Fintech
1. SEC approves BlackRock’s spot bitcoin ETF options listing
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has approved the listing and trading of options for BlackRock’s spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund on the Nasdaq. This move provides institutional investors and traders with an alternative way to hedge their exposure to bitcoin, further integrating cryptocurrency into mainstream financial markets. (Economic Times)
IT infrastructure
2. SpaceX plans to send five uncrewed Starships to Mars in two years, Musk says
SpaceX plans to launch about five uncrewed Starship missions to Mars in two years, CEO Elon Musk said on Sunday in a post on social media platform X. (Reuters)
3. Qualcomm approached Intel about a takeover in recent days, source says
Qualcomm has in recent days approached Intel to explore a potential acquisition of the troubled chipmaker, a source familiar with the situation said on Friday, in what could be a transformational deal in the sector but faces many hurdles. (BusinessLive)
4. TSMC, Samsung mull building big chip factories in UAE, WSJ reports
Potential projects in the United Arab Emirates could be worth more than $100 billion, though major hurdles remain. (Wall Street Journal)
Tech trends
5. Ukraine bans official use of Telegram app over fears of Russian spying
Ukraine has banned the use of the Telegram messaging app on devices used by government officials, military personnel, and critical workers because it believes its enemy Russia can spy on both messages and users, the National Security and Defence Council said. (WeNewsEnglish)
6. Huawei ‘super fans’ fuming as left empty handed by $2,800 phone launch
Pre-orders for the Mate XT have surpassed 6.5 million, almost double the roughly 3.9 million foldable smartphones shipped worldwide in the second quarter of this year, according to consultancy IDC. (IndiaToday)
7. Qualcomm wants to buy Intel
Shares of Intel jumped 3% Friday as The Wall Street Journal’s Lauren Thomas, Laura Cooper, and Asa Fitch reported that Qualcomm has approached Intel about acquiring it for perhaps as much as $90 billion, citing multiple unnamed sources. (YahooFinance)
8. Microsoft launches a Windows app for iPhones, Macs, and Android devices
Microsoft is launching a Windows app today for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, web browsers, Android devices, and even Windows PCs. (MSN)
AI
9. Tech giants push to dilute Europe’s AI Act
The world’s biggest technology companies have embarked on a final push to persuade the European Union to take a light-touch approach to regulating artificial intelligence as they seek to fend off the risk of billions of dollars in fines. (Reuters)
10. UAE’s AI firm G42 and Nvidia to team up on climate tech
United Arab Emirates-based artificial intelligence firm G42 has teamed up with American chipmaker Nvidia to work on climate tech, the firm said on Friday. (WeNewsEnglish)
11. Microsoft promotes responsible AI with 2 new data centres
According to the companies, the first site co-founded and co-founded by both parties and supported by the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC)—will work on identifying, developing, and promoting best practices and industry standards for responsible AI in the Middle East and Global South. (Capacity)
12. UN experts propose global AI framework to foster equitable development
Experts advising the United Nations have recommended the creation of a global data framework to support local AI development and improve access to training and computing resources for researchers and social entrepreneurs, aiming to foster more equitable AI opportunities worldwide. (Capacity)
13. Meta has a major opportunity to win the AI hardware race
Just a few short months ago, the tech world was convinced AI hardware could be the next big thing. (DailyGuardian)
