IT infrastructure
1. Germany in deal to cut Huawei’s role in 5G wireless network, sources say
The German government and mobile phone carriers have agreed in principle on steps to phase components by Chinese technology companies out of the nation’s 5G wireless network over the next five years, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday. (XM)
2. Telecom industry coalition to boost access to smartphones in poor countries
Telecom industry group GSMA announced on Wednesday a global coalition of companies, organisations and financial institutions that will seek to make smartphones more accessible and affordable for some of the world’s poorest populations. (Khaleejtimes)
Tech trends
3. Microsoft in $22 million deal to settle cloud complaint, ward off regulators
Microsoft has clinched a €20 million ($21.7 million) deal to settle an antitrust complaint about its cloud computing licensing practices, averting an EU antitrust investigation and potential hefty fine. (Channel News Asia)
4. Microsoft ditches OpenAI board observer seat amid regulatory scrutiny
Microsoft has ditched the board observer seat at OpenAI that has drawn regulatory scrutiny on both sides of the Atlantic, saying it was not necessary after the AI start-up’s governance had improved significantly in the past eight months. (CNN)
5. Google exploring options against Microsoft’s licensing practices
Alphabet unit Google’s cloud subsidiary will look into other options in its fight against Microsoft’s licensing practices, the head of Google Cloud said on Wednesday. (Reuters)
AI
6. Manufacturers slow generative AI rollout on rising accuracy concerns, says study
Manufacturers are deploying planned generative AI initiatives at a slower-than-anticipated pace on concerns around accuracy, Lucidworks said in a study on Wednesday. (The Star)
7. Amazon announces incremental AI refinements to fend off rivals
Amazon announced a series of largely incremental refinements on Wednesday to several of its artificial intelligence products as it seeks to keep rivals at bay amid a continued investor frenzy over the technology. (Yahoo! Finance)
8. AMD to acquire Finnish start-up Silo AI for $665 million to step up in AI race
Advanced Micro Devices said on Wednesday it will acquire Finnish artificial intelligence start-up Silo AI for about $665 million in cash as the company tries to enhance its AI chip capabilities to compete against industry leader Nvidia. (AOL)
9. Intuit to lay off 1,800 amid location shuffle and AI investment
Intuit said Wednesday it’s cutting 1,800 jobs or about 10% of its workforce and hiring an equal number in engineering, product and sales positions as it pivots to artificial intelligence opportunities. (Morning Star)
10. China leads the world in adoption of generative AI, survey shows
Chinese companies are leading the way in the experimentation of generative AI (GenAI), but they’re still behind the US when it comes to full implementation, according to a new survey. (Doha News)
11. Samsung brings tech’s latest fashion to wearable technology with AI twists in new watch and ring
The South Korean electronics giant on Wednesday revealed that both its first-ever premium smartwatch and a smart ring heralding its entry into a niche market will include AI features that are supposed to help people monitor and manage their health. (AP)
IoT
12. VIA partners with Rutronik to expand edge AI solutions
VIA Technologies is partnering with Rutronik to bring advanced IoT, edge AI, and computer vision technologies to a broader customer base, particularly in the industrial, retail, and commercial sectors. (IoT News)
