Microsoft
unveiled its next-generation AI data center chip, Maia 200, claiming that it outperforms the latest silicon from
Amazon
and
Google
on key benchmarks. It’s already running production AI workloads, powering Microsoft Copilot and
OpenAI
’s GPT-5.2 at a data center in Iowa. It’s part of the race among cloud giants to build custom AI chips, reducing their reliance on
NVIDIA
as the cost of running AI models becomes a bigger concern.Read more.

“The leading nuclear project in the U.S.”

Bill Gates

-backed
TerraPower
is closing in on key federal permits for its Natrium reactor in Wyoming, a major step toward building the first next-generation nuclear plant in the country. The project could help reshape the future of nuclear energy with a design aimed at delivering cleaner, more flexible power. Read more.

A new “Tap to Pay” feature is coming to Seattle-area transit as ORCA rolls out support for frictionless payments with a credit card or smartphone. Read more.

GeekWire Podcast: We dove into the behind-the-scenes history of the relationship between Microsoft and OpenAI. Plus,

Satya Nadella

’s new AI catchphrase,

Dave Clark

’s “wildly productive” vibe coding, and other news. Read more and listen here.

Hot Links:

• IonQ
  , the quantum giant which has a factory near Seattle, is buying chip maker
  SkyWater Technology
  for $1.8 billion in its latest acquisition. (Wall Street Journal)
• “Tech Bro leaders” are failing the country with an abdication of leadership, writes former Xbox leader and Microsoft exec
  
  Robbie Bach
  
  . (LinkedIn)
• Microsoft’s Windows 11 has a trust problem, says tech journalist
  
  Daniel Rubino
  
  , and the fix is a user‑first approach: no ads in core UI, opt‑in changes, and transparent privacy and AI controls. (Windows Central)
• Anthropic
  rolled out Claude in Excel for its Pro plan tier — an alternative to Microsoft’s own Excel agent. (Claude; LinkedIn)
• Anthropic CEO
  
  Dario Amodei
  
  penned a lengthy essay on the risks of powerful AI — something he says is particularly relevant “given the horror we’re seeing in Minnesota.” (Dario Amodei; X)
• Indianapolis, Atlanta, and Charlotte top
  Zillow
  ’s list of the most buyer-friendly markets of 2026. (Zillow)
• The NFC Championship game in Seattle, as tracked by seismologists. (PNSN)

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