Meta Platforms (META.O) has announced its acquisition of the AI startup Manus, marking a significant step in its strategy to enhance agentic AI capabilities across its platforms. The acquisition, which values Manus at between $2 billion and $3 billion, is aimed at integrating advanced AI functionalities into popular services such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. This move reflects the intensifying competition in the race for next-generation AI technologies.
The deal aligns with a broader trend in the tech industry, where major players are increasingly investing in AI capabilities to maintain competitive advantages. Among these, Amazon is reportedly in discussions to invest around $10 billion in OpenAI, though sources indicate that these negotiations are still in a fluid state.
In another significant development, Walt Disney (DIS.N) is set to invest $1 billion in OpenAI, granting the AI company the rights to utilize characters from its renowned franchises such as Star Wars and Marvel in its Sora AI video generator. This licensing agreement, which excludes talent likenesses or voices, could potentially transform content creation in Hollywood by leveraging generative AI technologies.
Moreover, OpenAI has formed a partnership with Broadcom (AVGO.O) to develop its first in-house artificial intelligence processors. This collaboration underscores the rising demand for computing power as more companies seek to harness AI technologies. Additionally, AMD (AMD.O) has agreed to supply AI chips to OpenAI in a multimillion-dollar deal, allowing OpenAI the option to purchase up to 10% of AMD.
Nvidia, a key player in the AI hardware space, is poised to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI while supplying necessary data center chips, thereby solidifying its stake in the AI startup. Another substantial agreement involves Oracle, which reportedly signed a cloud computing deal with OpenAI worth around $300 billion over five years.
In the context of Meta’s broader strategy, the company has also secured a $14 billion agreement with CoreWeave (CRWV.O) to boost its computing power, reflecting the increasing need for efficient data management and processing in AI applications. Furthermore, Oracle is in discussions for a separate multi-year deal with Meta worth approximately $20 billion.
Looking ahead, Google has established a six-year cloud computing deal with Meta worth over $10 billion, which is expected to further bolster the latter’s technological infrastructure. Meta’s emphasis on AI is also evident in its recent investment in Scale AI, acquiring a 49% stake valued at about $14.3 billion, and appointing its CEO, Alexandr Wang, to lead its AI initiatives.
As the landscape of AI continues to evolve, other tech giants are also making substantial moves. Nvidia has licensed chip technology from startup Groq, and is also investing in Anthropic, another AI competitor, alongside Microsoft, demonstrating a collective push to advance AI capabilities.
Amid these developments, Google is also ramping up its infrastructure, with plans to invest $40 billion in three new data centers in Texas through 2027, while enhancing its existing cloud network. This move is indicative of the growing importance of cloud computing in supporting AI workloads.
The tech industry’s focus on integrating advanced AI technologies into their operations reflects a broader shift towards automation and efficiency. As companies like Meta and OpenAI continue to innovate and expand their capabilities, the implications for industries ranging from entertainment to enterprise technology are profound, emphasizing the critical role of AI in shaping future business landscapes.
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