WASHINGTON – A new poll finds that as the United States rapidly builds massive data centers for the development of artificial intelligence, many Americans are concerned about the environmental impact.
The AP-NORC/EPIC poll finds that worries about how AI will affect the environment surpass concerns about other industries that worsen climate change. The results suggest that as AI reshapes work, communication and culture, it’s also sparking anxieties about how the growing energy demands could further harm the environment.
In many places, the electricity for data centers will come from burning fossil fuels, especially natural gas, which warms the planet.
Microsoft unveils new AI copilot ‘Mico’
Remember Clippy? Microsoft’s infamous paper clip assistant may have been before its time.
The software giant has introduced a new AI character called Mico (pronounced MEE’koh), designed to embody its Copilot virtual assistant.
Mico, a floating cartoon face shaped like a flame or blob, aims to balance personality with functionality. It comes as AI developers navigate how to present chatbots in an engaging way without causing harm or annoyance.
Intel profits amid market share struggle
Intel posted profits in the latest quarter as the one-time America technology icon struggles to regain market share. The chipmaker reported net income of $4.1 billion, or 90 cents per share, in the three months through September, up from a loss of $17 billion, or $3.88 cents per share, a year earlier.
CEO Lip-Bu Tan has been cutting thousand of positions and mothballing projects to cut costs.
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