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Rising memory chip prices to push up tech costs

Smartphones, computers and other devices have become indispensable parts of our lives. Many people spend a small fortune on ensuring they have the latest tech. However, keeping up to date with the latest gadgets is set to become more expensive. This is because of the explosive rise in demand for servers in AI data centres. AI systems need to store huge amounts of data and move it much faster than traditional computing requires. Suppliers are struggling to keep up with demand. Yahoo.com wrote: "The enormous sums of money going into the AI race are driving up costs for resources and components throughout the economy."

Tech giants Apple and Microsoft have announced price rises for their products. However, Apple said its iPhone would be insulated from the price hikes. Apple said: "We have never seen a component price increase this much, this quickly." It added: "We have shielded our customers from these increases so far, but we have now reached a point where we need to begin raising prices on a number of products." Microsoft said: "The entire consumer electronics industry is struggling with the current components crisis." People are now worrying about rising tech prices affecting their pockets. In addition, the growth of AI data centres has increased demand for electricity, pushing up utility bills in some areas.

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smartphones / computers / a small fortune / gadget / AI data centres / servers / costs / tech giants / Apple / Microsoft / price hikes / consumers / electronics / crisis / bills 

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Discussion

1) What do you think about what you read?

2) What tech giant is your favourite?

3) What do you think of the prices of smartphones?

4) Do we need to spend so much on tech?

5) What issues are there with AI data centres?

6) What bad things could happen if AI took over?

7) What will tech look like in 20 years from now?

8) What questions would you like to ask chip makers?