At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Nvidia introduced a groundbreaking innovation — the “Project Digits” mini PC, a device designed to deliver supercomputer-like power in a compact form that can easily fit in your bag. This new mini desktop offers an impressive one petaFLOP of processing power, enabling local artificial intelligence (AI) and data science tasks that once required cloud-based data centers.

A breakthrough in computing power

Project Digits is aimed at developers, researchers, students, and data scientists working with AI, promising to enhance their ability to run complex models without relying on remote servers. Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, showcased the mini PC, which, while still in the design phase, will be small enough to comfortably sit on a desk or be transported in a bag.

The device is powered by the Nvidia GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip, an advanced processor that combines multiple components into a single chip. This innovation reduces the time needed to move data between components, enhancing efficiency. The superchip houses the Nvidia Blackwell graphics card and the Nvidia Grace processor, supported by 128GB of memory and 4TB of SSD storage.

In terms of raw power, Project Digits is approximately 1,000 times more powerful than the average laptop, setting a new standard for portable computing.

A new era for AI research

Nvidia’s new mini PC is expected to revolutionize the way researchers work with robotics, computer vision, and autonomous systems. “Nvidia’s Project Digits enables researchers to experiment, fine-tune, and scale solutions faster than ever — all while fitting on your desk,” said Raquel Urtasun, a computer science professor at the University of Toronto and founder of Waabi, a self-driving car company. Waabi, which utilizes Nvidia technology in its fleet of self-driving trucks, looks forward to the potential breakthroughs Project Digits could bring.

Supercomputing power is typically measured in floating-point operations per second (FLOPS). While the world’s most powerful supercomputers can achieve a little over 1,000 petaFLOPS, Project Digits offers a powerful 1 petaFLOP — far beyond the capabilities of most desktop PCs or laptops.

Unprecedented power for AI models

Thanks to its processing power, Project Digits can handle large-scale AI models, such as generative tools like ChatGPT, which require significant computing resources. It can run models with up to 200 billion parameters, and connecting two units could support models with up to 405 billion parameters. For comparison, GPT-3.5, which powered ChatGPT when it debuted in November 2022, had 175 billion parameters.

Availability and pricing

Though the product design is not yet finalized, Nvidia announced that Project Digits is expected to launch in May 2025, with a price tag of approximately $3,000. Those interested in purchasing the device can register in advance to secure their unit.

With the launch of Project Digits, Nvidia is pushing the boundaries of what is possible with portable computing, making powerful AI processing available on a much smaller scale. As more industries look to harness the power of AI, this device could play a significant role in accelerating research and development across various fields.

As Justin Trudeau steps down after a decade at the helm, the Liberal Party is now tasked with selecting a new leader to face the upcoming 2025 federal elections. With polls indicating a potential loss for the Liberals, the leadership race is heating up, and several high-profile figures are expected to vie for the top position.

Chrystia Freeland: A strong contender

Chrystia Freeland, former deputy prime minister of Canada, has emerged as a key figure in the race. A seasoned member of Trudeau’s inner circle, Freeland served as the minister of foreign affairs and the minister of finance. She unexpectedly resigned in December, citing differences with Trudeau over the future direction of the country. Known for her diplomatic expertise, Freeland has navigated complex international issues during her tenure.

In a notable incident last year, Freeland responded to questions about honoring Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar posthumously in Parliament. She reaffirmed the government’s stance on threats to Canadian security but did not elaborate on the contentious issue surrounding Nijjar’s death or his previous actions against Canada.

Mark Carney: A former bank governor with global reach

Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of Canada, is widely considered one of the frontrunners for the Liberal leadership. Despite being offered the role of finance minister by Trudeau after Freeland’s resignation, Carney declined. A well-respected figure in global finance, Carney is currently the Chair of Brookfield Asset Management. He has been engaging with Liberal MPs, exploring support for a potential bid, according to sources.

Carney has also been vocal about his views on the global economy, citing India as a key area for investment due to its strong domestic demand and shifting global supply chains.

Anita Anand: A rising star with ambition

Anita Anand, the current Minister of Transport, is one of the more ambitious members within the Liberal Party. With a background in financial market regulation and corporate governance, Anand has held several key roles, including managing the Treasury Board and overseeing public services and procurement.

Last year, she played a key role in introducing enhanced security measures for air travelers to India, following rising tensions between Canada and India after Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Anand’s strong leadership on this issue has positioned her as a potential leader for the party.

Dominic LeBlanc: A loyal Trudeau ally

Dominic LeBlanc, the current finance minister and a close ally of Trudeau, is another name being floated in the leadership race. LeBlanc has a long history with the Trudeau family, dating back to his youth when he babysat Justin Trudeau. With deep political roots and experience, LeBlanc has held several important roles, including serving as the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard.

In the wake of Chrystia Freeland’s resignation, LeBlanc assumed the finance minister role and has been an outspoken advocate for investigating foreign interference in Canada, particularly allegations against the Indian government.

Melanie Joly: A diplomatic powerhouse

Melanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has made waves with her pragmatic approach to diplomacy. Joly has handled Canada’s diplomatic challenges, including rifts with China and allegations involving India. She was instrumental in the expulsion of six Indian diplomats in 2023 following an RCMP investigation into the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Known for her ability to engage with nations despite differences, Joly’s foreign policy experience makes her a strong contender for the Liberal leadership.

Looking ahead

As the Liberals prepare for the October 2025 general elections, the race to replace Justin Trudeau is expected to intensify. Each of these candidates brings unique strengths to the table, and their leadership styles will shape the future direction of the Liberal Party. With a likely electoral challenge ahead, the party’s choice of leader will be crucial in navigating the political landscape in the years to come.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has slammed US President Joe Biden’s decision to award billionaire philanthropist George Soros the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

In a post on X, the Tesla boss, Musk, said, “A travesty that Biden is giving Soros the Medal of Freedom.”

On Saturday, President Biden announced the recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which included 19 individuals recognized for their significant contributions across various domains, including politics, philanthropy, sports, and the arts.

Soros, known as a billionaire investor and the founder of the Open Society Foundations, was highlighted for his commitment to global initiatives that promote democracy, human rights, education, and social justice, as outlined in an official statement from the White House.

In addition to Soros, other prominent honorees this year included former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, football legend Lionel Messi, and actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, among others.

Soros’ selection has elicited polarized reactions, particularly due to his position as a major donor to Democratic causes and his frequent criticism by Republican politicians. Critics, including Musk and several Republican figures, have characterized the honor as being politically motivated.

President Biden, however, defended the recipients as individuals who exemplify American values and contribute positively to the nation’s global reputation. He stated, “These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to our country and the world. They defend the values of America, even when under attack.”

The Republican Party has consistently accused Soros of wielding his wealth to sway global politics. Furthermore, the influence and controversies surrounding Soros extend internationally, illustrated by a recent political dispute in India during the Winter Session of Parliament. BJP chief JP Nadda accused the Congress party of being connected to Soros and his organizations, claiming that they serve as a “tool” for foreign entities aiming to destabilize India, citing alleged connections between Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and Soros-funded initiatives.

In response, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge dismissed these accusations as unfounded, asserting that the BJP is attempting to distract from critical socio-economic challenges facing the country. This exchange led to multiple adjournments in both houses of Parliament.

Soros’ influence remains contentious, especially as his Open Society Foundations have encountered opposition in countries such as Hungary and Russia, where his efforts are frequently portrayed as foreign interference.