Google is introducing TPU 8tx and 8i Max, specialised variants of its AI chips. The variants target confidential computing and AI applications that need to process more information in a single request.
Google is expanding its tensor processing unit range with 2 variants configured for different customer needs, Bloomberg reports. TPU 8tx and 8i Max are reconfigured versions of existing chips, rather than completely new silicon designs.
The expansion follows a faster release cycle for Google's AI chip business, which previously introduced a processor every 2 years. It released 2 processors together this year, and the latest variants will bring the range to 4 offerings.
TPU 8tx targets confidential work, including applications in regulated industries, and works with chips from Advanced Micro Devices. TPU 8i Max targets long-context AI applications, making it relevant to companies building coding tools and systems for drug discovery or maths.
Companies in regulated industries gain a chip option designed for confidential computing, but its practical benefits remain unproven in the report.
Builders of coding tools have a variant aimed at longer contexts, but the report gives no performance or cost figures to judge it.
These are adaptations of existing chips, so the announcement alone does not establish a reason to change infrastructure providers.
Written automatically by the Made in 10 Newsroom from the source above.
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