Known for its technological prowess, NVIDIA has reached the crossroads of innovation and passion. As a computer chipmaker moves into artificial intelligence, a new application that could redefine 3D modeling while simultaneously facing geopolitical obstacles that threaten its dominance in hardware.
Nvidia has teamed up with 3D software publisher Masterpiece Studio to release Masterpiece X, aiming to expand the 3D modeling field by making it easier to create two-dimensional images through Midjourney or Stable Diffusion.
“We've worked hard over the years to create great 3D tools that are easy to understand, but also enable and encourage more and more people to start creating in 3D.” “Generative AI enables completely new possibilities,” says Master Pixel Studios in an official announcement.
The studio says the solution allows for the creation of 3D models without any local hardware or software, as everything happens in the cloud. “All you need is a keyboard, a browser, a little imagination and a few words,” he wrote.
As a quick test, Decrypt took Masterpiece X for a spin. Our efforts to digitally model our AI mascot Gen didn't go well. The envisioned “child robot” looks more like a baby pigeon, while the cute teacher avatar looks like a very useful vagabond.
Although far from perfect, these results give a hint of the software's vast potential and exciting developments on the horizon. It is easier to get the desired result from the previous model than to create a design from scratch.
The AI industry's dependence on NVIDIA is well known. The top part of the sector is associated with Nvidia's technology in software and hardware, which shows the huge influence of the company in the sector.
This dominance has contributed significantly to Nvidia's financial performance, with the company emerging as one of the top 10 performing stocks in 2023. Impressively, Nvidia stock is up more than 200 percent year-to-date, hitting an all-time high in September 2023.
Shares of Nvidia, 30-day candles. Image: Tradingview
However, the geopolitical challenges are huge. A recent Reuters report highlighted the US administration's efforts to tighten restrictions on AI chip exports to China. The restrictions have previously prevented Navi from supplying Chinese consumers with high-end AI chips — chips that are the gold standard for various AI applications.
In this case, the company's powerful H800 chips are likely to be in the US government, although Nvidia specifically plans to comply with current export restrictions. They are less powerful and sophisticated than the current top-of-the-line H100 lineup. However, regulators seem determined to close any potential loopholes to avoid giving China any advantage in the AI race.
Undeterred by global challenges, China continues to showcase its technological infrastructure. The launch of Huawei's Mate 60 series, equipped with the Kirin 9000S chip, shows its commitment. This phone features a 14nm chip designed to perform on par with its 7nm counterparts and is 5G capable. While the US has taken steps to restrict access to certain technologies related to 5G and hardware development due to national security concerns, companies in that country have been able to innovate and move forward.
Like a high-wire artist, Nvidia is walking a fine line between AI hype and geopolitical gravity. For now, Nvidia is moving forward, with one foot planted in the promises of AI and the other in the danger of nationalism, and the entire AI industry is watching to see what happens.
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