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 Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 35 briefingsASML Q2 profits and bookings surge on AI demand
ASML, the Dutch titan in semiconductor equipment, reported a robust second quarter of 2024 with a net profit of $1.74 billion on revenues of $6.76 billion, exceeding analyst predictions and showcasing a recovery despite annual declines.
Google-based GitLab ‘s $8B future: Datadog eyes giant acquisition
OUR TAKEIt looks like GitLab, that cool cloud-based dev tool provider, is getting some serious offers on the table. With Datadog, the cloud monitoring biggie, showing interest, it’s like a tech M&A drama in the making. But remember Slack’s $27.7 billion acquisition to Salesforce? It took months of w…
Taboola scores major deal with Apple, shares surge by 11%
OUR TAKETaboola landing that Apple partnership is huge news. It’s like the underdog of digital ads just got a major boost from the tech giant. I mean, Apple is notoriously tight-lipped about their ad revenue, but with eMarketer projecting them to hit $10 billion by 2024, you can see why Taboola woul…
America Movil loses $60M, gains millions in subscribers
OUR TAKEAmerica Movil taking a $60 million hit? That’s gotta sting, especially after last year’s windfall. But hey, they didn’t let the peso’s tumble bring them down completely. They still managed to boost their subscriber base and broadband access, which is no small feat. And talk about being proac…
5 formidable challenges of big data analytics
Big data analytics faces formidable challenges, including scale, quality, skills, ethics, legality, and tech-business alignment.
New Ray-Ban Meta glasses smash sales records, Milleri says
New Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, created by Meta Platforms and EssilorLuxottica, have seen a surge in sales, exceeding their predecessors. The success of Ray-Ban Meta glasses can’t be separated from its pricing, features, and form factor.
FBI hacks into Trump shooter’s phone with tiny device
OUR TAKEThe FBI’s ability to hack into the phone of a high-profile suspect using advanced tools underscores the ongoing conflict between privacy and security. While the need to access crucial evidence is undeniable, it raises important questions about our privacy rights in the digital age. This case…
Top tech news stories today: July 17, 2024
Fintech 1. Nigerian judge adjourns Binance money laundering trial to October A Binance Holdings Ltd. executive spent several hours back in a Nigerian court on Tuesday, before a judge adjourned the hearing until October. (Bloomberg) IT infrastructure 2. Google deal for ‘hot market’ cyber firm Wiz wou…
Huawei Builds $1.4B Shanghai centre as chip war heats up
OUR TAKEHuawei Technologies is about to complete its largest research and development centre in Shanghai, a major step forward for the global semiconductor industry. The centre, which will be Huawei’s largest, covers 1.6 million square metres and has extensive facilities, including its own roads and…
Salesforce cuts more jobs in latest sign of tech austerity
OUR TAKESoftware giant Salesforce recently cut around 300 jobs as part of its ongoing strategy to streamline operations and manage costs more effectively. The move reflects a wider trend in the technology sector, where companies are seeking to reassess their staffing needs after years of rapid expan…
Ocado says cash flow is improving despite robot warehouse delays
Ocado expects a big increase in cash flow to $194 million, despite delays and concerns from analysts.
Panasonic’s CEO urges managers to embrace a ‘sense of crisis’
OUR TAKEPanasonic Holdings CEO Yuki Kusumi has issued a strong warning to the company’s management, stressing the urgent need for a “sense of crisis” to combat persistently low profitability. In a recent interview, Kusumi stated that managers who failed to meet performance standards would be replace…
TSMC soars 30%: AI chip craze fuels a profit leap in Q2
Analysts expect TSMC’s profit to rise 30% year-on-year to $7.25 billion in the second quarter due to surging demand for AI chips. TSMC has customers include Apple and NVIDIA and is spending billions of dollars to build new factories overseas.
OpenAI’s ‘Strawberry’ project advances AI reasoning
OpenAI is secretly pushing ahead with a advanced project called “Strawberry” that aims to improve the reasoning capabilities of AI.
Microsoft’s AI system ‘SpreadsheetLLM’ elevates firm productivity
Microsoft researchers have introduced “SpreadsheetLLM,” an innovative AI model designed to decode and interact with spreadsheets.
The best smart home devices for seamless living
Smart home devices, such as smart thermostats, voice assistants, and security systems, offer significant benefits including energy efficiency, seamless control, and enhanced security, redefining modern living experiences and promoting sustainability.
Smart home devices: Luxuries or necessities?
Smart home devices, by enabling remote and voice-activated control over various household functions, offer users unprecedented convenience and efficiency, streamlining daily routines and saving significant time through their interconnectivity.
Are smart home devices safe? Unraveling the security landscape
Smart home devices, while offering convenience, expose users to cybersecurity threats such as unsecured networks and outdated software, which can lead to privacy breaches and unauthorised access.
Intel expects to reach $1B in revenue from software strategy
Intel’s software strategy is expected to reach $1 billion by the end of 2027, or sooner, with its services in AI, performance, and security.
The importance of reinforcement learning in AI
Reinforcement learning, as an effective technique used in AI sector, shares a paramount position in the AI products.
Differences between data science and data engineering
Data science and data engineering each play different but complementary roles in the data landscape. Data science focuses on how to derive insights and value from data, while data engineering focuses on how to build and manage data infrastructure to support the practical applications and business ne…
Differences between artificial intelligence and data science
While AI and data science overlap in some ways, they differ in their core goals, methods, and areas of application. AI focuses more on how to build intelligent systems, while data science focuses on gaining knowledge and insights from data. Both play an important role in promoting technological inno…
Spot ether ETFs likely to begin trading on July 23
OUR TAKE The launch of a spot ETF that tracks the price of bitcoin is the culmination of a decade-long battle with the SEC. The SEC rejects these products because of concerns about market manipulation but later approveds the ETFs after losing a court case brought by digital asset manager Grayscale I…
What is Zilch Technology? Inside the BNPL service provider
As a leading fintech company that specialises BNPL services, Zilch is revolutionising shopping habits by providing flexible payment options.
Interview with Kong Weijun at iFLYTEK: AI’s impact on legal innovation
In a recent interview with Kong Weijun, Chief Engineer of Judicial Services at iFLYTEK, we delved into the transformative potential of the Starfire Legal Mega Model, aimed at revolutionising judicial processes through advanced AI technologies. iFLYTEK, a leading artificial intelligence company in Ch…
DPUs set to revolutionise app performance and delivery
OUR TAKEIt is clear that DPUs will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of app performance and delivery. Their ability to reduce latency and enhance real-time applications will transform how we interact with technology, making our experiences faster, more secure, and incredibly efficient. The r…
North Korean hackers funnel $150,000 of stolen crypto to Asian firm
OUR TAKEThis incident is a wake-up call for stricter regulations and more robust security measures in the cryptocurrency space. It’s a reminder that while digital currencies offer immense potential, they also pose significant risks that require vigilant oversight. We must demand better from our fina…
Gemini robot revolutionises office tasks at Google DeepMind
ogle DeepMind has unveiled advancement in robotics, introducing a new robot empowered by the latest Gemini large language model.
Who is Philip Belamant? CEO of Zilch, combining fintech and social causes
As the founder and CEO of Zilch, Philip Belamant is not only a successful entrepreneur, but also a leader committed to transforming the consumer financial experience through technological innovation and social impact. His entrepreneurial spirit, ideals and influence in the field of technology demons…
British regulators to probe Big Tech’s digital wallets
OUR TAKEThe surge in digital wallet usage presents both remarkable opportunities and significant risks. Regulators must strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting consumers to ensure a fair and secure financial ecosystem. This investigation is a vital step in preserving our freedom…
YouTube follows Spotify and Deezer with its own AI-powered tunes
On July 15th, YouTube announced the testing of an AI-generated conversational radio feature and the rollout of a Shazam-like song recognition tool.
Nubitel CX launches enhanced omnichannel CRM connector
Seamless omnichannel interactions Nubitel Technology is pleased to announce the latest upgrade to Nubitel CX, now supporting omnichannel interactions with an advanced CRM connector. This significant enhancement enables agents to effortlessly manage customer engagements across multiple platforms, inc…
Regard snags $61M to revolutionise clinical insights platform
Regard announces on Thursday, the close of a $61 million Series B funding round from Oak HC/FT, increasing its valuation to $350 million. Regard is set to be a key player in the digital transformation of healthcare.
Yarooms launches Yarvis, the AI-powered workplace assistant
Yarooms is revealing a beta version of Yarvis, its pioneering AI-powered office assistant designed to transform the manner in which teams interact with their physical work environments.
Intel invests $15M in Israeli AI startup Buildots
Intel Capital is leading an investment in AI construction startup Buildots, using technology to enhance project management efficiency.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 7 briefingsASML Q2 results show massive new orders for chips
OUR TAKEThe surge in ASML’s new orders, fueled by the booming demand for AI chips, highlights the intense race for technological dominance in the global semiconductor market. While China’s robust appetite for older-generation equipment showcases resilience in the face of restrictions, TSMC’s increas…
Shopee Thailand enhances shopping experience with Meta partnership
Shopee Thailand and Meta integrate Shopee’s catalogues into Messenger, enhancing sales and customer engagement with AI for Thai language.
U.S. to target Chinese vehicle components and software
OUR TAKEThe surge in affordable Chinese car sales in the U.S. has prompted bans on Chinese components, increased tariffs, and data security measures, reflecting a mix of economic protectionism and geopolitical concerns, and potentially leading to U.S.-China negotiations.— Yasmine Luo, BTW reporter W…
Tiny Japanese startup brings AI dating to the elderly
Samansa Company’s Loverse app is addressing Japan’s loneliness crisis among its ageing population through the provision of AI companionship.
TSMC Q2 profit soars 30% on AI demand
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is expected to report a 30% increase in second-quarter profits to $7.25 billion, driven by heightened demand for its advanced semiconductors used in AI applications, with its ADRs recently surpassing a trillion-dollar valuation.
Partior raises $60M to advance blockchain cross-border payments
Singapore’s blockchain fintech firm, Partior, declared the successful closure of its Series B funding round, securing $60 million.
iPhone shipments rebound thanks to AI and discounts
OUE TAKEApple’s iPhone sales rebounded slightly in the June quarter, with 45.2 million units shipped, up 1.5% year-on-year despite a slight decline in market share. This recovery was largely fuelled by heavy discounting during China’s 618 shopping festival. Apple’s strategic use of artificial intell…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Africa Trends / Africa Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 1 briefingBinance’s Nigeria money laundering trial is postponed to October
Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan’s money-laundering trial has been postponed to October 11 due to the judge’s vacation
Coverage
Market / Trends / Europe and Middle East Trends / Europe and Middle East Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsMicrosoft’s $650M AI hire triggers major UK regulatory probe
CMA has launched a formal investigation into Microsoft’s recent hiring of former Inflection AI employees and its partnership with startups.
Tesla’s UK lawsuit for 5G patents licence thrown out by UK court
OUR TAKETesla’s efforts to secure favourable licensing terms for 5G technology patents have been blocked by a London High Court ruling that dismissed the company’s case against InterDigital and Avanci. The court’s ruling complicates Tesla’s plans to launch 5G vehicles in the UK, and could impact its…
UK regulators to scrutinise Big Tech’s digital wallets
British financial regulators said they’ll examine Big Tech digital wallets’ impact on competition, consumer protection, and market integrity.
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 1 briefingKKR-backed OneStream shareholders seek $466M in US IPO
OneStream, in partnership with shareholders including KKR, is seeking to raise $465.5 million through a US initial public offering.
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America National Telecom Trends
In this section: 1 briefingSnowflake hack intensifies as AT&T text and call data stolen
US telecoms giant AT&T company has suffered a major data breach after hackers gained access to six months’ worth of call and text data.
Coverage
Governance / CASE FILE
In this section: 1 briefingUS court rejects challenges to FCC approval of SpaceX satellites
A U.S. appeals court supports SpaceX’s plan to deploy thousands of Starlink satellites.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global National Telecom Trends
In this section: 1 briefingAT&T paid $370,000 to delete stolen customer data
AT&T faced criticism for reportedly paying a $370,000 ransom in Bitcoin to the ShinyHunters hacker group to delete stolen customer data, following negotiations mediated by an intermediary named Reddington, who also arranged similar deals for other victims.