News
The Trend Towards Smaller Data Centers
The construction of large-scale data centres to support artificial intelligence computing is underway, yet certain experts argue that their necessity is questionable.
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas has suggested that smartphones could eventually render data centres obsolete, citing the potential for powerful, personalised AI tools to run on device hardware during a recent podcast appearance.

In a conversation with host Prakhar Gupta, Srinivas argued that the future of AI lies in localised processing, where devices can handle complex tasks without relying on remote data centres and cloud computing.
This shift would mark a departure from the current paradigm, where AI systems rely on transmitting data to and from large data centres, leveraging their processing power to function.
Apple has already begun exploring this approach with its Apple Intelligence system, which utilises specialised chips in the company's latest products to enable faster and more secure AI processing.
Microsoft has also incorporated on-device AI processing in its Copilot+ laptops, demonstrating the growing trend towards localised AI capabilities.
However, this technology is currently limited to high-end devices, as standard equipment often lacks the processing power required to support demanding AI applications.
According to Jonathan Evans, director of Total Data Centre Solutions, the prospect of powerful AI running on local devices is a long-term possibility, contingent on advancements in efficient and capable processing technology.
Despite the potential for disruption, the data centre industry continues to experience high demand, prompting questions about the sector's future development.
Traditionally, data centres have been large facilities housing extensive computer systems that support a wide range of digital services, including video streaming, online banking, and AI processing.
Virtually any online service relies on data centres, with major companies owning or leasing space in these facilities to support their operations.
A notable exception to the typical data centre model is a small, washing machine-sized facility in Devon, UK, which has been used to provide heat to a public swimming pool while performing computational tasks.
This innovative approach has sparked interest in alternative data centre designs, challenging the conventional wisdom that these facilities must be large and resource-intensive.
In November 2025, a British couple demonstrated another creative application of small-scale data centres, using one to heat their home from a garden shed.
Similarly, a university professor has been using a GPU under his desk to both drive AI applications and warm his office, illustrating the potential for localised, low-impact data processing.
Meanwhile, tech companies continue to invest heavily in large-scale data centre construction, with around 100 new facilities planned in the UK alone, despite concerns about their environmental impact and energy consumption.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has referred to data centres as "AI factories," emphasizing their critical role in supporting the development of AI technology.
The AI sector has long adhered to the notion that increased computing power is essential for advancing AI capabilities, although this assumption is being reevaluated.
A growing number of voices in the tech sector are questioning the need for massive, remote data centres, suggesting that alternative approaches could be more effective and sustainable.
Evans proposes that smaller, edge data centres located near population centres could reduce latency and improve response times, offering a more efficient and adaptable solution.
Mark Bjornsgaard, founder of DeepGreen, agrees that smaller data centres are the future, envisioning a network of local facilities that can provide heat as a by-product of their operations.
Bjornsgaard suggests that every public building could potentially house a small data centre, creating a distributed and resilient infrastructure for AI and other applications.
He likens London to a single, undeveloped data centre, highlighting the potential for urban areas to become hubs for localised computing and AI processing.
Amanda Brock, head of OpenUK, shares this perspective, predicting that the traditional data centre model will eventually become obsolete as more efficient and sustainable alternatives emerge.

Brock advocates for repurposing derelict buildings and vacant shops into small data centres, promoting a more community-focused approach to AI and computing infrastructure.
Some companies are exploring even more innovative approaches, such as developing data centres in space to support future AI and computing needs.
Avi Shabtai, CEO of Ramon Space, sees space-based data centres as an opportunity to reimagine data structures and create more efficient, scalable, and flexible computing systems.
On a more terrestrial level, Brock and Srinivas agree that the future of processing will likely involve a shift towards handheld devices, set-top boxes, or local routers, reducing the need for large, centralised data centres.
This transition may be facilitated by the development of smaller, more targeted AI tools that require less computing power and can be more easily integrated into local devices.
The current emphasis on Large Language Models, which are powerful but often prone to errors, may give way to more bespoke AI solutions that are trained on specific datasets and designed for particular tasks.
The limitations of Large Language Models are partly due to their broad scope and tendency to make mistakes, highlighting the need for more focused and accurate AI applications.
As AI ethics campaigner Ed Newton Rex has noted, an AI tool designed for a specific purpose, such as cancer detection, does not require the same breadth of capabilities as a general-purpose AI model.
Businesses are increasingly opting for customised AI solutions, which are often more expensive but provide greater accuracy and control over data usage.

These tailored AI tools tend to perform better and require less computing power, making them more suitable for local deployment and storage.
Dr Sasha Luccioni, AI and climate lead at Hugging Face, has observed a shift towards smaller, more bespoke AI models that can run on local devices and are tailored to specific business needs.
This paradigm shift is driven by the need for more efficient, accurate, and sustainable AI solutions that can be integrated into local infrastructure.
However, the proliferation of small data centres raises concerns about national security, prompting questions about the potential risks and benefits of decentralised computing infrastructure.
According to Prof Alan Woodward, a computer security expert, smaller data centres may actually reduce the risk of large-scale security breaches, as they present less attractive targets for attackers.
Woodward notes that large data centres can be single points of failure, citing recent examples of major outages at Amazon Web Services facilities.
Luccioni adds that reducing reliance on large data centres can also have environmental benefits, as these facilities consume significant resources and contribute to energy consumption and e-waste.
News
Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role
Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.
Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.
Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.
Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.
As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.
Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.
Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.
According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.
Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.
Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.
Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.
Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.
The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.
Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.
Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.
Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.
Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.
If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.
For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.
News
Peter Murrell faces allegations of misusing £459,000 in funds over 12 years
Allegations have been made that he bought various items, such as luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome, in an improper manner.
Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, is facing allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

An indictment document obtained by BBC News outlines the case against Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The alleged embezzlement is said to have occurred between August 2010 and January 2023, according to the indictment.
It is claimed that Murrell used party funds to purchase luxury items, including jewellery, cosmetics, and vehicles, such as two cars and a motorhome.
The Scottish Sun was the first to report on the details of the indictment.
A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 20 February, where Murrell is expected to appear.
During his initial court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell made no plea and was subsequently granted bail.
Murrell's arrest in 2023 was part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation into the SNP's funding and finances, which led to him being charged with embezzlement in April 2024.

Although Sturgeon was questioned by police as part of the investigation, she is no longer considered a suspect.
BBC News has obtained a copy of the indictment against Murrell ahead of his upcoming court appearance.
It is worth noting that the indictment is subject to change until the case is heard in court and may be amended throughout the judicial process.
The indictment alleges that Murrell purchased a £124,550 motorhome for personal use and created false documents to justify the expense as a legitimate party expenditure.
Murrell is also accused of using £57,500 of party funds to buy a Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019, and falsifying an invoice to conceal the true nature of the purchase.
Furthermore, it is alleged that when the Jaguar was sold in 2021, Murrell deposited more than £47,000 into his personal bank account.
The indictment also claims that Murrell embezzled £16,489 from the SNP to partially fund the purchase of a Volkswagen Golf in 2016.
A list of over 80 retailers is included in the indictment, where Murrell allegedly made purchases totalling more than £159,000 between 2014 and 2022, using party credit or charge cards for personal expenses.
The retailers named in the indictment include Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos, among others.
It is alleged that Murrell used SNP credit or charge cards to make these purchases and then inserted false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions into the party's accounting systems.
The indictment also accuses Murrell of making purchases worth over £81,600 through Amazon using the same method.
Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for 22 years before his departure.
Murrell and Sturgeon were married in 2010, but announced their separation in January 2025, after being together for many years.
News
Bangladesh Nationalist Party Wins Landslide in Country’s First Poll Since Youth-Led Protests
The public is looking forward to a shift back to democratic governance, following a 15-year period of authoritarian leadership by Sheikh Hasina.
In a significant shift in the country's political landscape, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has achieved a decisive majority in parliament, 18 months after widespread protests led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, the country's longest-serving prime minister.

The BNP secured over two-thirds of the seats in the recent general election, with the Jamaat party, the main Islamist party in the country, coming in second; meanwhile, the Awami League, led by Hasina, was not allowed to participate in the election.
As the BNP's leader, Tarique Rahman is poised to become the next prime minister, facing significant challenges in revitalizing the economy and restoring democratic principles after 15 years of authoritarian rule under Hasina's leadership.
In a concurrent referendum, voters also expressed support for comprehensive democratic reforms, which are expected to shape the country's future.
Following Friday prayers in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating, "I am grateful for the love you have shown me"; his party has chosen not to hold a victory procession.
Rahman, who was elected to parliament for the first time, was among the 212 successful BNP candidates; according to the Election Commission, voter turnout was 59.44%.
This marks a significant turnaround for Rahman, who spent 17 years in self-imposed exile in London before taking over as party leader after his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, passed away in December.
During his campaign, Rahman pledged to restore democratic principles and practices in the country.
The new government will need to address pressing issues, including economic revitalization, controlling rising food prices, and creating employment opportunities for the country's large youth population.
Rebuilding relations with neighboring India is also a key priority for the incoming government.
In the aftermath of his victory, Rahman received a congratulatory call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who acknowledged his "remarkable victory".
Modi took to social media to reaffirm India's commitment to promoting peace, progress, and prosperity in both countries, citing their deep historical and cultural ties.
Although the BNP has pledged to bring about change, the party has faced criticism in the past for corruption and alleged human rights abuses during its previous tenure in government in the early 2000s.
The recent election represents a pivotal moment for the country, with one of the two main parties achieving a significant victory, presenting both opportunities and risks.
Proposed constitutional reforms include introducing term limits for the prime minister, establishing a directly elected upper house of parliament, strengthening presidential powers, and increasing judicial independence.
The reforms also aim to increase female representation in parliament, an area where significant progress is still needed, as evidenced by the limited number of successful female candidates in the recent election.
As the newly elected leader, Tarique Rahman will face intense scrutiny as he works to deliver on his promises to a predominantly young electorate eager for change, many of whom participated in the student-led protests that ultimately led to Hasina's removal and paved the way for the February 12 election.
-
News10 hours agoAustralian Politics Faces Questions Over Gender Equality Amid Sussan Ley’s Appointment
-
News7 hours agoFarage Says Reform to Replace Traditional Tory Party
-
News7 hours agoWrexham Pair Seek Win Against Former Team Ipswich
-
News12 hours agoLiberal Party Removes Australia’s First Female Leader
-
News10 hours agoUK Braces for Cold Snap with Snow and Ice Alerts Expected
-
News7 hours agoHusband’s alleged £600k theft for sex and antiques blamed on drug side effects
-
News2 days agoSunbed ads spreading harmful misinformation to young people
-
Business12 hours agoBBC Reporter Exposed to Cyber Attack Due to Vulnerabilities in AI Coding Tool
