Crypto
1. Hong Kong invites global opinions on future of Web3 and digital assets
Hong Kong Legislative Council member Johnny NG Kit-Chong is soliciting global industry feedback to shape policy recommendations for Web3 and digital assets. The newly formed Subcommittee aims to position Hong Kong as a leading hub for Web3 innovation, focusing on regulatory frameworks, international cooperation, and fostering talent in decentralised technologies. (Cointelegraph)
Fintech
2. Fortegra expands reach: New licence enables operations across Belgium and EU
Fortegra Group, part of Tiptre, expands into Belgium and the EU with Fortegra Belgium Insurance Company, NV, and Fortegra Europe Insurance Company in Malta. CEO Rick Kahlbaugh anticipates robust growth in Europe’s dynamic MGA market. (Fintech Global)
IT infrastructure
3. Comcast, Starlink sign deal to provide satellite-based connectivity to businesses
Comcast’s partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink marks a pioneering collaboration in satellite-based connectivity for businesses. With the largest satellite constellation, Starlink extends internet access to remote areas, complementing existing partnerships like with T-Mobile. (Reuters)
4. Apple releases Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 and Final Cut Camera
Apple’s release of Final Cut Pro for iPad 2 and Final Cut Camera brings robust enhancements tailored for the new iPad Pro’s M4 chip. Featuring up to 2x faster rendering and supporting 4x more ProRes RAW streams than the M1, the update includes a new “Live Multicam” feature for wireless camera preview and control via the companion app. (Tech Crunch)
Tech trends
5. CDK Global begins to restore systems after cyber hack hits thousands of retailers
CDK Global is actively restoring systems for 15,000+ North American retail locations after a cyber incident, anticipating completion in “several days.” Affected auto dealerships, including Sonic Automotive and Penske Automotive, face operational challenges. (Aol.)
6. US lawsuit against TikTok to focus on children’s privacy
The U.S. Department of Justice is focusing its forthcoming lawsuit against TikTok on allegations of child privacy violations, diverging from claims of misleading adult users on data practices. The FTC’s referral underscores concerns about TikTok’s compliance with privacy laws, separate from congressional worries over potential data access by the Chinese government. (Reuters)
AI
7. Nvidia to launch in Middle East amid U.S. curbs on AI exports to region, Ooredoo CEO says
Nvidia’s agreement with Ooredoo to deploy AI technology across data centres in Qatar, Algeria, Tunisia, Oman, Kuwait, and the Maldives marks a significant regional expansion. This move positions Ooredoo as a leader in digital infrastructure in the Middle East, despite U.S. restrictions on exporting advanced chips to curb Chinese technology access through the region. (Yahoo!News)
8. Apple and Meta have discussed AI partnership, WSJ reports
Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, is reportedly in talks to integrate its generative AI model into Apple’s newly announced AI system for iPhones, as Apple explores partnerships with various AI companies, including discussions with Anthropic and Perplexity. (The Wall Street Journal)
9. Stability AI appoints new CEO, the Information reports
Stability AI has appointed Prem Akkaraju as CEO, following a cash infusion from investors including Sean Parker to stabilise the company. The funding, aimed at bolstering the firm’s financial health, may lead to a lower valuation and reduced stakes for existing investors who have collectively invested over $100 million. (Aol.)
10. OpenAI buys database analytics firm Rockset in nine-figure stock deal, sources say
OpenAI has acquired Rockset, a search and database analytics startup, in a stock deal using its shares. The acquisition is aimed at bolstering OpenAI’s enterprise products with Rockset’s real-time data processing and vector search capabilities. (Reuters)
11. US closer to curbing investments in China’s AI, tech sector
The U.S. Treasury Department released draft rules aimed at restricting investments in artificial intelligence and other technology sectors in China. These rules follow an executive order by President Biden to regulate U.S. investments in semiconductors, microelectronics, quantum computing, and AI to prevent U.S. technologies from bolstering Chinese technological capabilities. (CNBC)
Products
12. The new and improved Windows PCs are finally here
Installer No. 43 concludes with updates on cutting-edge tech and personal discoveries. Highlights include the Asus VivoBook S 15 and Elden Ring’s latest DLC. Featured are new gadgets like the Xreal Beam Pro and Logitech Keys-to-Go 2. (The Verge)
13. Apple iPhone 16 to get major design overhaul, Pro series to come with camera button, show leaked cases
The iPhone 16 is poised for a significant design update with a vertical camera setup and a possible addition of a physical shutter button, challenging earlier expectations of a button-free design. (Firstpost.)
14. The iPhone App Store will get its first game streaming app this month
Antstream has become the first game streaming service to officially launch on the App Store for iPhone and iPad, following Apple’s policy shift in January allowing such apps. It offers access to over 1,300 retro games including classics like Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Zombies Ate My Neighbors. (Mashable)
IoT
15. Rocket Lab launches 5 IoT satellites on landmark 50th mission
Rocket Lab successfully launched its 50th Electron rocket mission, named “No Time Toulouse,” from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, on June 20, 2024. The mission deployed five satellites for Kinéis, a French Internet of Things (IoT) satellite provider. (Space.com)
