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: 31 briefingsMicrosoft exits board seat amid $10B deal easing antitrust worries
Microsoft gave up OpenAI board seat to ease antitrust concerns. Move aims to mitigate scrutiny over its $10B investment in AI startup.
Bitcoin bull MicroStrategy offers 10-for-1 stock split
As of its latest acquisition last month, MicroStrategy holds 226,331 bitcoin, valued at over $13 billion with 10-fold boost.
Buildots raises $15M led by Intel for AI building tech
Buildots, an Israeli company pioneering AI building software, secured a substantial $15 million investment.
Bitcoin may hit $1 million by 2033, report says
OUR TAKEAllianceBernstein’s forecast of bitcoin reaching $1 million by 2033 fuels excitement and speculation. The potential for substantial growth, driven by ETF adoption and post-halving dynamics, highlights bitcoin’s evolving role in global finance. While the road ahead may be volatile, the prospe…
Eastern Alliance and CLARA partner on AI-optimised insurance claims
Eastern Alliance Insurance Group has joined forces with CLARA Analytics to capitalise on artificial intelligence for refining the insurance claims procedure.
BNP Paribas partners with Mistral AI to implement LLMs
BNP Paribas has announced an expanded partnership with Mistral AI, integrating the startup’s LLMs across various business areas.
Ether set for a surge as new ETFs enter market
Ether, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency, is set for a potential price rally with the upcoming launch of new exchange-traded funds.
AI boosts consecutive periods of growth in PC shipments
Global shipments of personal computers witnessed a notable recovery in the second quarter, marking a significant turnaround for the industry.
Hedge funds bet big on South Korean chipmakers amid AI surge
Hedge funds are heavily investing in South Korean chipmakers like SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics due to anticipated AI-driven demand for high-end memory chips.
Global PC shipments up 3% in Q2, Apple leads with 21% surge
Global PC shipments rose 3% in Q2, driven by AI-capable devices, with Apple leading growth at 20.8%.
Google Cloud to keep challenging Microsoft’s licensing practices
Google Cloud plans to continue its challenge against Microsoft’s licensing practices, despite Microsoft’s deal with CISPE.
What is big data analytics and what are its key parts?
Big Data analytics has revolutionised the way organisations make decisions, operate, and innovate in today’s data-driven world. By harnessing the power of big data, businesses and industries can gain valuable insights, improve efficiency, and create competitive advantages, and society will become mo…
Germany in deal to reduce Huawei’s role in 5G wireless networks
The German government and mobile phone operators have agreed in principle to phase out components from Chinese technology companies from the country’s 5G wireless network over the next five years.
Who is Brad Porter? CEO of Collaborative Robotics, with an eye for human-robot interactions
As CEO and founder of Collaborative Robotics, Porter drives cloud computing innovation with determination and foresight.
Top tech news stories today: July 11, 2024
IT infrastructure 1. Germany in deal to cut Huawei’s role in 5G wireless network, sources say The German government and mobile phone carriers have agreed in principle on steps to phase components by Chinese technology companies out of the nation’s 5G wireless network over the next five years, two pe…
What causes an AI boom? Here are some key factors
AI boom, characterised by a rapid surge in the development, investment, and adoption of AI technologies across industries, is driven by several key factors. These factors have created fertile ground for the rapid growth and widespread adoption of AI, profoundly changing every aspect of social life. …
Microsoft drops OpenAI board observer seat amid scrutiny
Microsoft relinquished its board observer seat at OpenAI, citing improved governance and confidence in the AI start-up’s new direction.
Samsung secures advanced AI chip order from Preferred Networks
Samsung secures its first order for 2-nanometre AI chips, set to boost AI performance through advanced packaging and GAA architecture.
Elon Musk’s xAI ends a $10B deal talk with Oracle
Elon Musk’s xAI ended talks with Oracle on a $10 billion server deal, opting instead to build its own system using Nvidia’s H100 GPUs.
Is AI boom over? There may be ‘boom-bust-boom’ curve
We are currently in the third wave of AI development. In the near future, human society will gradually enter the stage of strong artificial intelligence. Strong AI, also known as Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), refers to machine intelligence that can self-perceive and understand the external …
Musk’s xAI, Oracle end $10B server deal talks
Elon Musk’s AI startup xAI and Oracle ended negotiations on a $10 billion server deal due to disagreements over timelines and power supply.
Alibaba bets on generative AI tools for overseas merchants
OUR TAKE Alibaba International Station takes the lead in releasing “Intelligent Purchasing Assistant” last year, upgrading from intelligent image search, intelligent demand release, intelligent communication, intelligent logistics services, etc., to improve procurement efficiency, especially the eff…
Microsoft secures landmark carbon capture deal with 1PointFive
OUR TAKE The collaboration between Microsoft and 1PointFive propels the carbon capture, utilisation, and sequestration (CCUS) industry forward. For Microsoft, this enhances its reputation as a forward-thinking and environmentally responsible company, positively impacting its brand and customer loyal…
AI investor relations officer will ‘enhance task efficiency and strengthen corporate branding’
Waton Securities launched AI-IRO, a bespoke solution that leverages AI to streamline IR tasks and boost corporate branding.
LG’s strategic Athom buyout boosts smart home AI
LG Electronics advances in smart home technology through acquiring an 80% stake in Athom, a Dutch company known for its Homey smart home hub.
Skydance outlines vision for Paramount as tech-media hybrid
Skydance Media announced its merger agreement with the century-old Paramount Global, following the two companies’ $8.4 billion deal.
Lawyers that got Musk’s $67B bonus canceled invoice for $7B
Tesla shareholders will appear in court to contest a $7.2 billion attorney fee request which is deemed outlandish and absurd.
Foxconn’s Q2 revenue surges 20% thanks to AI
Foxconn announced a 19.1% year-on-year revenue surge for the second quarter, driven by strong demand for AI servers.
Common protocols used by IoT devices
IoT protocols refer to protocols used for communication and data transmission between devices in an IoT environment. According to different roles, IoT protocols can be divided into communication protocols, industry protocols, transmission protocols. Communication protocols 1. MQTT: MQTT is a lightw…
2 protocols used most often with IoT devices
IoT protocols refer to protocols used for communication and data transmission between devices in an IoT environment. These protocols can be divided into transmission protocol, communication protocol and industry protocol. They promote the data sharing and interconnection between different devices. T…
What is J2 Ventures? Boston startup, vanguard in military medical
Based in Boston, J2 Ventures has risen prominently in its industry due to its unique investment perspective and deep industry background.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Regional ISP Trends
In this section: 1 briefingARTERIA & AT TOKYO install first fibre optic cable across port
ARTERIA Networks Corporation and AT TOKYO Corporation have announced a groundbreaking partnership to install the first optical fibre cable traversing Tokyo Port. This innovative project aims to connect the Toyosu-Ariake and Shibaura-Shinagawa areas, which are key hubs for IT companies. In response t…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Europe and Middle East Trends / Europe and Middle East Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsEV giant BYD secures $1B plant deal in Turkey
Aiming to bolster BYD’s presence outside its home market, BYD makes a $1 billion deal to build a manufacturing plant in Turkey.
Microsoft settles cloud computing complaint for $22M
OUR TAKE CISPE, a cloud services organisation whose members include Amazon and dozens of small EU cloud providers, complains to the European Commission in late 2022 that contract terms imposed by Microsoft on October 1 are harming Europe’s cloud computing ecosystem.–Zora Lin, BTW reporter What happe…
China increases chip production as Europe hits shortage crisis
In a recent Handelsblatt interview, ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet discussed semiconductor industry trends between China and Europe.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Institutional Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsAI brings perfect foundation shades to Korean beauty enthusiasts
AmorePacific’s AI beauty lab, which customizes face products using robots and AI technology, has become fully booked.
Several Macau government websites hacked
Several Macau government websites, including those of security departments, were hacked, leading to service disruptions.
US Senate recommends blockchain testing for national security
The committee notes blockchain can enhance defense supply chain integrity, improve data accuracy, and reduce data manipulation risk
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsManufacturers delay Gen AI rollout due to accuracy fears
Manufacturers are cautious about implementing Generative AI due to accuracy concerns, with only 58% planning to increase AI spending in 2024, lower than global and U.S. averages.
Trump to speak at Bitcoin 2024 in Nashville on July 27
OUR TAKEDonald Trump’s support for bitcoin at Bitcoin 2024 highlights his strategy to align with tech-savvy voters and oppose Democratic regulation. By advocating for financial freedom and U.S. dominance in crypto, he aims to energise his base and attract undecided voters with bold, innovative polic…
Netflix, Disney question Canada rules asking for 5% of revenue
Streaming giants issue new Canadian regulations requiring 5% contributions of their Canadian revenues to support local news and broadcasting.
Coverage
Governance / NOGS / Asia-Pacific NOGs / JPNOG
In this section: 1 briefingJANOG54 Kicks Off in Nara: Bridging network innovations
The JANOG54 meeting was held in Nara City, Nara Prefecture from Wednesday, July 3 to Friday, July 5, 2024. The JANOG conference is a place where all kinds of people come together to discuss, and this year’s theme is “Connecting to the Internet.” At present, JANOG has grown into a community of people…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Europe and Middle East Trends / Europe and Middle East Institutional Trends
In this section: 1 briefingBitcoin mining may enhance UK’s renewable energy gird
Bitcoin Policy UK promotes Bitcoin mining to enhance the UK’s renewable energy grid, stabilising and monetising energy supplies sustainably.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Institutional Trends
In this section: 1 briefingPaytm gains crucial approval for investment in key subsidiary
India’s Paytm secured approval from a government panel to invest $6 million into its subsidiary, pending finance ministry clearance.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 4 briefingsMicrosoft’s bold adoption of Apple in China amid safety scrutiny
Starting in September, Microsoft will offer Apple’s iOS-based devices to its employees in China, according to a recent announcement.
‘Awe and apprehension’ as China Internet Conference 2024 opens in Beijing
OUR TAKEAs I absorbed the discussions at the conference, I felt a mix of awe and apprehension. The rapid pace of technological innovation is undeniably thrilling, promising to reshape our world in profound ways. Yet, amidst the excitement, I couldn’t shake a sense of unease. What will these advancem…
SG minister calls for AI framework to avoid ‘chaotic’ future
Singapore’s Minister of Digital Development, Josephine Teo, emphasised at the Reuters NEXT conference the necessity for an internationally agreed framework to govern AI.
Vanuatu PM looks to China’s Huawei for surveillance tech
Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai visited Huawei in Shenzhen to review surveillance technology aimed at enhancing policing and reducing criminal activity.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global National Telecom Trends
In this section: 2 briefingsMeta and Vodafone collaborate to optimise network
Meta and Vodafone partner to optimise video transmission, freeing up capacity without affecting user experience.
Tempus AI gains bullish ratings from Wall Street brokerages
Wall Street has initiated bullish coverage on SoftBank-backed Tempus AI, forecasting growth driven by its AI-powered businesses.