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: 32 briefings10 ways to use VBScript in Windows and Microsoft Office
VBScript, short for Visual Basic Scripting Edition, is a scripting language developed by Microsoft. Since its introduction in 1996, it has been a valuable tool for automating tasks, managing Windows environments, and integrating with various Microsoft technologies. In this blog, we will explore what…
Tesla investor accuses Elon Musk of insider trade worth $7.5B
Musk allegedly profited about $3 billion from the sales, according to the lawsuit and would earn less than 55% of it if he waited to make the selloff after the public announcement of the delivery miss.
Donald Trump joins TikTok, immediately wins millions of followers
The debate over the possible ban of the app has been a focal point during this electoral period. While Donald Trump changed his opinion from disapproval, Joe Biden remained objective.
Trend micro unveils AI tools to safeguard data at Computex
Businesses using AI for tasks like HR and customer service face heightened hacking risks due to the centralisation of valuable data.
Cyberattack targets Polish news agency
The cyberattack caused significant delays in news dissemination and affected the agency’s ability to provide real-time updates.
Rokid smashes AR glasses Kickstarter goal
Surpassing its Kickstarter goal in a day Rokid has significantly surpassed its Kickstarter goal for the new ‘Rokid AR Lite’ augmented reality (AR) glasses, amassing 1,692 percent of its target investment within a single day. As of now, financial backing has reached 1,925 percent of the initial goal …
Footballing robots steal show at AI for Good Global Summit
The AI for Good Global Summit, organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), kicked off in Geneva on May 30th.
Blecon unveils IoT connectivity solution using bluetooth LE
Bluetooth LE is a trusted, low-cost, low-power technology with widespread use, but its adaptation for IoT applications presents challenges.
PwC adopts ChatGPT enterprise for corporate AI solutions
OpenAI and PwC collaborate to integrate AI solutions into corporate tasks, part of PwC’s broader investment in generative AI technology
Nubank enters Neobank market and launch eSIM services
Nubank’s Travel eSIM services are easier to implement in terms of the MVNO role due to its partnership with Gigs.
Showrunner, the Netflix of AI, launches its own creation platform
While AI is believed to be just a tool for some users, the company sees it as a platform for users to become a creator of their own.
What is a Proxy Server? How does it work?
Proxy offer a range of benefits, from enhanced security and privacy to improved performance and access to restricted content.
What is Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)?
Medium earth orbit refers to a specific region in space situated between Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO).
What is an AI robot?
AI robots combine artificial intelligence with robotics, enabling machines to perform complex tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously.
Google strikes a deal with AR startup Magic Leap
The cooperation sends a signal that Google may be planning to vie for the market for augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies.
Musk faces lawsuit over delayed disclosure of Twitter stake
Elon Musk is being accused of defrauding investors by delaying the disclosure of his growing stake in Twitter in 2022. The amended lawsuit, filed by a Twitter investor, alleges that Musk’s secrecy allowed him to buy shares at lower prices, saving him over $200 million to the detriment of other inves…
Top tech news stories today: May 31, 2024
Apple unveils major new AI advancements for Siri at WWDC, and Google plans to release Gemini Nano for Pixel 8a soon.
Riot proposes $950M acquisition of bitcoin miner Bitfarms
Bitfarms criticised Riot for not responding to their requests for standard confidentiality and non-solicitation measures.
Lenovo’s initiative uses AI to support Gen Z mental health
Two-thirds of Generation Z feel a disconnect between their online and offline selves, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
CalPERS CEO opposes Musk’s $56B pay package at Tesla
Proxy advisory firm Glass Lewis urges Tesla shareholders to reject the pay package, prompting a response from Musk on social media platform X.
Peltz sells entire stake in Disney following proxy battle loss
Trian Partners, Peltz’s investment firm, loses bid for Disney board seats in April, despite earlier criticism of Disney’s governance and strategy.
Nvidia hits record high, nears Apple in market value
The company’s stock has risen nearly 13% since forecasting higher-than-expected second-quarter revenue and announcing a stock split.
Prisoners use VR to prepare for life outside jail
The application benefits both the jail and the prisoners, for saving money, space and time and reminding the prisoners of the outside world.
What is microwave backhaul?
Microwave backhaul refers to the transportation of traffic between distributed sites and centralised points of presence via a radio link.
What is caller line identity?
Calling Line Identity (CLI) is a method by which inbound calls made to a business or individual can be identified by their number of origin
AWS and Orange explore partnership for African cloud computing
AWS and Orange signed a global strategic partnership to offer a one-stop shop responding to the client transformation needs.
Quectel presents latest IoT innovations at CommunicAsia 2024
The conference provides a platform for tech companies to engage with their industry peers, share their expertise and showcase their latest innovations.
Baidu AI Cloud unveils 5 ERNIE models for diverse enterprises
The Qianfan ModelBuilder platform now offers a diverse range of ERNIE models, each catering to distinct use cases.
Ericsson showcases indoor 5G drone in smart factory
The drone, powered by a Qualcomm processor, is used to complete autonomous inventory checks of the warehouse’s higher shelves.
Adani group plans entry into digital payments and e-commerce
These moves come as Adani plans to invest $84 billion in infrastructure over the next decade, following efforts to recover from allegations of stock manipulation.
Who is John Hood? CEO of Endeavor Biomedicines and his mission to beat myelofibrosis
Endeavor Biomedicines is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing precision oncology therapies for cancer patients with rare and aggressive forms of the disease. The company uses advanced genomic profiling, targeted therapeutics, and personalised treatment strategies to address the spe…
How countries deal with sovereign debt
Sovereign debt allows governments to fund public investments and manage economic stability but can lead to financial issues.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 8 briefingsTaiwan accuses Chinese enterprises of poaching and filching
According to the press release, among the eight mainland companies involved are Luxshare Precision Industry and Zhejiang Dahua Technology.
Why Hong Kong isn’t (yet) a top global crypto hub
Other regions like Singapore, Malta, and Switzerland offer clearer, more supportive regulatory frameworks for the crypto industry.
Singapore unveils Green Data Centres for a sustainable future
The Roadmap aims to provide at least an additional 300 megawatts of capacity, further expanded through green energy deployment.
OpenAI thwarts 5 covert influence operations using AI models
The campaigns, involving actors from Russia, China, Iran, and Israel, aimed to manipulate public opinion on global issues.
Google invests $2B in Malaysia for data centre and cloud region
The investment is expected to enhance Malaysia’s digital ambitions and AI capabilities, driving innovation and boosting local industry.
Malaysia seeks $107B to lead in semiconductors
In order to boost local industry and attracting global tech investors, Malaysia aims for $107 Billion Investment in Semiconductor Industry.
Apple iPhone sales surge 52% in China amid rising competition
The surge follows a period of weak performance earlier in the year, attributed to intensified competition in the high-end smartphone market from local rivals like Huawei.
US tech giants urge India to rethink Digital Competition Law
Indian startups support the bill, viewing it as a measure to counter monopolistic practices and promote fair competition.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Institutional Trends
In this section: 2 briefingsOpenAI launches ChatGPT Edu for universities
It was launched in the context that the ChatGPT is widely used in universities, including Wharton and Columbia, for academic purposes.
AI-enabled vision of the future
While some may focus solely on the positive or negative aspects of AI, it is crucial to approach the discussion realistically. Acknowledging the potential benefits of AI in education, creativity, and intellectual property is essential, but so is understanding the implications for privacy, surveillan…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Regional ISP Trends
In this section: 1 briefingWhat are subsea cables?
In an increasingly interconnected world, the digital infrastructure that powers our daily lives often goes unnoticed. Among the critical components of this infrastructure are subsea cables, which form the backbone of global internet and telecommunications networks. But what exactly are subsea cables…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Europe and Middle East Trends / Europe and Middle East Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsxAI boasts a valuation of $2.4B, Elon Musk reshapes AI market
xAI announces a second-round funding of $6 billion from investors including Sequoia Capital, Andreesen Horowitz, and Saudi Prince.
Chinese EV invasion: Europe’s automotive landscape shifts
European automakers now face stiff competition on their home turf as Chinese brands step up investments in Europe.
Orbus Software sets up new Qatar-based node for OrbusInfinity
The move is beneficial to support the implementation of sustainability and green technology commitments.
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsData centers could use 9% of US electricity by 2030, research institute says
Data centers could use up to 9% of total electricity generated in the United States by the end of the decade.
US faces rising electricity demand from data centres
Factors driving this surge include the rapid growth of AI, IoT devices, and 5G networks, which require substantial computational power.
Nokia set to win 5G contract with Portugal’s MEO, replacing Huawei
This contract comes amid a global decline in demand for telecom equipment and follows Huawei’s ban in the US and several European countries over security concerns.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Africa Trends / Africa Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 1 briefingTop tech news stories today: May 30, 2024
BlackRock is now the largest bitcoin ETF. Google is building an undersea cable from Africa. Nvidia’s market value surged close to Apple’s.