AI Hardware Crunch, Tesla's FSD Shift, and OpenAI Legal Battles Heat Up

AI Hardware Crunch Intensifies Amidst Government Support and Market Shortages

The global demand for cutting-edge AI hardware, particularly high-performance GPUs, is creating a dual-pronged dynamic of both intense competition and significant government intervention. On January 19, 2026, South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT announced a substantial initiative, opening applications for projects that will utilize approximately 4,000 advanced GPUs, including the H200 and B200 models. This move aims to bolster domestic AI research and development, fostering innovation across key industries.

However, this push for more AI compute power collides head-on with burgeoning supply chain issues. Ars Technica reports a widening RAM shortage chaos that now directly impacts GPU availability, alongside high-capacity SSDs and even traditional hard drives. This scarcity isn't just a matter of quantity; GPU manufacturers are likely to prioritize their most profitable models, exacerbating the problem for researchers and developers relying on specific hardware configurations. The implication is clear: the race for AI supremacy will be as much about securing hardware as it is about developing algorithms.

Tesla's Full Self-Driving Goes Subscription-Only: A Strategic Pivot

Tesla is fundamentally altering its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software strategy, shifting from a one-time purchase model to a subscription service. This significant change, observed as of January 19, 2026, suggests a move towards recurring revenue streams, a common tactic in the software industry. By making FSD a subscription, Tesla can generate more predictable income and potentially lower the initial barrier to entry for customers, even as the long-term cost may increase.

The implications extend beyond Tesla's balance sheet. This pivot could signal a broader trend in the automotive sector, where advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving features become increasingly reliant on continuous software updates and ongoing service fees. It also raises questions about software ownership and the longevity of access for users who previously paid a premium for permanent functionality.

Elon Musk's $134 Billion OpenAI Lawsuit: A Battle Over AI's Soul?

Adding another layer of complexity to the AI landscape is Elon Musk's high-stakes lawsuit against OpenAI. As reported on January 17, 2026, Musk is seeking up to $134 billion, arguing his role as an early investor and co-founder entitles him to significant returns. This legal battle is framed not just as a financial dispute but potentially as a fight over the future direction and accessibility of artificial general intelligence (AGI).

Musk's legal team emphasizes his contributions and the vision of OpenAI as a non-profit entity dedicated to benefiting humanity. The sheer scale of the financial claim underscores the perceived value and potential of AGI, while also highlighting the deep-seated disagreements that have emerged between Musk and OpenAI's current leadership. This lawsuit could set precedents for intellectual property, founder rights, and the ethical governance of powerful AI technologies, impacting how future AI ventures are structured and funded.

References

• 과기부, 첨단 GPU 4000장 지원 위한 과제 공모 시작 - AI Times
• Musk wants up to $134B in OpenAI lawsuit, despite $700B fortune - TechCrunch
• RAM shortage chaos expands to GPUs, high-capacity SSDs, and even hard drives - Ars Technica
• Tesla's 'Full Self-Driving' Software Is Becoming a Subscription Service - CNET