China's ByteDance is reportedly collaborating with US chip designer Broadcom to develop an advanced AI processor amid heightened tensions between the two countries.
According to Reuters, the partnership aims to ensure a stable supply of advanced chips compliant with US export restrictions.
ByteDance Is Reportedly Working With Broadcom For Advanced AI Chip
The 5-nanometer application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) will be manufactured by Taiwan's TSMC, according to sources cited by Reuters.
This reported cooperation comes amid the constraints of the US' export controls on cutting-edge technology since 2022. ByteDance's alignment with Broadcom, an established partner, is expected to streamline procurement costs and enhance chip supply security.
Strategic Alliance of ByteDance With Broadcom
Although TSMC is not scheduled to commence manufacturing this year, design preparations for the chip are underway. ByteDance, like its global counterparts, is intensifying efforts in generative artificial intelligence (AI), despite facing limited access to AI chips compared to international peers.
ByteDance's strategic alliance with Broadcom dates back to 2022, with ByteDance already utilizing Broadcom's advanced chip technologies for its AI computer clusters.
Aside from TikTok and the short-video app's Chinese version called Douyin, ByteDance operates several popular apps, including a ChatGPT-like chatbot service called Doubao, which has around 26 million users.
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