Discover a dynamic tech landscape: Bitcoin grapples with geopolitics, while ICANN ensures internet continuity. Microsoft’s Copilot reshapes enterprise solutions amid Ericsson’s sales struggles.
Blockchain
1. Bitcoin struggles to maintain $64,000 amid rising Middle East tensions
Bitcoin faces challenges in sustaining the $64,000 mark amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East. As geopolitical uncertainties ripple through global markets, investors closely monitor bitcoin’s resilience. (Crypto Craft)
2. Bitcoin briefly drops below $62,000 as economic and geopolitical pressures loom: CNBC Crypto World
Bitcoin, facing turbulent economic and geopolitical currents, momentarily dipped under the $62,000 mark, signaling market unease. Haider Rafique, OKX’s CMO, unveiled their innovative Layer 2 solution, poised to enhance liquidity and empower developers in expanding OKX’s dApp ecosystem. (CNBC)
Internet governance
3. ICANN’s Emergency Assistance Program for continued internet access
ICANN’s Emergency Assistance Program, responding to the Board’s call, now stands poised with master service agreements signed with 3 organisations: Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), and NetHope. (ICANN)
IT infrastructure
4. Microsoft raises business application suite prices as Copilot permeates Dynamics 365
Microsoft’s Copilot has indeed become an integral part of the tech giant’s enterprise solutions, spanning its 365 productivity tools and Dynamics suite. Forrester’s Kate Leggett, a vice president and principal analyst, highlighted the rationale behind the price increase, citing the value it brings to Dynamics users. (CIO Dive)
5. Ericsson’s network sales woes continue into 2024
Ericsson’s Q124 results reveal a concerning trend with net sales plummeting by 15% year-on-year and 26% quarter-on-quarter. Persistently, the decline is attributed to weakening networks business. (Capacity)
Tech trends
6. Microsoft-backed Rubrik targets up to $5.4 bln valuation in US IPO
Rubrik, backed by Microsoft, eyes a substantial valuation of up to $5.44 billion in its US IPO amidst a resurgence in new listings. (The Business Times)
AI
7. AMD introduces AI chips for business laptops and desktops
AMD introduces a new line of semiconductors for AI-enabled business laptops and desktops, aiming to capture a larger share of the lucrative “AI PC” market. Partnering with HP and Lenovo, the chips promise enhanced capabilities for running large-language models and AI-powered applications directly on devices. (Reuters)
8. Startup Rivos raises $250 million to develop RISC-V AI chips
Rivos secures a substantial $250 million in Series A-3 funding. Rivos aims to leverage the investment to produce its inaugural AI server chip based on RISC-V architecture, optimising performance for large language models and data analytics. (Data Centre Dynamics)
9. Intel to launch two AI chips for China with reduced capabilities
Intel plans to introduce two AI chips tailored for the Chinese market, HL-328 and HL-388, scheduled for release in June and September. To comply with U.S. export controls, these chips will have reduced capabilities while still leveraging Intel’s latest Gaudi 3 product line features. (Business Standard)
10. Baidu says AI chatbot ‘Ernie Bot’ has attracted 200 million users
Baidu’s Ernie Bot, an AI chatbot, has amassed a staggering 200 million users within just 13 months since its launch, with over 85,000 enterprise clients. CEO Robin Li Yanhong unveiled three tools leveraging Ernie’s large language model (LLM), empowering developers to create AI applications without coding expertise. (Scamp)
AR/VR
11. Pimax announces new wired PC VR headsets: $700 crystal light & $1800 crystal super
Pimax unveils new additions to its VR lineup with Crystal Light and Crystal Super wired PC headsets, alongside a wireless adapter for the existing Crystal model. (Upload VR)
IoT
12. KORE helps GoRout tackle communication between players and coaches
KORE partners with GoRout, a leader in coach-to-player communication, enhancing on-field strategies from grassroots to professional levels. GoRout’s wearable devices facilitate real-time communication, empowering coaches to send play calls securely and players to receive alerts effortlessly. (IoT Business News)
