Briefing Desk
Latest Briefings
Concise reporting on the developments shaping internet governance and infrastructure. Browse each area for recent news, context and watchpoints.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Datacenter Trends
In this section: 4 briefingsMicrosoft’s earnings: Investors eye AI growth amid rising costs
Investors anticipate Microsoft’s upcoming earnings report to assess the impact of its AI infrastructure investment on Azure’s growth. There is apprehension regarding the short-term returns on tech giants’ data centre spending, with Alphabet’s recent financial results serving as a cautionary example.
Insights into choosing the right colocation provider
A colocation provider is a data centre that permits clients to house their servers within its racks, sharing bandwidth. Certain colocation providers also offer interconnection services to facilitate edge-to-core digital goals.
What are colocation services?
Colocation is a hosting service where a business rents space for its servers and other computing hardware in a data centre. With colocation, the customer retains ownership of the hardware but benefits from the data centre’s infrastructure, security, and connectivity.
What is colocation hosting?
Colocation hosting is a data centre service offering businesses secure, scalable server accommodation without the need for self-maintenance. As businesses increasingly rely on the internet for operations, the demand for reliable and scalable hosting solutions like colocation is expected to grow.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 36 briefingsInstagram introduces custom chatbots feature for user profiles
Instagram to enable custom chatbots creation for user profiles, set to transform user-follower and customer interactions.
Trigent unveils AI starter kit to hasten business AI integration
Trigent launches an AI starter kit to speed up business AI adoption, simplifying AI integration into current operations.
What is reflexive connectivity? Applications and benefits
Reflexive connectivity offers a more adaptive, scalable, and efficient approach to digital communications.
French telecom services hit by sabotage attacks
French telecom services suffered disruptions due to sabotage attacks on long-distance cables, affecting multiple locations and operators but sparing Paris where currently hosts the Olympics.
Meta launches AI Studio for customised AI characters
Meta has launched AI Studio, a tool enabling users to create personalised AI chatbots that can manage direct messages and replies on Instagram.
How to fix a slow internet connection?
To fix a slow internet connection, ensure all networking cables are securely connected and undamaged, and check your Wi-Fi signal strength by placing your router centrally and considering a Wi-Fi extender if necessary.
6 steps to fix an unstable internet connection
To troubleshoot an unstable internet connection, start by testing another device or website, check Wi-Fi settings and run a speed test to verify your internet package, and scan for malware that might be affecting your connection
BlackBerry names insider Tim Foote as CFO
OUR TAKE BlackBerry’s mobile phone business did not lag behind, decisively transformed, and committed to the development of the Internet security field. Recent financial data show that BlackBerry’s total revenue in 2023 reached $853 million, an increase of 30.03%, network security business accounted…
What is a power distribution board and what are its functions?
Power distribution boards are vital components in managing electrical systems across various settings. They ensure safe and efficient power distribution, protect against electrical faults, and facilitate easy maintenance. By selecting the right board, ensuring proper installation, and performing re…
What is a point-to-point internet connection and how to choose it?
Point-to-point internet connection (also known as P2P) is a standard internet connection solution for businesses and other commercial properties. P2P is often used at large institutions or campuses. It provides a secure wireless connection that works over large areas, and it’s beneficial when you ne…
Google’s Olympics AI ad sparks debate over authenticity
OUR TAKE Google’s latest ad, which features its AI generating a fan letter, has ignited a debate about the role of artificial intelligence in creative processes. While the tech giant aims to demonstrate AI’s potential to assist in writing, many viewers feel that it disconnects from the authentic, pe…
Tesla focuses on robotaxis while facing skepticism from experts
OUR TAKETesla’s shift towards self-driving taxis signifies a major leap in AI integration for transportation. While ambitious, the road to achieving this vision involves overcoming significant technological and regulatory hurdles. The potential for increased valuation hinges on successful implementa…
AMD’s Ryzen processor has just broken a benchmark performance world record
OUR TAKE The Ryzen 9 9950X’s benchmark performance underscores AMD’s potential to redefine high-performance computing. This significant leap, marked by surpassing previous records, showcases AMD’s technological advancements and hints at a competitive edge over Intel’s flagship processors. — Zoey Zhu…
CISOs face challenges with rising cyber threats and cloud vulnerabilities
OUR TAKE As cyber threats escalate and data volumes balloon, CISOs must prioritize resilience and recovery, with healthcare’s heightened vulnerability to ransomware underscoring the urgency for robust cloud security strategies to safeguard data integrity and business continuity.— Zoey Zhu, BTW repor…
Sony unveils limited edition DualSense controller
OUR TAKE The limited edition Astro Bot DualSense controller is a strategic move by Sony to leverage exclusive game content and custom hardware. Launching the controller alongside the game creates a unified marketing push, boosting the appeal of both. This strategy caters to collectors and enthusiast…
Heights Capital seeks priority in Fisker’s $500M bankruptcy battle
OUR TAKEThe clash between Fisker and Heights Capital is like two cars racing at breakneck speeds on a highway, each desperate to cross the finish line first. Heights Capital, the sole secured lender, is demanding top priority for the over $500 million in convertible loans it provided in 2023. It’s n…
Why leased lines are the gold standard for ultra-reliable internet
Reliable and high-speed internet is critical for both businesses and individuals nowadays, and understanding various types of internet connections is essential. One such connection that stands out, particularly for its stability and performance, is the leased line internet connection. What is a lea…
HPE’s $14B bet on Juniper faces regulatory hurdle
OUR TAKEIn my opinion, it’s like watching two giants of the tech world team up for a superhero movie. HPE swooping in to buy Juniper for $14 billion? That’s like Tony Stark buying Vibranium mines from Wakanda! And they’re banking on using Juniper’s strengths to take on Cisco, the Avengers-level thre…
What is the invisible force connecting every chat and click?
End-to-end connectivity has become a crucial concept in today’s digital age, where seamless communication and data flow are integral to both personal and business operations. This term refers to a system where all components of a network or process are connected, ensuring that data travels smoothly …
ADT’s trusted neighbours feature revolutionises access control
OUR TAKEThe ADT Plus system aims to bridge the gap between professionally installed security systems and DIY setups and provide users with consistent hardware quality regardless of the installation method chosen. And users can customise their security packages by adding extra components like motion …
Galileo’s hallucination index provides valuable insights into the question of AI hallucination
OUR TAKEThe AI industry continues to face hallucinations as a significant hurdle for production-ready generative AI products. The hallucination index released by Galileo provides a comprehensive evaluation of generative AI models, focusing on their performance in handling hallucinations. It also pro…
Samsung begins closing gap in making AI memory chips for Nvidia
OUR TAKESamsung Electronics is on a roll in the AI chip game. They just got the green light from Nvidia for their new HBM3 memory chips, marking a big turnaround after some tough times behind rival SK Hynix. With the approval, Samsung can quickly ramp up production using its strong financial base an…
AI technology used to keep swimmers safe as sharks congregate at California beach
BOSL debuts”SharkEye”for drone-based underwater monitoring, showcasing innovative wildlife encounter responses.
ECB’s cyber resilience stress tests reveal room for improvement
OUR TAKE The European Central Bank (ECB) has revealed the results of its first thematic stress tests on cyber resilience, highlighting that while banks have response and recovery frameworks in place, there is significant room for improvement. The tests were designed to assess how well individual ban…
AI innovations set to revolutionise Paris Olympic Games
OUR TAKE The integration of AI in the Paris Olympics marks a transformative moment in sports broadcasting. These innovations will not only enhance the accuracy and fairness of competitions but also provide viewers with deeper insights into athletes’ performances, setting a new standard for how we ex…
Canadian soccer team accused of spying during Olympic practice
OUR TAKE The incident involving the Canadian women’s soccer team highlights serious concerns about sportsmanship and ethical behaviour at the Olympics. The use of drones to spy on competitors not only breaches the spirit of fair play but also underscores the importance of strict adherence to securit…
Grindr disables location features at the Olympic village to protect LGBTQ+ athletes
OUR TAKE Grindr’s decision to disable certain location-sharing features at the Olympic Village highlights a crucial step towards protecting LGBTQ+ athletes from potential risks associated with their privacy. By implementing these changes, Grindr aims to ensure that athletes can use the app without f…
New Google Nest learning thermostat leaked with touch controls
OUR TAKEThe surge in options trading on the Nasdaq 100 Index reflects heightened investor concern over the volatility in major tech stocks. As the index, heavily weighted towards technology, faces significant declines, the increased trading activity indicates a growing need among investors to hedge …
Future of sports broadcasting: Paris Olympics sets new standards
OUR TAKE This year’s Olympics coverage reflects a major shift towards meeting diverse viewer preferences with more comprehensive and accessible content. The increased use of digital platforms and innovative viewing tools aims to deliver a more personalised and engaging experience for fans. — Zoey Zh…
How does power distribution work from generation to consumption?
Power distribution is a critical component of the electricity supply chain, responsible for moving electricity from transmission systems to end users. It ensures that electricity generated from various sources reaches consumers effectively and safely. This system comprises several key components, in…
How does spectral power distribution shape our world?
Spectral Power Distribution (SPD) is a key concept in the science of lighting, describing the distribution of power across the different wavelengths of light emitted by a source. It plays a fundamental role in understanding the colour properties and effects of light in different environments, from n…
How do power transmission and distribution systems work?
The electricity supply chain consists of three main segments: Generation, where electricity is produced. Transmission, which moves electricity over long distances via high-voltage power lines. And distribution, which moves electricity over shorter distances via lower-voltage lines to end users (home…
Online sports betting adds to consumer credit stress, study says
OUR TAKEOnline sports betting has been linked to increased financial distress among consumers, according to a new study. This has manifested itself in higher rates of car loan defaults, bankruptcy and other financial problems. Despite the potential for increased tax revenues from legalised sports be…
Big tech earnings arrive with Nasdaq 100 on brink of correction
OUR TAKEThe Nasdaq 100 Index is teetering on the edge of a correction, largely due to Big Tech stocks not doing so well lately. This dip comes just as tech giants like Microsoft, Apple and Amazon are about to release their earnings reports, which could really move the market. There’s also a big Fed …
Understanding the key roles and processes in power distribution
Distribution systems are the final stage of delivering electricity from substations to consumers, ensuring reliable and efficient power supply.
What is horizontal distribution of power systems?
Horizontal power distribution decentralises electricity delivery, enhancing efficiency and reliability.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 5 briefingsAustralia commits $18M to establish digital cable centre
Australia announced the establishment of a new digital cable centre, committing $18 million to enhance Indo-Pacific connectivity.
India’s Rapido joins unicorn club with $120M funding boost
OUR TAKERapido’s rise to unicorn status is like the ultimate Indian underdog story. They’re taking on the big guns like Uber and Ola with their two-wheeler game, showing that nimble and agile can beat out the big, bulky cabs. And partnering with Swiggy? That’s like having the coolest kid in school a…
SpaceX plans first starship landing and recovery off Australia
OUR TAKESpaceX wants to land its giant Starship rocket off Australia’s coast. It’s like Elon Musk’s taking his space dreams Down Under. But why Australia? Could be part of the U.S.’s plan to beef up security in the region, with AUKUS and all. And let’s face it, Australia’s got plenty of remote coast…
Qualcomm’s new chip brings 5G to budget phones under $100
OUR TAKEQualcomm’s Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 is a smart play for the budget-conscious crowd. It’s like a gateway drug to 5G for India and Latin America, where folks have been stuck with slow speeds. Remember when 4G first hit those markets? It was a game-changer. Now, Qualcomm’s targeting the under-$100 s…
91 nations commits to no taxes on cross-border data movement
91 nations,including the US,Japan and EU members,will keep exempting cross-border data from taxes,backing digital economy expansion.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Institutional Trends
In this section: 1 briefingExploring regional connectivity: Bridging digital divides
Regional connectivity offers a pathway to economic growth and technological advancement, laying a solid foundation for modern development.
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Regional ISP Trends
In this section: 1 briefingWhat kind of internet connection is Spectrum?
Spectrum Internet is a cable internet service provided by Charter Communications, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United States.
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 2 briefingsJustice Department warns of TikTok’s potential election interference risks
OUR TAKE The Justice Department’s filing highlights serious concerns over national security and the potential for foreign interference in US elections through social media platforms. As TikTok battles to remain operational in the US, the outcome of this legal struggle could set significant precedent…
Bitcoin price dips as Trump addresses crypto audience
OUR TAKEDonald Trump recently made headlines at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville when he threw his support behind bitcoin and said he wanted the US to lead its expansion. This was a big deal, as it highlighted how politics can really shake up the crypto market. Despite Trump’s big push for b…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Institutional Trends
In this section: 1 briefingMalaysia’s new social media license targets cyber offences
Starting August 1, social media services with over 8 million users in Malaysia must apply for a license to combat cyber offences, with a compliance deadline of January 1, 2025, or face legal action.