Tech
Competition heats up to challenge Nvidia’s AI chip dominance
The artificial intelligence (AI) revolution has whetted the appetites of Nvidia’s competitors, who are seeking to close the gap on the chip giant, which has so far been the central playmaker in the AI revolution.
Virtually unknown to the general public just three years ago, Nvidia now boasts the world’s highest revenues, driven by sales of its graphics cards—or GPUs (graphics processing units)—the processors that are key to building the technology behind ChatGPT and its rivals.
Why does Nvidia dominate?
While it was not the first to develop GPUs, the California-based group made them its specialty starting in the late 1990s, at the very beginning of cloud computing, and thus has unique experience in the field.
Moreover, Nvidia is “a three-headed dragon,” as Dylan Patel, head of consultancy SemiAnalysis, recently put it on the “No Priors” podcast.
It does not just design chips, but offers an entire infrastructure capable of making them work together with networking and software—the dragon’s two other heads.
Nvidia can “satisfy every level of need in the datacenter with world-class product,” according to Jon Peddie of Jon Peddie Research.
Where is the competition?
At a considerable distance from Nvidia, whose market share is estimated at roughly 80% depending on the source, American firm AMD had until now been considered the runner-up.
But AMD generates the bulk of its revenue from CPU sales—processors used for personal and business computers that are less powerful than GPUs—and “can’t divert resources from that golden egg,” Peddie believes.
Determined to reduce their dependence on Nvidia, the major cloud providers have developed their own processors.
Google began using its Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) a decade ago, while Amazon Web Services (AWS)’s Trainium, the cloud-dedicated subsidiary, appeared in 2020.
Today, Google and Amazon account for more than 10% of the market and have even overtaken AMD in terms of “performance, pricing, usability, reliability, and ability to produce enough chips to satisfy the biggest customers,” argued Jordan Nanos of SemiAnalysis.
Google is even offering its chips to third-party customers, according to several media reports. Contacted by AFP, it did not respond. Amazon, however, does not sell its Trainium to other players.
Where do the Chinese stand?
The only nation rivaling the United States in the sector, China is seeking to make up for lost time—and is having to do so without the most advanced US chips, which are now subject to export restrictions.
For Nanos, Huawei ranks among Nvidia’s most credible competitors, alongside Google or Amazon, and ahead of AMD.
Like Google and Amazon, their Chinese equivalents Baidu and Alibaba are also now having their own AI processors manufactured, though these remain merely substitutes for Nvidia’s GPUs.
“They can’t catch up technically for a while using in-country” fabrication facilities, said Peddie.
But “over time, with its huge and smart workforce, and subsidized investment, China will be able to make state-of-the-art fabrication systems.”
Is Nvidia under threat?
No expert sees the Santa Clara, California, giant loosening its grip on the sector in the near future.
“Nvidia underpins the vast majority of AI applications today,” notes John Belton, analyst at Gabelli Funds. “And despite their lead, they keep their foot on the gas by launching a product every year, a pace that will be difficult for competitors to match.”
In early September, Nvidia announced that its new generation, Rubin, would be commercialized in late 2026, with performance for AI functions estimated at 7.5 times that of its flagship product currently on the market, Blackwell.
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Cisco has launched technology that it says will help make artificial intelligence (AI) practical and scalable, from boardrooms to contact centres, improving productivity while transforming customer experiences.
The launches see new agents designed to make human-AI collaboration a reality; an operating system for collaboration devices with RoomOS 26, powered by Nvidia, to deliver agentic capabilities for users and IT; a Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP) to enhance security on Cisco devices running Microsoft Teams Rooms; and Webex Suite integrations including Amazon Q index, Microsoft 365 Copilot and Salesforce for agentic workflow automation.
Cisco describes its approach as Connected Intelligence – where blended teams of humans and agents connect and collaborate, with every connection remaining secure. The company believes that by enhancing collaboration with AI support, employees can benefit from AI agents that minimise distractions and automate routine tasks, allowing them to focus on their most important work.
“With Connected Intelligence, we’re weaving AI agents into Webex to supercharge teams and power new breakthroughs in how people and AI collaborate to get things done – this is the future of work coming to life,” said Cisco president and chief product officer Jeetu Patel.
“We’re building AI agents into Webex today that will amplify our collective productivity and fundamentally improve how people connect with each other, how they interact with AI, and how AI agents themselves collaborate.”
The AI Assistant innovations are said to elevate this experience, offering ways for AI agents to proactively support employees with capabilities such as a task agent, notetaker agent, polling agent, meeting scheduler and AI receptionist for Webex calling.
Set to be generally available from the first quarter of 2026, the task agent features can see an AI agent proactively generate action items from meeting transcripts, reducing manual follow-up. Also set for Q1 26, Notetaker agent allows users to transcribe and summarise in-person meetings in real time to capture the value of impromptu huddles and brainstorms. This agent is available across Webex App and Cisco Collaboration Devices running RoomOS 26.
The AI polling agent is designed to proactively recommend live polls throughout meetings to spark engagement and capture real-time input from participants. The enhanced always-on, virtual receptionist powered by Webex AI Agent can automate routine queries, respond to customer questions and complete tasks like transferring calls or scheduling appointments. Both of the latter are set to be generally available in Q1 CY26.
Meeting Scheduler is set for release in Q4 CY25, allowing, when meetings need to be scheduled, an AI agent to identify automatically the need for follow-up, find common availability and propose scheduling.
General availability of the Open ecosystem approach is planned for Q4 CY25, and will see Cisco AI Assistant integrate with leading enterprise knowledge applications, including Amazon Q index, Microsoft 365, Copilot Jira and Salesforce.
Looking to help organisations with workspaces that facilitate real collaboration and connection among people and AI agents, Cisco claims that RoomOS 26 – the latest evolution of its intelligent device operating system – will use AI in new ways to deliver enhanced collaboration experiences. Cisco Collaboration Devices, powered by Nvidia, will look to bring intelligence directly to the room with new features including a notetaker agent, director agent, audio zones and a workspace advisor agent.
By bringing the MDEP to its Nvidia-powered devices running RoomOS 26, Cisco was confident that it could accelerate adoption, and maximise the benefits of its intelligent hardware and software.
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Carepod Mini for $150: When turned on, the Carepod Mini looks like a Brita Filter that’s also an electric tea kettle. And you’ll think this too because of the Carepod’s unique oscillator that moves the water around inside the clear plastic tank. And unlike the larger stainless steel parts of the larger Carepod models, the Carepod Mini is not dishwasher safe. However, like all Carepod models, the Mini doesn’t have a filter because Carepod recommends using filtered water, putting the water-purifying duties on the user. I would prefer a model with a filter option. Still, the Mini is easy to clean with mild soap and water, unlike some humidifiers that require special descaling solutions. I like what Carepod is trying to do in the humidifier market space, but I almost tipped the whole thing over when I instinctively picked it up by the handle that only lifts up the top part. Still, I found the percolating water effect to be soothing and it does a good job of providing a steady flow of mist. I elevated my Carepod Mini because of its slightly sideways mist flow. I put it on a ceramic plant stand because Carepod warns against placing the Mini directly on wood or furniture because of possible water damage. And while I still do not understand the benefits of Carepod’s oscillator, it looks cool.
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Pure Enrichment Hume XL Humidifier for $80: There are certain design issues that can make a humidifier less user-friendly, and Pure Enrichment’s Hume XL has them all. To begin with, the Hume XL has the old-style tank that needs to be removed and flipped over to fill from the bottom, with a cap that needs to be unscrewed. And while The Hume has a surprisingly large-capacity 5-gallon tank, the filling process is cumbersome, and I always spilled water while doing it. And while the Hume XL has an automatic shutoff when the tank is empty, the opaque black plastic tank is nearly impossible to see through, making it difficult to gauge if I need to fill the tank. There’s also no indicator light to let me know the tank is running low. And while the Hume XL has a solid five-year warranty, night light, and two settings for low or high mist, it’s neither app compatible nor does it have a built-in humidistat. Other lower-cost models have these features. Lastly, the decalcification cartridge filter is sold separately.
FAQs
I’ve been writing about air quality for WIRED since 2019. All the humidifiers in this review were tested in my 100-plus-year-old apartment with the heat on. I was looking for user-friendly humidifiers that could fill a medium-size room with the ideal moisture. I didn’t want to lug jugs of distilled water up my stairs; I also wanted one that was easy to maintain. I was looking for a more committed and sustainable relationship with my humidifier. Maybe you want that too.
At What Percent Humidity Should I Use a Humidifier?
According to the EPA, ideal humidity in a home should be between 30 and 50 percent. Having an indoor humidity at over 60 percent produces a risk of mold growth. A recent study noted that relative humidity serves as a viable predictor of mold growth, and while temperature plays a significant role, keeping humidity levels in the safe range provides benefits without contributing to the unwanted issue of mold. Another study noted that decreased humidity contributed to increased static electricity, skin dryness, and eye irritations along with increased influenza virus survival. For all of those reasons, a humidifier might be what your heat-on/winter season requires.
How Often Should I Clean My Humidifier?
WIRED has seen instructions ranging from “after every use” for dishwasher-safe tanks to “once a week,” to “once a month” in various user manuals. A recent study found that while study participants often did not know how to clear their humidifiers, many used a solution of vinegar and water. If you save anything from the box your humidifier came in, save the manual. I used a solution of water and citric acid to clean my Dyson humidifier. It’s worth noting that a South Korean study found that certain humidifier chemical disinfectants for household humidifiers caused lung injury. Follow your user manual and do not add chemical disinfectants—this is one reason that dishwasher-safe water tanks are an appealing option.
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For business travelers who treat the world like their office, the right travel tech isn’t just convenient, it’s non-negotiable. Work trips often mean meetings happen mid-transit, and deadlines don’t wait for time zones. Today’s professionals require gear that’s as agile and refined as they are. For your next trip—especially on business—every item in your travel arsenal should serve a purpose: keeping you connected, organized, and one step ahead.
Among the business travel essentials? A reliable staple: The Apple MacBook Air: powerful, lightweight, and designed for productivity anywhere. Not to mention, with the right universal converter or portable charger, you can plug it in to charge just about everywhere. Add a portable Wi-Fi hotspot or travel router, and your workspace expands to airport lounges, hotel lobbies, or high-speed trains. For presentation, compact travel steamers ensure you arrive looking polished, while smart luggage and digital tags streamline the journey from check-in to customs. Whether you’re a digital nomad taking a client call on the road or reviewing contracts over espresso in Milan, we’ve compiled the best tech for work trips built for motion. When business takes you everywhere, your gear should work like you do: seamlessly, stylishly, and without pause.
Updated October 2025: We’ve added the Sony WH-1000XM6, OnePlus Pad 3, and Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro.
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Stylish and feature-packed, with excellent touch controls, the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy. Enjoy podcasts, music, or the sweet sound of silence when you fly, with unbeatable active noise cancellation. These cans also boast top-notch sound quality, with a multiband EQ to make the most of any audio source. The new folding design also makes it easier than ever to stow them away for travel.
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Powerful and portable, the svelte Apple MacBook Air (M4, 2025) is the best of the best laptops, and perfect for business travelers looking to get some work done in the office or on the move. You can expect slick performance, long battery life, and a lovely bright display. Apple’s M4 chipset supports two 4K external monitors and on-device AI processing. There’s also a crystal clear 12-megapixel webcam that’s ideal for video conferencing.
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Courtesy of Netgear
Staying connected while you travel can be a challenge, but the Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro is a powerful 5G mobile hotspot that will keep you online wherever you go. Pop in a 5G SIM to enjoy a tri-band Wi-Fi 6E router (2.4-, 5-, and 6-GHz). The design is durable, the 2.8-inch touchscreen is useful, there’s a 2.5-gigabit Ethernet port, and the battery will last you all day (I got 11 hours before having to charge). You can connect up to 32 devices and expect a range of around 1,000 square feet.
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Need to make a stellar first impression on that presentation you crossed an ocean to give? Keep those pearly whites gleaming with the Oral-B Pro 1000. Top of WIRED’s best electric toothbrushes guide, this is a reliable and effective way to clean your teeth. The Pro 1000 sports a circular oscillating brush head that can get in everywhere, and it buzzes every 30 seconds to prompt you to clean each quadrant of your mouth. You can also expect 10 days of battery life when fully charged.
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Asus
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Connect all your gadgets to the Asus RT-AX57 Go travel router before you leave for a trip and you only have to worry about connecting one device at your destination. This dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router has gigabit WAN and LAN Ethernet ports to plug into a modem, port in your hotel, or any other internet source. It can connect to public Wi-Fi, and you can even connect your phone to the USB 3.2 port and use the RT-AX57 Go as a hotspot to magnify your cell connection. The Asus RT-AX57 Go also comes with security software and VPN support, making it one of the best Wi-Fi routers around.
Courtesy of Ceptics
Ceptics
GaN 70W Universal Travel Adapter
The best travel adapters enable globetrotters to plug in all their gadgets. The Ceptics GaN 70W Universal Travel Adapter is first in our bag for every trip because it covers more than 200 countries and has a secure locking slider design that pushes out EU, UK, and US plugs (you can rotate the pins for sockets in Australia and China). We love the retractable 25-inch USB-C cable that goes up to 70 watts, but you also get an additional USB-C port and two USB-A ports, making this the only charger you need to pack.
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Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
If you’re an Apple person, you probably have an iPad, but for everyone else, Android-powered slates have really improved in recent years, and this is the best Android tablet right now. OnePlus elevates the experience with software tweaks like Open Canvas, enabling you to multitask with three apps. When you’re done with work, the sharp and smooth 13.2-inch screen is perfect for kicking back with a movie. The Snapdragon 8 Elite inside ensures performance is fantastic for work or play.
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Travel Inspira
Luggage Scale
No more surprise baggage fees—this compact scale slips neatly into your luggage and gives you peace of mind before check-in. Picked by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the best luggage scales, its user-friendly strap and clear display take the stress out of weigh-ins, so you’re never left guessing. Built tough for globetrotting, it withstands knocks and rough handling. For business travelers, it’ll help keep your bag within weight limits and keep your trip on-budget.
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Hatch
Rest Go Portable Sound Machine
This palm-sized sound machine delivers 10 soothing tracks—from ocean waves to white noise—without apps or Wi‑Fi, making it perfect for travel. With around 12 to 15 hours of battery life, it’ll last through long flights or busy days. Its simple button layout and clip-on ring allow quick setup anywhere, from airport lounges to hotel rooms. Funnily enough, the gadget is actually designed for babies, but can be used by travelers of all ages—and a must-have for Traveler editors. It’s affordable, tough, and sleek enough to blend into any travel toolkit.
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Nesugar
Portable Handheld Steamer
A travel staple for sharp professionals, this handheld steamer tackles wrinkles in minutes—no ironing board needed. Just plug it in and press and glide to freshen suits, dresses, and linens. Lightweight enough for a carry-on bag yet effective enough to smooth creases effortlessly, it’s the secret weapon to looking polished on arrival. Ideal for impromptu meetings or last-minute evening events, it ensures you always step out wrinkle-free.
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iWalk
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