Briefing Desk
Latest Briefings
Concise reporting on the developments shaping internet governance and infrastructure. Browse each area for recent news, context and watchpoints.
What are the characteristics and advantages of smart cities?
Smart cities are an innovative approach to urban management that combines technology, sustainability and community engagement to create a more efficient and livable urban environment, playing an important role in shaping future urban life and driving economic growth. In this blog, we will explore th…
What is internet bandwidth and why it matters?
In our increasingly digital world, understanding the concept of internet bandwidth is essential for navigating the complexities of online connectivity. Whether you’re streaming movies, working remotely, or simply browsing the web, internet bandwidth plays a critical role in determining the quality a…
Neuralink conducts second brain chip implant trial
OUR TAKENeuralink’s success in brain chip implants is a breakthrough towards enhancing independence for paralysed individuals. However, the long-term efficacy and safety of these implants will be crucial to their widespread adoption. -Olivia FANG, BTW reporter What happened In a broadcast released l…
Character.AI co-founders return to Google with tech agreement signed
OUR TAKEThe return of Noam Shazeer to Google signals a significant realignment in the AI landscape, highlighting the strategic importance of top-tier AI talent and technology partnerships. This move could enhance Google’s AI capabilities while providing Character.AI with the resources to continue it…
Meta seeks celebrity voices for innovative AI experiences
OUR TAKEMeta is in talks with top Hollywood talent agencies to add the voices of celebrities such as Judi Dench, Keegan-Michael Key and Awkwafina to its AI products, with plans to show off these new features at the Meta Connect conference in September. These voices will be integrated into Meta’s soc…
Elon Musk’s Neuralink implants a brain chip in 2nd trial patient
Neuralink’s second implant allows a paralysed patient to control digital devices by thought, with 400 of 1,024 electrodes working well.
Morgan Stanley to allow advisors to offer bitcoin ETFs to wealthy clients
OUR TAKEMorgan Stanley is set to make it much easier for people to invest in cryptocurrencies. They’re launching a new programme that lets their financial advisers offer Bitcoin ETFs to clients with a high net worth. This is a pretty bold move, involving big funds like BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Tr…
Nvidia delays chip launch due to design flaws
A design flaw is expected to delay the launch of Nvidia’s highly anticipated AI chips by at least three months, impacting its major customers.
Baidu and Geely’s bold leap to transform the car industry
OUR TAKEAt the 2024 Shanghai International Public Safety Products Expo (Shanghai Security Expo SPS), Jiyue described themselves as a vehicle robot, which piqued my interest significantly. Their appearance looks like a normal EV, indistinguishable from other brands, but can you believe that, although…
Aruba integrates liquid cooling tech at Ponte San Pietro campus
OUR TAKERecently Aruba has implemented liquid cooling technology at their Ponte San Pietro data centre near Milan? That’s pretty impressive! With AI and HPC demanding more from hardware, traditional air cooling systems are struggling to keep up. I remember Google and Microsoft also tried their hands…
Top tech news stories today: August 5, 2024
Fintech 1. Morgan Stanley tells wealth advisors they can pitch bitcoin ETFs in a first for a big bank Morgan Stanley on Friday told its army of financial advisors that it will soon allow them to offer bitcoin ETFs to some clients, a first among major Wall Street banks. (CNBC) IT infrastructure 2. Ne…
What is bandwidth in computing and why is it important?
Bandwidth, measured in bits per second, represents the maximum data transfer rate of a network or internet connection, akin to the width of a highway for data flow.
Arm’s revenue forecast sparks $24B market loss
OUR TAKE The decline in Arm Holdings’ stock following its revenue forecast underscores the volatility of the tech market. Despite short-term pressures, the long-term potential from AI investments keeps analysts bullish. This reflects the broader market sentiment that heavy investment in AI will even…
IBM report reveals surging data breach costs in the UK
OUR TAKE The escalating costs of data breaches in the UK underscore the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures. As companies face increasing financial burdens, the importance of proactive security strategies and investments in AI-driven solutions cannot be overstated. — Zoey Zhu, BTW report…
Microsoft calls OpenAI a competitor in SEC filing
OUR TAKEThe designation of OpenAI as a competitor by Microsoft highlights the intricate balance between partnership and rivalry in the tech industry. While this may address regulatory concerns, it also reflects the dynamic nature of tech alliances, where companies must continuously adapt to maintain…
Suno argues AI training with copyrighted music is legal
OUR TAKE The recent admission by Suno underscores the complexity of applying fair-use doctrine to AI model training. As legal battles unfold, the outcome could set crucial precedents impacting the future of AI and copyright law. — Zoey Zhu, BTW reporter What happened Following a lawsuit filed by the…
Chrome to introduce new AI-powered features for product searches
OUR TAKEThese updates signify a significant enhancement in how users interact with the web, making product searches more intuitive and streamlined. By integrating advanced AI tools, Google aims to improve the efficiency and precision of finding and comparing products, potentially transforming the on…
New leaks reveal details about Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
OUR TAKEThe latest leaks about the Pixel 9 Pro Fold highlight significant updates and improvements, including a larger foldable screen and unchanged pricing from the original Pixel Fold. By maintaining pricing consistency and offering enhanced features, Google aims to strengthen its position in the …
Intel plans 15,000 layoffs as part of $10B savings initiative
OUR TAKEIntel’s drastic measures reflect its struggle to remain competitive amid rapid technological advancements. While layoffs and cost reductions may stabilise the company in the short term, the challenge will be regaining its position in the evolving tech landscape, especially as rivals thrive i…
Skype to ditch ads and introduce AI features in new update
OUR TAKEMicrosoft’s move to remove ads from Skype and introduce AI features aims to revitalise the app and enhance user experience. By eliminating distractions and integrating advanced tools, Microsoft seeks to attract more users and improve engagement with Skype. This update underscores Microsoft’s…
What is RFID used for and can it be deactivated?
RFID technology has revolutionised various industries by enabling efficient tracking and management of goods, assets, and even individuals. From supply chain management to contactless payment systems, RFID offers convenience and enhanced operational capabilities. However, a question that often arise…
What happens after RFID is hacked and how to deal with it?
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology has become an integral part of many industries, offering streamlined tracking, access control, and efficient data management. However, like any technology, RFID systems are not immune to security threats. This blog delves into the key uses of RFID, th…
US initiates antitrust investigation into Nvidia
US authorities probe Nvidia over business practices, potential antitrust violations may lead to fines and business model adjustments.
Hong Kong’s premier online broker Futu launches Bitcoin trading
Hong Kong‘s largest online broker Futu launches Bitcoin trading, signalling a major step in integrating cryptocurrency.
OpenAI’s next model to undergo safety checks by the U.S. Government
Altman says that the company’s next AI model will be subject to U.S. Government safety checks, marking a significant step in AI development.
15-Minute City: A new way of living together
Carlos Moreno proposed the 15-min city in 2016 as a model for a city where citizens can meet their daily needs within a 15-minute distance. The 15-Minute City concept was awarded the 2021 Obel Prize for the concept’s contribution to creating sustainable and people-centred urban environments.
Smart cities: Pioneers of urban innovation
Smart cities like London and Singapore are integrating technology to enhance urban services and quality of life. While smart cities offer numerous benefits, they also come with some issues that need to be addressed, like privacy concerns, the digital divide, and the need for robust cybersecurity mea…
Smart city solutions: shaping urban life with technology
Smart city solutions are comprehensive technology applications that aim to enhance the efficiency of city management and service levels. As cities continue to evolve, it is essential that the development of smart city solutions remains people-centric, focusing on the needs and well-being of all resi…
What is R&D capitalisation?
R&D Capitalization is the process of treating research and development (R&D) cost not as an expense but an asset on a company’s balance sheet. R&D Capitalisation not only helps to reflect more accurately the long-term value of a company’s investment, but also avoids short-term fluctuations in profit…
DevSecOps tools: Integrating security in software development
DevSecOps tools are a set of technologies and practices designed to automate and integrate security into the development process. These tools are designed to embed security into the Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Delivery (CD), and Continuous Deployment (CP) processes to enable security fro…
Google Chrome gets new AI-powered features to simplify browsing
Google has launched three AI-powered features for Chrome, including the integration of Google Lens for image searches, Tab Compare for product comparisons across multiple tabs, and enhanced natural language history search.
India’s Ola Electric IPO gains $2B of bids from big institutions
Ola Electric received bids worth over $2 billion for the $330 million quota reserved for major institutions, one day before the launch of its IPO on August 1.
Intel plans to cut 17,500 jobs to reduce costs
Chipmaker Intel has announced plans to cut around 17,500 jobs, or 15% of its workforce, as part of a broader strategy to reduce costs and realign operations, following a net loss of $1.6 billion in the second quarter.
Motorola Solutions raises annual revenue forecasts on strong security demand
Motorola Solutions has raised its full-year 2024 revenue and profit forecast to around 8% growth and adjusted EPS of $13.22 to $13.30, exceeding previous projections, on the back of strong demand for its safety and enterprise security services.
Turkey blocks Instagram but gives no reason
Turkey on Friday blocked access to the social media platform Instagram, according to the national communications authority, without providing any explanation.
US probes Nvidia over AI chip dominance after rivals’ complaints
The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into Nvidia over allegations that it misused its dominant position in the AI chip market.
What are smart cities and what are their key elements?
A smart city is a modern urban environment that leverages advanced technologies like IoT, data analytics, and AI to enhance infrastructure, services, and citizen engagement, aiming to create a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient community.
What is RFID protection? Safeguarding data in a wireless world
As the world embraces the convenience of wireless technology, ensuring the security of personal information has become paramount. One crucial aspect of this is RFID protection, a method designed to shield your data from unauthorised access. But what exactly is RFID protection, how does it work, and …
What is an RFID wallet? Protecting your data in the digital age
In an era where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, protecting personal information has become increasingly vital. One technology service designed to safeguard our data is the RFID wallet. This smart accessory offers enhanced security against digital theft, combining practicality with p…
Unveiling RFID cards: Revolutionising access and identification
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards are revolutionising the way we access secure areas, track inventory, and identify individuals. These cards, embedded with tiny microchips and antennas, use radio waves to communicate with RFID readers. This technology, though seemingly simple, is transform…
Intel’s current market struggles and efforts to turn around it
OUR TAKERecently, Intel has faced significant challenges, including a forecast of quarterly revenue below estimates and a 20% drop in its share price in premarket trading. If the recent losses hold, Intel’s market capitalisation would fall to about $100 billion, making it worth less than 5% of Nvidi…
Analysts expect the new AI features to help reinvigorate iPhone sales
OUR TAKEThe decline in iPhone sales is significant because the iPhone is a major revenue driver for Apple, and any sustained drop can impact the company’s overall financial health and market position. So Apple’s AI strategy and its impact on iPhone sales are crucial for the company’s revenue, compet…
EU’s sweeping AI law comes into effect officially
The EU’s pioneering AI law is now in effect worldwide, focusing on ethical AI use, accountability, and transparency within the region.
Google introduces Gemini-powered features for Chrome desktop
OUR TAKEIntegrating advanced AI capabilities into web browsing not only streamlines user searches but also transforms the way people interact with digital content. The addition of natural language queries and product comparisons will make Chrome a more powerful tool for everyday tasks. -Lilith Chen…
Apple’s Vision Pro 2 may get a display upgrade with tandem OLED
OUR TAKEThe Vision Pro 2’s potential use of tandem OLED technology highlights Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience through advanced displays. This move aligns with Apple’s tradition of integrating advanced tech without drastic price increases, maintaining their products’ competitive e…
Amazon sues Nokia over cloud computing patents
OUR TAKE The legal battle between Amazon and Nokia highlights the competitive and highly litigious nature of the tech industry, particularly in the rapidly evolving cloud computing sector. This case underscores the importance of intellectual property in maintaining technological leadership. — Zoey Z…
Apple upgrades iPhone AI, faces challenges by Chinese market
OUR TAKEApple’s recent earnings report shows that iPhone sales outperform expectations despite a drop in sales in China, with the company’s investment in AI technology seen as a key factor in attracting consumers. Apple expects iPhone sales to continue to grow in the future, while the company is als…
AI music startup Suno admits using copyrighted songs in AI training
OUR TAKERIAA has filed a lawsuit against two music-generation startups, Udio and Suno, which the RIAA accuses of using copyrighted music without permission to train their AI models. Suno admits to the behaviour in court documents but claimed that it was lawful on the basis of the fair use doctrine. …
Nissan and Honda unite for next-gen software platform
Nissan and Honda have announced a joint venture to research the next-gen software platform, as stated in their joint declaration on Thursday. The two companies have also signed a memorandum to enhance their strategic alliance, first announced in March, with a commitment to collaborate on areas such …
US court halts Biden administration to restore net neutrality rules
US court suspended the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) attempt to re-implement net neutrality rules established in 2015. The court found that broadband service providers are likely to prevail in the upcoming legal dispute and has scheduled oral arguments on the topic for the end of the yea…