Author: The Business Worldwide

Nvidia is seeking to transform artificial intelligence chips into a new investable asset class through a financing initiative that could mobilize more than $500 billion in third-party capital.

The chipmaker has signed memorandums of understanding with six major asset managers Apollo Global Management, Blackstone, BlackRock, Brookfield Asset Management, Goldman Sachs and KKR to establish financing platforms for customers building AI infrastructure.

The initiative is designed to help hyperscalers, frontier AI laboratories and enterprises fund data centers and acquire Nvidia hardware without relying entirely on their own balance sheets.

GPUs Positioned as Revenue-Generating Assets

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told CNBC that technology chips have become investable because they are increasingly productive, long-lived, transferable and capable of generating revenue.

The initiative challenges the traditional view of GPUs as rapidly depreciating technology hardware. Nvidia is instead positioning computing equipment as infrastructure that can be financed similarly to commercial real estate, transportation assets and other long-duration investments.

Huang argued that computing has become a fundamental part of modern infrastructure, comparable to electricity and the internet. The approach could allow lenders and institutional investors to assess AI computing capacity based on its ability to generate long-term economic value.

However, questions remain over how well Nvidia’s chips will retain their value as newer generations of processors emerge and technological cycles accelerate.

Wall Street Sees a New Financing Market

Major alternative asset managers are increasingly targeting digital infrastructure as institutional and insurance capital seeks exposure to the AI investment boom.

Blackstone President Jon Gray said AI compute could become a financeable asset class similar to property, while highlighting rapidly rising demand for AI infrastructure among the firm’s portfolio companies.

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink described the initiative as the beginning of a new phase of financial engineering, comparing its potential significance with the development of mortgage-backed securities.

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon said the partnership could help establish a credit market backed by Nvidia computing assets.

Financing AI’s Massive Capital Needs

The initiative comes as technology companies face enormous capital requirements for AI data centers and hardware. Rising spending has raised concerns about free cash flow and increasing debt burdens among major technology firms.

By bringing Wall Street capital directly into AI infrastructure financing, Nvidia aims to accelerate deployment while potentially establishing a new financial market around computing capacity.

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Texas quarterback Arch Manning has slipped to No. 20 in the latest national name, image and
likeness NIL rankings, reflecting a significant decline in his estimated market value since he
first entered the college football spotlight.

Manning was once ranked No. 1 nationally with an estimated NIL valuation of $6.8 million.
That figure came during a period when expectations surrounding the highly touted
quarterback were exceptionally high, despite his limited experience at the college level.
The Texas star spent his first two seasons seeing relatively little action, leaving much of his
potential untested on the field. As his college career has progressed, however, his NIL
valuation has shifted alongside expectations surrounding his development.

Current Valuation Stands at $2.5 Million

According to the latest On3 NIL rankings, Manning is now ranked 20th nationally among
college football players. His current estimated NIL value stands at approximately $2.5
million.
The change represents a substantial decline from his previous $6.8 million valuation,
underscoring how NIL rankings can fluctuate as a player’s exposure, production and market
appeal evolve.
Manning entered Texas with enormous expectations, largely because of his family name and
pedigree. As the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning and the grandson of former
NFL quarterback Archie Manning, he arrived in Austin as one of the most closely watched
prospects in college football.

Pressure Builds at Texas

While Manning’s NIL valuation has fallen, attention surrounding the quarterback remains
high as he prepares for a more prominent role with the Longhorns.
His limited playing time during his first two seasons meant that his national reputation was
built largely on potential rather than an extensive college résumé. Greater opportunities on
the field could now play an important role in determining both his football profile and
commercial value.
For Manning, the latest ranking highlights the changing nature of the college sports
marketplace. NIL valuations are increasingly influenced by playing time, performance,
visibility and fan engagement, making them subject to significant changes as athletes’
circumstances evolve.
At $2.5 million, Manning remains one of the most valuable players in college football from
an NIL perspective. However, his move from No. 1 to No. 20 illustrates just how
dramatically expectations and valuations can change before a highly touted quarterback
establishes himself on the field

Also Read :- SpaceX Beats Revenue Estimates, but Rising AI Investments Weigh on Shares

SpaceX reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter results in its first earnings release since its record-setting initial public offering (IPO) in June. Despite robust revenue growth and a narrower-than-expected loss, the company’s shares fell about 8% in extended trading as investors focused on soaring capital expenditures tied to artificial intelligence (AI) investments.

The Elon Musk-led company posted revenue of $7.81 billion, surpassing analysts’ estimates of $6.93 billion, according to LSEG. SpaceX reported a loss of 9 cents per share, significantly better than the expected loss of 26 cents per share.

Revenue surged 92% year-on-year from $4.1 billion, while net losses narrowed to $541 million, compared with $1 billion in the same period last year. However, the stock has declined around 16% since debuting at $150 on June 12, reflecting investor concerns over profitability.

AI Investments Continue to Pressure Earnings

SpaceX’s financial performance continues to be weighed down by aggressive spending on AI infrastructure. The company reported a $4.9 billion loss in 2025, largely driven by investments following its merger with Musk’s AI venture, xAI, earlier this year. The merger supports the company’s long-term vision of developing AI-powered data centers in space.

Even its core launch business, supported by contracts from NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense, remained unprofitable. During the quarter, the space segment generated $962 million in revenue, above expectations of $835 million, but recorded an operating loss of $542 million.

The AI division also outperformed revenue estimates, generating $2.56 billion against expectations of $2.18 billion, though it posted an operating loss of $1.26 billion.

Starlink Drives Profitability

SpaceX’s connectivity business, anchored by its Starlink satellite internet service, remained the company’s strongest performer. The segment generated $4.29 billion in revenue, exceeding forecasts of $3.83 billion, and delivered an operating profit of $1.66 billion, making it the company’s only profitable business.

Starlink Mobile Expansion Underway

President and COO Gwynne Shotwell said SpaceX expanded Starlink Mobile partnerships during the quarter with international telecom operators, including SoftBank, NTT DoCoMo and Spark New Zealand.

The company plans to launch next-generation Starlink V2 satellites aboard Starship before integrating EchoStar spectrum next year, following recent FCC approval. Shotwell said SpaceX expects to begin serving U.S. mobile customers—including those of AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile—as early as next year, with a standalone Starlink Mobile service targeted for launch by the end of 2027.

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Conflicting statements from the United States and Iran over the status of diplomatic talks have heightened uncertainty surrounding efforts to end the five-month-long conflict between the two countries. The Donald Trump latest developments, coupled with continued disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, have also renewed concerns over global energy security and trade.

While U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that negotiations with Tehran are underway, Iranian officials maintained that no such discussions are taking place, exposing a widening gap between the two sides’ public positions.

Trump Suspends Planned Military Action

President Donald Trump revealed that he had recently halted plans for what he described as “massive attacks” against Iran, saying the decision was made to allow room for diplomatic engagement.

Speaking at an Oval Office event, Trump said negotiations were progressing at the request of Iran and regional stakeholders, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. He also characterised the current diplomatic window as Tehran’s “last chance” to reach a favourable agreement with the United States.

The decision to pause military action follows a pattern in which the U.S. administration has threatened significant military measures before opting to pursue diplomatic alternatives.

Iran Rejects Claims of Ongoing Negotiations

Iran, however, dismissed the U.S. President Donald Trump remarks. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that no negotiations with Washington were currently taking place and that no meetings had been scheduled.

According to Baghaei, Iran has no plans to host foreign delegations or dispatch negotiators abroad in the coming days. He added that all members of Iran’s negotiating team remain in the country, with the exception of Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who is currently on a religious pilgrimage in Iraq.

Baghaei said the only active discussions involve Oman and relate to the management of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Under Pressure

The uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts continues to coincide with heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime trade routes. The waterway carries roughly one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making any disruption a significant concern for international energy markets.

Maritime security concerns intensified after a cargo vessel reported being struck by an unidentified projectile near the Omani coast, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency.

Shipping Activity Stays Subdued

Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained limited as security risks persisted. Data from maritime analytics firm Kpler showed that only six vessels—comprising three oil tankers and three bulk carriers—transited the strait on Monday, down from seven vessels the previous day.

The subdued level of shipping activity underscores the continuing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf and reflects the cautious approach being adopted by shipping operators amid ongoing uncertainty.

Energy Markets Monitor Diplomatic Developments

With Washington and Tehran offering conflicting accounts of the diplomatic process, global markets remain focused on whether negotiations can gain momentum and reduce tensions in the region. Until greater clarity emerges, developments in the Strait of Hormuz are expected to remain a key indicator for global energy supplies and international trade.

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The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is widely regarded as one of the most capable streaming devices available, offering exceptional picture quality, smooth performance, and support for premium audiovisual formats such as 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos. While popular streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and Plex come pre-installed, the device’s built-in app store offers several additional applications that significantly enhance both entertainment and gaming experiences.

Here are

five essential app categories every Nvidia Shield TV Pro owner should consider.

1. Gamepad for Android TV

One of the Shield TV Pro’s standout features is GeForce Now, Nvidia’s cloud gaming platform that transforms the device into a capable gaming hub. However, gaming requires a compatible controller, as the included remote is designed primarily for navigation and media playback.

The Gamepad for Android TV app allows users to turn an Android smartphone into a functional game controller, providing a convenient alternative without requiring additional hardware.

2. VPN Services

A reliable VPN is one of the most useful additions to the Shield TV Pro. Beyond improving online privacy by masking a user’s IP address, VPNs also enable access to region-specific content on popular streaming platforms.

By connecting through servers in different countries, users can legally access content libraries that may not be available in their home region, expanding their entertainment options.

3. Additional Streaming Platforms

Although the Shield TV Pro includes the most widely used streaming apps out of the box, many niche and premium services must be downloaded separately.

The app store offers access to platforms such as Crunchyroll for anime enthusiasts, Starz for premium movies and television, and Fandango at Home for digital rentals and purchases, allowing users to tailor their streaming library to their interests.

4. Steam Link

For PC gamers, Steam Link serves as an excellent alternative to cloud gaming. Instead of streaming games from remote servers, the app streams titles directly from a user’s gaming PC to the television over a local network.

This provides a simple way to enjoy a large-screen gaming experience without moving a desktop computer.

5. Native Android Games

While the Shield TV Pro is primarily designed for streaming rather than high-end gaming, it supports a collection of lightweight Android games available through its app store.

These titles are optimized to run directly on the device without cloud streaming, offering casual gaming options alongside its extensive entertainment capabilities.

Enhancing the Shield Experience

The Nvidia Shield TV Pro’s built-in app ecosystem extends far beyond standard video streaming. Whether expanding content libraries, enabling cloud and PC gaming, improving privacy with VPNs, or adding native games, these applications help users maximize the versatility of one of the market’s most powerful streaming devices.

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Tokyo: IoT platform provider Soracom has introduced Soracom Air RTC Gateway, a new cloud-based service that enables voice communication from Internet of Things (IoT) devices to be seamlessly routed to contact centers, VoIP providers, or AI-powered voice agents. The solution is designed to simplify voice connectivity by using a device’s SIM identity for call routing, eliminating the need for custom software or voice application development on the device itself.

The launch expands Soracom’s cloud-native IoT platform, which already offers connectivity, cloud integration, and AI services. By enabling built-in cellular voice to operate as a managed cloud service, the company aims to simplify deployment while reducing the complexity and cost of voice-enabled IoT solutions.

Simplifying Voice Connectivity for IoT Devices

Many connected devices including parking payment terminals, building access systems, elevator emergency buttons, medical call systems, and connected vehicles require users to speak directly with a support representative during critical situations. The growing adoption of generative AI has also increased demand for AI-powered voice assistants capable of handling initial customer interactions before escalating calls to human agents.

Traditionally, implementing these capabilities has required developers to manage individual phone numbers, configure complex call-routing systems, and build dedicated voice applications for each device. Soracom’s new service addresses these challenges by receiving standard cellular voice calls in the cloud and automatically routing them based on SIM identity and device information such as SIM groups and tags.

Because the gateway supports any IMS/VoLTE-compatible communication module, manufacturers can use native cellular voice functionality without installing additional software or developing dedicated voice applications. Authentication is handled through the SIM itself, removing the need for separate user credentials while strengthening security.

Cloud-Based Voice Routing

Voice traffic travels securely from the IoT device over Soracom Air using Voice over LTE (VoLTE). Once received in the cloud, the Air RTC Gateway converts the call into Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), allowing it to be directed either to an external VoIP provider through the internet or via Soracom’s Virtual Private Gateway to enterprise communication systems, IP PBXs, contact centers, or AI-powered voice platforms hosted in the customer’s cloud environment.

When integrated with conversational AI, the system can provide 24/7 automated first-response support, collect initial information, and transfer complex cases to human agents when required.

Expanding Enterprise and Industrial Applications

Soracom said the service can also work alongside its eSIM Profile Order solution and Virtual Private Gateway to transform eSIM-enabled corporate devices into secure office extensions, enabling employees to access internal business systems while working remotely.

According to Kenta Yasukawa, CTO and Co-Founder of Soracom, the company views voice as the next evolution of its IoT platform, enabling people, connected devices, and AI to communicate through a single managed infrastructure.

The Air RTC Gateway is designed for a broad range of applications across industrial automation, mobility, healthcare, public infrastructure, and enterprise environments. Potential use cases include remote support for construction and agricultural equipment, emergency communications from elevators and security systems, nurse-call and telemedicine services, connected vehicle support, AI-powered customer service, and secure enterprise voice communications.

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