improvements in their AI initiatives.
The deal faced some regulatory hurdles initially, with both the European Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice launching investigations into potential competition concerns. However, on December 20, 2024, Nvidia received unconditional approval from the European Union to proceed with the acquisition, with regulators concluding that the takeover did not pose any significant threats to competition across the 27-member bloc.
This acquisition comes at a time when Nvidia is facing increasing competition in the AI chip market, with rivals like AMD making significant strides and cloud computing giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google seeking to reduce their reliance on Nvidia by developing alternative semiconductor solutions. The integration of Run:ai's technology could help Nvidia maintain its leadership position by offering more comprehensive and efficient AI solutions to its customers.
As the AI industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, acquisitions like this one are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the competitive landscape. With Run:ai's expertise now under its belt, Nvidia is well-positioned to continue driving innovation in AI hardware and software optimization, potentially opening up new possibilities for AI applications across various industries.
Nvidia's $1 Billion Investment in AI Ventures in 2024
On January 2, 2025, it was reported that Nvidia had invested a staggering $1 billion in various AI ventures throughout 2024, securing more deals than both Microsoft and Amazon in the last year. This significant outlay reflects a 15% increase in the chipmaker's investments compared to 2023, when it spent $872 million across 39 startup funding rounds.
According to data from market research company Dealroom and regulatory filings, Nvidia's investments in 2024 spanned across 50 startup funding rounds and multiple corporate deals. This extensive dealmaking comes on the heels of an unprecedented demand for Nvidia's GPUs, which raked in $9 billion following an uptick in demand for the company's chips, bolstered by a boom in AI services across industries.
The demand for Nvidia's AI-powering processors has been so strong that it helped the company become the world's most valuable company in June 2024, as it surpassed a $3 trillion market valuation. This remarkable achievement underscores the central role that Nvidia's technology plays in the ongoing AI revolution.
Most of Nvidia's deals targeted core AI companies with significant computing demands, many of whom are buyers of Nvidia's chips. This strategy allows Nvidia to not only invest in promising AI technologies but also to secure and expand its customer base for its high-performance GPUs.
Some of Nvidia's prominent 2024 investments included Elon Musk's xAI, the recent acquisition of Run:ai, and contributions in funding rounds for OpenAI and Perplexity. The company is also reported to have made more acquisitions in 2024 than in the preceding four years combined, highlighting its aggressive growth strategy in the AI sector.
However, as several of Nvidia's largest customers, including Microsoft and Google, race to develop their own chips to minimize dependence on Nvidia's GPUs, industry analysts point out that smaller AI companies might become more significant in driving the company's future revenue. This shift in the competitive landscape could explain Nvidia's increased focus on investing in and acquiring AI startups.
Nvidia's investment strategy appears to be twofold: first, to maintain its dominance in the AI chip market by supporting companies that are heavy users of its technology, and second, to diversify its portfolio and secure its position in the rapidly evolving AI ecosystem. By investing in a wide range of AI startups and technologies, Nvidia is not only fostering innovation but also ensuring that it remains at the forefront of AI development, regardless of which specific applications or companies ultimately dominate the market.
The company's willingness to invest such a substantial amount in AI ventures also signals its confidence in the continued growth and importance of AI across various industries. As AI technologies become increasingly integrated into everything from healthcare and finance to entertainment and transportation, Nvidia's strategic investments position it to benefit from and shape the future of this transformative technology.
As we move into 2025, it will be interesting to see how Nvidia's investments in 2024 pay off and how the company continues to navigate the rapidly changing AI landscape. With its strong financial position, technological leadership, and now an expanded portfolio of AI investments, Nvidia seems well-positioned to maintain its role as a key player in the ongoing AI revolution.
Nvidia's GeForce NOW Kicks Off 2025 with 14 New Games and CES Virtual Stadium
GeForce NOW, Nvidia's cloud gaming service, is starting 2025 with a bang by adding 14 new games to its library this month. The service announced on January 1, 2025, that two of these games are already available for streaming, allowing members to get a head start on their New Year's gaming resolutions.
In an exciting development for tech enthusiasts, Nvidia is offering GeForce NOW members a unique opportunity to experience the company's CES 2025 keynote. On Monday, January 6, at 3 p.m. PT, members can enter a virtual stadium powered by GeForce NOW cloud streaming and hosted by ZENOS, an innovative virtual stadium platform. This immersive experience will allow fans to hear the latest announcements and join the excitement of the event without the need for downloads or installations.
The virtual stadium concept demonstrates Nvidia's commitment to leveraging its cloud gaming technology beyond traditional gaming applications. By creating this virtual event space, Nvidia is not only showcasing the capabilities of GeForce NOW but also providing a glimpse into the future of digital events and remote participation.
In addition to the CES virtual stadium, Nvidia is launching the NVIDIA GeForce LAN 50 gaming missions. Starting on Saturday, January 4, at 4:30 p.m. PT, members can participate in these missions by streaming #GeForceGreats games. This event offers players the chance to unlock in-game rewards, adding an extra layer of excitement for GeForce NOW users.
The combination of new game additions, the virtual CES experience, and the GeForce LAN 50 event underscores Nvidia's strategy to enhance user engagement and showcase the versatility of its cloud gaming platform. As cloud gaming continues to grow in popularity, Nvidia's efforts to provide unique experiences and expand its game library position GeForce NOW as a leading player in the market.
As we move further into 2025, it will be interesting to see how Nvidia continues to innovate in the cloud gaming space and how GeForce NOW evolves to meet the changing needs and expectations of gamers worldwide.
Nvidia's Stock Leads 'Magnificent 7' Gains to Start 2025
Nvidia (NVDA) has kicked off 2025 with a strong performance, leading the so-called "Magnificent 7" tech stocks higher after a group-wide selloff in the final days of 2024. On January 2, 2025, Nvidia's stock rose by up to 3%, showcasing resilience and investor confidence in the AI chip manufacturer's prospects for the new year.
The company's shares had experienced a 4% drop between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, mirroring a broader decline in major tech stocks. This downturn was attributed to the absence of the anticipated 'Santa Claus' rally, which typically sees a market uptick from December 24 to January 2. Despite this late-2024 setback, Nvidia's stock finished the year with an impressive increase of more than 44% compared to the previous year.
Wall Street analysts remain optimistic about Nvidia's future, projecting that the stock could rise to approximately $173 within the next year, up from its current value of $138. This positive outlook is driven by several factors, including the company's dominant position in the AI chip market and the anticipated launch of its next-generation Blackwell AI chips.
Vivek Arya from Bank of America, speaking on the 'Opening Bid' podcast, suggested that the late-2024 selloff of Nvidia stock was influenced by both broader market trends and specific challenges faced by the company. He noted a shift of capital from semiconductors to software companies, which are less vulnerable to US trade restrictions affecting China. Arya also pointed out concerns regarding delays in the rollout of Nvidia's latest Blackwell AI chips but characterized these as temporary challenges that could present a buying opportunity.
Interestingly, while Nvidia's Magnificent 7 counterparts are currently trading at double their average earnings growth forecasts for 2025, Nvidia's shares are trading at less than one times the anticipated earnings growth for the upcoming year. This suggests that there may be room for further growth in Nvidia's stock price.
The strong performance of Nvidia and its Magnificent 7 peers is largely attributed to substantial investor interest in artificial intelligence and robust earnings growth. In 2024, the collective earnings growth for Apple, Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Tesla, and Nvidia reached an impressive 33% year-over-year, far outpacing the mere 4.2% growth seen across the remaining 493 S&P 500 companies.
As we move further into 2025, all eyes will be on Nvidia's upcoming product launches, particularly the anticipated Blackwell AI chips, and how they will impact the company's market position and stock performance. With the AI industry continuing to evolve rapidly, Nvidia's ability to maintain its leadership in AI chip technology will be crucial in determining its stock trajectory in the coming months.
Nvidia's Ambitious Plans for 2025: Next-Gen GPUs and Potential Arm-based CPU
As we enter 2025, Nvidia is poised to make significant waves in the tech industry with a slew of new products and innovations. From next-generation GPUs to ambitious forays into new markets, the company is set to maintain its position at the forefront of technological innovation.
At the heart of Nvidia's 2025 lineup are the highly anticipated Blackwell GPUs. Named after the American mathematician and computer scientist David Blackwell, this new architecture is expected to push the boundaries of graphics processing and AI computation. Industry insiders predict that we'll see quite a few Blackwell GPUs early in the year, with the potential for a substantial performance leap over the current Lovelace architecture.
The rollout of Blackwell GPUs is likely to begin with high-end models, possibly including the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080. These flagship cards are expected to showcase Nvidia's latest advancements in ray tracing, AI-enhanced graphics, and overall performance. As the year progresses, we can anticipate the release of mid-range and entry-level cards to complete the lineup.
In addition to desktop GPUs, Nvidia is expected to unveil a range of laptop GPUs based on the Blackwell architecture. Leaks suggest we might see mobile graphics cards ranging from the RTX 5050 all the way up to the RTX 5090, with the RTX 5080 rumored to be particularly impressive in terms of performance-to-power ratio.
One of the most intriguing rumors surrounding Nvidia's 2025 plans is the potential launch of an Arm-based CPU for PCs. This ambitious project could see Nvidia challenging industry giants AMD and Intel on their home turf, as well as competing with Qualcomm in the Arm-based PC market. If the rumors prove true, this move could significantly shake up the processor landscape and potentially offer consumers new options for high-performance, energy-efficient computing.
Nvidia's focus on AI is set to intensify in 2025, with the company likely to introduce new hardware and software solutions tailored for AI development and deployment. The recent acquisition of Run:ai is expected to play a crucial role in this strategy, helping Nvidia offer more efficient and scalable AI solutions for enterprise customers.
As competition in the GPU market intensifies, with AMD and Intel both making significant strides, Nvidia is likely to double down on its strengths in AI and accelerated computing. This could manifest in new developer tools, expanded partnerships with software companies, and possibly even further acquisitions of AI startups to bolster its technological edge.
With these ambitious plans for 2025, Nvidia seems poised to maintain its position at the forefront of technological innovation. Whether you're a gamer, a content creator, an AI researcher, or simply a tech enthusiast, Nvidia's 2025 lineup promises to offer something to look forward to in the rapidly evolving world of computing technology.
Nvidia's GeForce RTX 5080 Set for January 21, 2025 Launch
According to recent leaks and industry reports, Nvidia's highly anticipated GeForce RTX 5080 graphics card is set to launch on January 21, 2025. This release follows a planned announcement event on January 6, where CEO Jensen Huang is expected to present the new "Blackwell" architecture at CES 2025.
The RTX 5080, based on the Blackwell architecture, is expected to bring significant improvements in performance and efficiency over its predecessor. Anticipated specifications point to the RTX 5080 using the GB203-400-A1 chip, containing 10,752 CUDA cores across 84 SM. The card is expected to maintain 16 GB of memory but upgrade to GDDR7 technology running at 30 Gbps, while other cards in the series are expected to use 28 Gbps memory.
One of the most notable improvements is the manufacturing process. The RTX 5080 is reportedly manufactured using TSMC's 4NP 4 nm node, a significant upgrade from the previous generation. This improvement in manufacturing technology, combined with architectural changes, accounts for most of the expected performance gains, as the raw CUDA core count only increased by 10% over the RTX 4080.
Interestingly, Nvidia seems to be introducing larger segmentation between its Blackwell SKUs. The RTX 5090, for instance, is rumored to have nearly double the CUDA cores and double the GDDR7 memory capacity compared to the RTX 5080. This strategy could lead to more distinct performance tiers within the Blackwell family.
The timing of the RTX 5080 launch is particularly interesting given the current market dynamics. AMD currently has no competing products announced in the high-end graphics segment, leaving Nvidia without direct competition in this performance tier. This market situation could potentially affect the final pricing of the RTX 5080, which will be revealed during the January keynote.
While the January 21 date appears set for the RTX 5080, launch dates for other cards in the Blackwell family, including the RTX 5090 and RTX 5070 series, remain unconfirmed. Nvidia typically releases different models in their GPU families on separate dates to manage production and distribution effectively.
As we approach the official unveiling at CES 2025 and the subsequent launch, the tech community is buzzing with anticipation. Will the RTX 5080 deliver the performance leap that enthusiasts are hoping for? How will it stack up against future competitors? And how will its pricing and availability shape the high-end GPU market in early 2025? These questions and more will be answered in the coming weeks as Nvidia takes the wraps off its next-generation graphics technology.
Nvidia's CES 2025 Keynote: What to Expect
As the tech world gears up for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas, all eyes are on Nvidia's highly anticipated keynote address. Scheduled for January 6, 2025, at 6:30 PM PST, this event is set to kick off what could be another groundbreaking year for the chip powerhouse.
Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, known for his charismatic presentations and often surprising product reveals, will be at the helm of this keynote. Huang's presentations have become legendary in the tech industry, often featuring not just product announcements but also demonstrations of real-world applications and partnerships that showcase the full potential of Nvidia's technologies.
At the forefront of anticipated announcements is the introduction of the RTX 5000 series GPUs. This next generation of graphics processing units has been the subject of intense speculation and excitement, with many expecting it to set new benchmarks in gaming and professional graphics performance. The anticipation for these GPUs reached a fever pitch earlier this month when CD Projekt RED showcased a cinematic trailer for The Witcher IV at the Game Awards, which was notably "rendered on Unreal Engine 5 on unannounced RTX GPU."
Beyond the realm of graphics, Nvidia's blog has hinted at significant announcements in the fields of AI and robotics. Given the company's recent focus on these areas, we can expect to see advancements that could potentially reshape industries ranging from autonomous vehicles to data centers.
For professionals and enthusiasts in fields such as gaming, content creation, scientific research, and AI development, this keynote promises to be a treasure trove of information about the tools and technologies that will shape their work in the coming years. From faster render times to more sophisticated AI models, the potential applications of Nvidia's new technologies are vast and varied.
Nvidia is making the keynote accessible to a global audience by livestreaming the event on its official YouTube channel and website. Additionally, the company is offering GeForce NOW members a unique opportunity to experience the keynote in a virtual stadium, powered by GeForce NOW cloud streaming and hosted by ZENOS.
As we count down to the keynote, the tech community is abuzz with predictions and wishlists. Will Nvidia unveil a surprise product that no one saw coming? How will their new offerings stack up against competitors in an increasingly crowded market? And what implications will these announcements have for the future of computing and AI?
One thing is certain: Nvidia's CES 2025 keynote is not to be missed. Whether you're a gamer, a data scientist, an investor, or simply a tech enthusiast, this presentation promises to offer a glimpse into the future of technology. So mark your calendars, set your alarms, and prepare to witness what could be the defining tech event of early 2025.
Nvidia's Dominance in the GPU Market: January 2025 Outlook
As we enter January 2025, Nvidia appears poised to dominate the GPU market, with a series of highly anticipated product launches on the horizon. The company's strategic release schedule, coupled with potential delays from competitors, could give Nvidia a significant advantage in the early months of the year.
The centerpiece of Nvidia's January lineup is the RTX 5080, reportedly set to launch on January 21, 2025. This release follows the expected announcement of the RTX 50-series at CES 2025 on January 6. The RTX 5080, based on the new Blackwell architecture, is anticipated to offer substantial performance improvements over its predecessor, potentially setting new benchmarks for high-end gaming and professional graphics applications.
Following the RTX 5080, industry insiders speculate that the flagship RTX 5090 could arrive as early as January 28, with some estimates extending to mid-February. The staggered release of these high-end models allows Nvidia to maintain a steady stream of excitement and media attention throughout the month.
What makes Nvidia's position particularly strong is the current lack of direct competition in the high-end GPU market. AMD, Nvidia's primary competitor, has not yet announced any products to challenge the RTX 5090 or RTX 5080 in the immediate future. This absence of competition could potentially influence Nvidia's pricing strategy and market positioning for these new products.
The RTX 5070 and its potential Ti variant are expected to follow later, possibly not until late February. This extended release schedule allows Nvidia to focus marketing efforts on each product launch individually, maximizing impact and consumer interest.
In the mobile GPU space, Nvidia is rumored to be preparing a full range of Blackwell-based laptop GPUs, from the RTX 5050 to the RTX 5090. The RTX 5080 mobile variant is particularly anticipated, with rumors suggesting it could offer desktop-class performance in a laptop form factor.
While Nvidia seems set to dominate the high-end market, the mid-range and budget segments remain areas of potential competition. AMD's RDNA 4 graphics cards are expected to launch in Q1 2025, which could challenge Nvidia in these segments. Additionally, Intel's continued presence in the GPU market adds another layer of competition, particularly in the lower-end and mobile markets.
As we move through January and into the rest of Q1 2025, all eyes will be on Nvidia to see how its new products perform in real-world scenarios and how they stack up against eventual competition. The company's ability to deliver on the promised performance improvements, manage supply chains effectively, and price its products competitively will be crucial in maintaining its market dominance.
For consumers and professionals alike, Nvidia's strong start to 2025 promises exciting developments in graphics technology. Whether for gaming, content creation, scientific computing, or AI applications, the new RTX 50-series GPUs are set to push the boundaries of what's possible in computer graphics and parallel processing.
Thank you for joining us for "This Week at Nvidia." Stay tuned for next week's edition for more insights into the latest developments shaping Nvidia and the broader tech ecosystem.