Discover blockchain transformations, regulatory reforms, technological progressions, and the infusion of IoT.
Blockchain
1. Solana DeFi Marginfi CEO resigns, sparking fund exodus
Marginfi CEO Edgar Pavlovsky’s resignation from Solana-based DeFi platform Marginfi sparked a 25% drop in total value locked, citing internal conflicts. His departure led to significant fund outflows, reducing TVL to under US$600 million. (Yahoo!Fiance)
2. Spot bitcoin ETFs options trading decision delayed
The Securities and Exchange Commission has deferred its decision on allowing options trading on spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds, extending the review period. (etf.com)
Regulation
3. Dubai regulator wants to lower the cost of compliance for small crypto firms
Matthew White, CEO of Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), aims to reduce compliance costs for small crypto firms, seeking a regulatory framework accessible to all. (CoinDesk)
Internet governance
4. Minutes of the 174th executive board meeting published
The RIPE NCC Executive Board convened its 174th meeting on March 25, 2024. Highlights include updates on audits, agreement on 2025 Charging Scheme options, and the establishment of a Limited Liability Company in Dubai Free Zone. (RIPE NCC)
IT infrastructure
5. DuckDuckGo launches $9.99 per month privacy bundle with VPN
DuckDuckGo introduces Privacy Pro subscription, featuring VPN, personal data removal, and identity theft restoration, priced at $9.99 monthly or $99 annually, exclusive to U.S. users. (Tech Crunch)
6. Quinbrook closes financing on BESS for new ‘Supernode’ data centre in Queensland, Australia
Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners portfolio company achieves financial close for a 250MW/500MWh battery storage system in Queensland, Australia, marking the initial phase of the $1.875 billion Supernode project. (Energy Storage News)
Apps
7. Sonos to get a free upgrade that will make your system much easier to control
Sonos to overhaul mobile app in May for easier control of wireless multi-room speakers like Sonos Era 300. Redesign focuses on simplifying navigation with central homescreen hub and improved search. (T3)
8. Apple will open the iPhone to repair with used parts
Apple has unveiled an upcoming update slated for fall, enabling owners of “select” iPhone models to conduct repairs utilising authentic, pre-owned components while preserving complete functionality. (The Verge)
9. Instagram will blur nudes in messages sent to minors
Meta unveils new measures to combat “sextortion” and “intimate image abuse,” amid political scrutiny over child safety. Instagram introduces nudity-protection feature in direct messages, blurring and prompting users before sending nudity.
10. Apple alerts users in 92 nations to mercenary spyware attacks
Apple issues spyware warning to iPhone users in 92 countries, informing them of targeted attacks via email notification. Victims, including those in India, alerted of attempts to remotely compromise their devices. (Forbes)
AI
11. The Weather Channel’s parent company has a new AI tool to make hyperlocal weather videos
The Weather Company introduces ReelSphere, leveraging generative AI to enhance weather videos for broadcasters. This tool automates captioning, graphics, and hyperlocal overlays, even offering customisable AI voices resembling local meteorologists. (The Verge)
12. European car manufacturer will pilot Sanctuary AI’s humanoid robot
Sanctuary AI partners with Magna, deploying humanoid robots at its auto manufacturing facilities, enhancing production processes. Similar collaborations, like those with Figure, Apptronik, and Agility, underscore the automotive industry’s growing interest in robotic automation. (Tech Crunch)
13. Simbian brings AI to existing security tools
Kumar’s journey from Nvidia to cybersecurity led to the founding of Fortanix and eventually Simbian, an AI-powered cybersecurity platform. Addressing industry challenges, Simbian orchestrates security workflows, minimising operational burden and enhancing response efficiency. (Tech Crunch)
IoT
14. Huawei and EDMI reach global IoT licencing agreement
Huawei and EDMI announce a patent license agreement under FRAND conditions, enabling EDMI to utilise Huawei’s cellular IoT SEPs. EDMI’s CEO emphasises the partnership’s importance in enhancing global product offerings. (The Edge Singapore)
15. Cisco enhances coffee farming in Tanzania using the IoT
Cisco collaborates with partners and Tanzanian coffee growers in the ConSenso Project, employing IoT to enhance yields and sustainability amidst climate change challenges. (IoT news)
16. The installed base of smart parking sensors to reach 3.2 million units in 2028
Berg Insight reveals significant growth in the global smart parking sensor market, excluding China, with an estimated 1.3 million installed devices in 2023, projected to reach 3.2 million by 2028. (IoT Business News)
