Today’s highlights include BounceBit’s mainnet launch, Intel’s strategic hires and expansions, and the UAE’s AI model release. Read on to discover how these developments are shaping the future of technology and innovation.
Blockchain
1. BounceBit mainnet goes live with exciting new features
The official launch of the BounceBit Mainnet marks a major milestone since its initial rollout in January 2024. With approximately $1 billion in TVL and nearly 400,000 early contributors, the Mainnet offers node staking, premium yield generation, liquid custody, bridging, and the BounceClub ecosystem. (Blockchain.News)
2. Bitfinex securities launches tokenised bond offering for El Salvador’s first airport hotel
Bitfinex Securities El Salvador has launched a tokenised debt issuance to fund a new Hampton by Hilton hotel at El Salvador International Airport. This initiative, under El Salvador’s Digital Asset Securities Law, aims to raise $6.25 million, marking a significant advancement in blockchain technology for infrastructure projects. (Bitfinex)
3. Binance integrates BounceBit (BB) into multiple services
Binance has integrated BounceBit (BB) into several services, including Binance Simple Earn, Buy Crypto, Binance Convert, Binance Margin, Binance Futures, and Binance Auto-Invest. This expansion, effective May 15, 2024, enhances user access to BB, allowing for direct purchases, trading, and margin borrowing, showcasing Binance’s commitment to broadening its cryptocurrency offerings. (Blockchain.News)
Internet governance
4. Now closed – Consultation on approaches for adjusting the ARIN registration plan fee schedule
From April 3 to May 3, 2024, ARIN sought community feedback on potential fee adjustments to align operating costs with revenue. The community showed support for an annual structured fee increase of up to 5%, though no consensus was reached. The ARIN Board will consider this feedback and additional points raised. (ARIN)
IT infrastructure
5. ITW exclusive: Orchest Technologies provides 80 million more reasons to join Connectbase
Connectbase announced a partnership with Orchest Technologies at ITW, providing automated reach to over 80 million locations in Latin America and the Caribbean via Connectbase’s platform. This strategic collaboration will enhance the Latin America expansion of The Connected World ecosystem, benefiting global buyers with unparalleled last-mile connectivity. (Capacity)
6. GlobalNet unveils PoP in Warsaw
GlobalNet has launched a new PoP at Equinix WA1 data center in Warsaw, Poland. This strategic expansion enhances their Central European network, marking GlobalNet’s first PoP in Poland and third in the region. The new site offers robust connectivity via 1G, 10G, 40G, and 100G ports, strengthening their European backbone. (Total Telecom)
7. Maryland paves the way for data centre growth with landmark legislation
Maryland’s new Critical Infrastructure Streamlining Act of 2024 (CISA) boosts its appeal for data center development by providing a clear legislative framework for emergency backup power generation. This legislation enables Quantum Loophole and Aligned Data Centers to proceed with their projects, transforming the local economy and creating jobs in Frederick County. (Capacity)
Tech trends
8. Apple set to sell Vision Pro headset outside US, Bloomberg News reports
Apple Inc. is set to sell its $3,499 Vision Pro mixed-reality headset internationally, testing its broader appeal. The company has flown hundreds of employees from international stores to Cupertino, California, for four-day training sessions to learn how to demonstrate the device to customers, aiming for a successful global launch. (Bloomberg)
9. Amazon to invest $1.3 bln in France, create 3,000 jobs
Amazon announced plans to invest over 1.3 billion in its French operations, creating more than 3,000 permanent jobs. The investment, part of France’s “Choose France” event, will enhance AWS cloud infrastructure for AI and expand logistics in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, boosting delivery speed and reducing emissions. (The Star)
10. Intel hires industry veteran Kevin O’Buckley to head Foundry Services
Intel named industry veteran Kevin O’Buckley as head of services for its contract chip-making business, succeeding Stuart Pann. With over 25 years of experience, O’Buckley will report to CEO Pat Gelsinger. This move strengthens Intel’s foundry business as it aims to compete with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. (Channel News Asia)
11. Intel nears $11 billion deal with Apollo for Ireland factory, WSJ reports
Intel is in advanced talks with Apollo Global Management for an $11 billion investment to build a facility in Ireland, aiming to expand its manufacturing presence. This deal is part of Intel’s broader $100-billion expansion plan across four U.S. states to compete with TSMC. (Reuters)
12. Cinven to explore $3 billion sale of software maker Jaggaer, sources say
Private equity firm Cinven plans to sell supply chain software maker Jaggaer, aiming for a $3 billion valuation. Goldman Sachs and Moelis will advise on the sale, expected to attract other private equity firms. Jaggaer generates $300 million in revenue and $125 million in EBITDA, with a valuation target over 20 times EBITDA. (Reuters)
AI
13. VC firm Accel raises $650 mln to invest in AI, cybersecurity startups
Accel has raised a $650 million fund to invest in early-stage companies in Europe and Israel, focusing on AI and cybersecurity. This is Accel’s eighth fund since 2000, targeting 25-30 new companies. Known for investments in Meta and Dropbox, Accel continues to expand in Europe’s growing VC market. (U.S. News)
14. UAE releases new AI model to compete with big tech
The UAE’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) released an open-source GenAI model, Falcon 2 series, on Monday. Falcon 2 11B is a text-based model, and Falcon 2 11B VLM is a vision-to-language model that generates text descriptions from images. This release aims to rival models from major technology companies. (The Times of India)
AR/VR
15. First holographic exercise bike ‘ends monotonous workouts’
Saga’s HoloBike, launched on Kickstarter, uses hologram technology to enhance focus and endurance without VR headsets. Featuring a 4K LCD display and powerful graphics processor, it creates vivid 3D landscapes, adapting to the rider’s position. The campaign quickly surpassed its goal, raising £27,593 by May 8. (AV Magazine)
16. Google has a chance to take on the Quest and Vision Pro in a big way
With the introduction of Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s recent announcements, interest in extended reality (XR) headsets and AR glasses is surging. As Google I/O approaches, rumors suggest Google might re-enter this technology space, potentially revealing advancements in AR and XR, driven by previous hints and industry collaborations. (Digital Trends)
