TechLinked China blocking H200 sales, Microsoft's datacenter penance, yay 8GB GPUs + more!
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Jan 15, 2026 China has blocked the sale of Nvidia's H200 GPUs, raising questions about tech dependencies and political signals. Microsoft is making strides to embrace sustainability in its datacenter operations, focusing on community benefits. Meanwhile, Nvidia is rumored to ramp up 8GB GPU production amidst memory shortages. In industry shifts, Meta is pivoting from VR to AI, Bandcamp is banning AI-generated music, and GOG aims to challenge Steam with indie-focused strategies. Plus, you can now reserve a room at a lunar hotel for future space vacations!
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H200 Approval Meets Chinese Pushback
- The US approved Nvidia H200 sales to China but added strict conditions and oversight.
- Chinese customs then blocked or paused those imports, showing geopolitical friction overrides approvals.
Microsoft Pledges Local-Conscious Data Centers
- Microsoft pledged community-first commitments to avoid passing AI data center costs to locals.
- They promised utilities coverage, water-efficiency goals, training, and no local tax breaks to lessen community impact.
Nvidia Doubles Down On 8GB Cards
- Nvidia is reportedly shifting production toward 8GB RTX 5060 and 5060 Ti models due to memory shortages.
- This helps preserve lower-price mid-range supply but could precede further price increases.