Apparently, AI data centers are capable of sucking less (power, that is). A recent UK trial demonstrated that they can adjust their energy demands dynamically without disrupting critical workloads. This contrasts with data centers' current approach of always-on power draw, which can strain grids and drive up prices for everyone.

Over five days in December 2025, more than 200 simulated "grid events" tested a London data center’s ability to adjust its energy use on the fly. The trial used software from Emerald AI, which was involved in the study. Other partners included NVIDIA, National Grid, Nebius and the nonprofit Electric Power Research Institute.

In each simulated grid event, the data center successfully adjusted its energy use to the requested level. It reduced power draw by up to 40 percent, while critical workloads continued to run as normal throughout the trial.

The data center successfully reacted to spikes in demand during soccer match halftimes. In one case, it reduced its power draw by 10 percent for up to 10 hours. It also managed to cut its demand quickly: One event saw the data center reduce its load by 30 percent in only 30 seconds.

The study will serve as a blueprint for a 100MW “power-flexible AI factory” that NVIDIA plans to operate in Virginia. "This trial proves that NVIDIA-powered infrastructure can act as a grid-aware asset, modulating demand in real-time to support stability," Josh Paker, NVIDIA's sustainability lead, wrote in a statement. "By making AI workloads responsive, we accelerate deployment while reducing the need for costly grid upgrades."

The organizations involved in the study say they'll share their data with the AI industry, regulators and policymakers to try to influence their approach. Fortunately, we don’t need to hope that data center operators’ altruism (ha) will lead to their cooperation. Agreeing to curb usage during peak demand could be good for their balance sheets and lead to faster approvals for new data center grid connections. "We would love to get to a point where we can get customers on the network in two years, and this is part of that," Steve Smith, president of National Grid Partners, told Bloomberg.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/ai-data-centers-could-reduce-power-draw-on-demand-study-says-180628982.html?src=rss

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XLR microphone owners, rejoice: Shure's successor to the MVX2U Digital Audio Interface (DAI) brings the adapter into the mobile era. The compact MVX2U Gen 2 adds more advanced onboard audio processing. But its most notable upgrade is mobile device compatibility, so you're no longer limited to desktop use.

The single-channel MVX2U Gen 2 provides up to +60dB of gain and 48V phantom power. On the processing front, the adapter includes an auto-level mode. There’s also a real-time denoiser to minimize background noise and a pop filter ("Popper Stopper" in Shure marketing-speak) to soften those harsh plosive sounds. Shure says the new model improves the noise floor, headphone amp and DAC.

The adapter stores your last-used audio processing settings. That way, you don't have to worry about your settings getting wiped out when switching between devices or software.

The Shure MVX2U Gen 2 includes a 1m (3.3 ft) USB-C to USB-C cable, so you can get it up and running quickly on your phone, tablet or PC. The adapter is now available for $139 from the company website.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/shures-next-gen-dai-adds-mobile-support-140000205.html?src=rss

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