Briefing Desk
Latest Briefings
Concise reporting on the developments shaping internet governance and infrastructure. Browse each area for recent news, context and watchpoints.
Google seeks to leverage Gemini for school protection
Through Google’s new package offering to schools, we ensure the data and cyber security of students and educators. Protection for schools Google‘s Gemini plan aims to provide access to Gemini AI to educators and students aged 18 and above in schools. It promises not to use this data for training AI …
Ampere Computing pairs with Qualcomm on AI chips
Ampere and Qualcomm cooperate to integrate chips for efficient AI models running in data centres, enhancing competitiveness in the market.
ViewQwest and Console Connect revolutionise cloud connectivity for Singapore enterprises
ViewQwest, a prominent telecommunications and managed security services provider (MSSP), has unveiled a strategic partnership with Console Connect, a leading network-as-a-service (NaaS) platform. This collaboration aims to enhance direct cloud connectivity options for enterprises in Singapore, offer…
MWIT wins awards in WIOF 2024 Innovation Competition
Students from Mahidol Wittayanusorn won in the International Innovation and Invention Competition of the 6th World Invention Olympiad 2024.
Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd expands aviation routes
Thailand is engaging in discussions with China and Laos to open new aviation routes to manage the surge in flight demand, projected to exceed 100,000 additional flights over their skies. Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co Ltd (Aerothai) president Nopasit Chakpitak announced this plan on Friday, highl…
Zoho announces $700M plan to enter chip manufacturing
This move reflects India’s broader ambitions to enhance its semiconductor capabilities, reduce dependency on imports.
Strava unveils AI tools and new ‘family’ plan
Strava is enhancing its platform with AI-driven tools to prevent cheating and ensure leaderboard integrity. The company has also introduced a flexible ‘family plan’ and new safety features like ‘night heatmaps’ to improve user privacy and security during nighttime activities.
Recently delisted Toshiba to cut 4,000 jobs in restructuring drive
Japan’s Toshiba said it will cut up to 4000 jobs domestically as the industrial conglomerate accelerates restructuring under new ownership
Reddit and OpenAI announce partnership
With the agreement it inked, OpenAI will have access to Reddit’s data API in real-time, allowing it to surface talks from the platform in ChatGPT and other new products. This accord bears resemblance to the $60 million deal Reddit inked with Google earlier this year. AI-powered features for Reddit R…
Top tech news stories today: May 17, 2024
From OKX’s introduction of NOT crypto perpetual futures to GraspLet’s expansion into the IoT sector. Dive into these stories and more to stay ahead in the tech industry. Blockchain 1. OKX introduces perpetual futures for NOT Crypto In a significant development, leading cryptocurrency exchange OKX ha…
Reddit partners with OpenAI for ChatGPT integration
In a transformative move, Reddit has joined forces with OpenAI, a collaboration set to redefine user interaction and revenue generation. By integrating ChatGPT with Reddit’s vast content reservoir, the partnership promises enriched experiences while expanding revenue avenues beyond conventional adve…
Sony Music warns unauthorised use of content to train AI
Sony Music has issued warnings to over 700 tech companies and music streaming services regarding the unauthorised use of its music for AI training. According to a letter obtained by TechCrunch, Sony Music believes that some recipients may have already engaged in such unauthorised uses. So…
Google’s project Gameface: Control Android with your face
Experience the future of hands-free technology with Google’s Project Gameface. By tracking facial gestures and head movements, users can effortlessly navigate their Android devices without traditional input methods. Customizable sensitivity ensures a personalized experience, empowering inclusivity a…
US Senate proposes $32b boost for AI innovation
In a bold bipartisan move, four US senators have unveiled a strategic roadmap proposing a $32 billion investment in artificial intelligence over the next three years. Aimed at securing the United States’ position as a global leader in AI, the plan calls for significant funding to foster innovation a…
Reebok launches AI-powered fashion experience on Instagram
Reebok has unveiled an innovative AI-powered fashion experience on Instagram, allowing users to customize digital sneakers through a unique and interactive process. The new feature, named Reebok Impact, enables users to transform their photos into bespoke sneaker designs. How it works To create a cu…
Threads launches fact-checking program
Meta’s latest social network, Threads, has officially launched its own fact-checking program after initially relying on the networks of Instagram and Facebook. Meta boosts platform integrity by letting fact-checkers assess Threads content directly. Focus on content credibility The new fact-checking …
Remini’s clay filter: What makes this app so popular in China?
An app called Remini from an Italian company topped the list of downloads in China beating Tiktok and ChatGPT with a clay filter beloved by Chinese social media users. Being another AI enhancer, why is it so popular, especially in China? Enter the world of Shaun the Sheep “The uglier the original ph…
Understanding anti DDoS: How does it work?
To defend against DDoS, organisations deploy Anti-DDoS measures, employing various strategies and technologies to mitigate malicious traffic.
Anti-DDoS protection: Safeguarding your online presence
DDoS mitigation refers to the process of successfully protecting a targeted server or network from a distributed DDoS attack.
Different types of Virtual Reality (VR) technology
Mobile VR platforms, such as smartphone-based VR headsets and cardboard viewers, leverage smartphones to deliver basic VR experiences.
Which was the first voice assistant?
The pioneering software introduced in 1992 by Dragon Systems marked a significant step in voice interface technology.
What is AI safety? Examples and considerations
AI safety encompasses ensuring the reliability and robustness of AI systems, addressing biases and promoting fairness.
What is Edge AI?
Edge AI revolutionises computing by bringing intelligence directly to edge devices, enabling real-time decision-making
What is a virtual agent?
A virtual agent combines natural language processing, intelligent search and robotic process automation (RPA) in a conversational UI–typically a chatbot, designed to simulate human-like interactions and provide assistance to users in real-time. It is used in various industries from customer service …
Bixby: A look at Samsung’s voice assistant
Bixby is a virtual assistant for Samsung, enabling users to execute tasks through voice prompts, manage incoming calls, operate the camera hands-free, and perform various other functions. Debuting with the Galaxy S7 series in 2017, Bixby has since become an integral component of the Galaxy product l…
How exactly does Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, work?
Siri, Apple’s digital assistant, operates across various Apple operating systems, responding to voice commands, gestures, and natural language. Siri’s functionalities include managing phone actions, web searches, and interactions with third-party apps. What is Siri? Siri, Apple Inc.’s digital assist…
Top 7 voice assistants (including some you never heard of)
Harnessing technologies like natural language processing (NLP) and artificial intelligence (AI), voice assistants offer accessibility, empowering users to accomplish tasks with ease and efficiency. There are top 7 players in voice assistant industry, like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. 1. Siri S…
What is Qualcomm Voice Assist?
Qualcomm Voice Assist, developed by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., includes a select array of voice commands that live locally on your device. Qualcomm Voice Assist is helping to change the way users interact with their devices–and the world around them–by supporting voice-driven AI assistants like Am…
Who is Tim Stokely? Founder of OnlyFans helped boost the creator economy
Tim Stokely is a British businessman and the founder and former CEO of the paid membership platform OnlyFans.
What is DDoS mitigation? Protecting your network
Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks can threaten application availability, so it’s critical to have a DDoS mitigation solution.
Internet routers, the central hub of networking devices
An internet router serves as the central hub of a home or office network, managing the flow of data between connected devices and the wider internet, ensuring efficient, secure, and reliable connectivity. What is an internet router? An internet router is a computer and networking device that directs…
Schumer and Bipartisan Senators unveil plan to control AI
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, alongside a bipartisan group of senators, revealed a comprehensive blueprint on Wednesday aimed at shaping federal legislation to govern AI. The 31-page roadmap reflects a commitment to prioritise US innovation in the fiercely competitive AI landscape. The bluep…
Google unveils Imagen 3: Its most advanced text-to-image model
Google has introduced Imagen 3, its highest-quality text-to-image model to date, available in private preview. This new model promises to deliver unprecedented detail, enhanced natural language understanding, and improved text rendering capabilities. Enhancements and competitive edges Douglas Eck, S…
Google’s AI-infused search sparks alarm among news publishers
Google’s recent announcement to enhance its search engine with the AI model Gemini has raised serious concerns among news publishers. This new feature aims to directly answer user queries at the top of results pages, reducing the need for users to click on external links. Impact and strained relatio…
Google unveils Veo: A breakthrough generative AI video model
Google introduced Veo on Wednesday, its advanced generative AI video model developed by the DeepMind AI division, at the annual I/O developer conference. Veo aims to rival OpenAI’s Sora in terms of realism and quality of AI-generated motion visuals. High-quality video generation Veo is capable of cr…
ITW 2024: BW Digital and Telin sign MoU for subsea cable
BW Digital and Telin, two telecommunications companies, have signed an MoU to develop the Hawaiki Nui 1 submarine cable system, which will link Australia, Indonesia, and Singapore with a design capacity surpassing 240 Tbps, potentially extending to the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Timor Le…
North Korea hacked $3bn in crypto says leaked UN document
UN exposes North Korea’s ongoing cyberattacks and sanctions evasion, underscoring global challenges in containing its illicit activities.
Digital Realty launches direct liquid cooling for high-density configurations
Digital Realty’s latest offering enhances their standard high-density colocation service by introducing direct liquid cooling.
Instagram co-founder joins Anthropic to lead product innovation
Krieger’s expertise in building user-centric platforms like Instagram positions him well to drive product innovation at Anthropic.
Google unveils powerful AI malware shield for Android
Google is set to transform Android security with its innovative AI-powered live threat detection service. Leveraging the advanced capabilities of Google Play Protect’s on-device AI, this service meticulously analyzes app behaviors in real time. By integrating with Android’s Private Compute Core, it …
.help incorporates AI to revolutionise customer service
The .help registry offers a streamlined approach to customer support, capable of resolving up to 90% of repetitive inquiries quickly.
Exa’s new route connects Ashburn and Atlanta
Exa Infrastructure has unveiled a new route connecting Ashburn and Atlanta to strengthen its presence in North America.
ONEP considers suggestions for 5th biodiversity action plan
ONEP held a panel meeting under the Global Biodiversity Framework Early Action Support Project to receive comments and suggestions.
Consumer complaints mount against Temu for DSA breaches
Consumer protection groups in the EU accused Temu of breaching digital regulations, including manipulative tactics and opaque algorithms. As pressure grows for Temu to be designated as a “very large online platform” (VLOP), its response to the allegations will be closely scrutinized in the evolving …
Tourism Authority of Thailand: Promoting the land of smiles
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), an integral part of Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, stands as the driving force behind the promotion of Thailand’s vibrant tourism industry while ensuring environmental conservation. Established on 4 May 1979, TAT’s mandate encompasses showcasing T…
Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited: Leading the charge in sustainable finance
Established on January 27, 1945, Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited, operating under the name Krungsri, has solidified its position as a commercial partner for businesses in Thailand’s banking sector. With its ordinary shares listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 1977, Krungsri stands as the …
SoftBank uses call centre AI to calm the sound of angry customers
SoftBank Corporation, one of Japan’s leading telecom providers, aims to transform customers’ voices into a soothing conversational tone and relay it to workers through the utilization of AI-powered emotion recognition and voice processing technology. This software aims to modify the tone of customer…
Curtin University retains top Aussie ranking for mineral and mining engineering
Curtin University has once again secured its position as the world’s second-ranked university and Australia’s top institution for mineral and mining engineering for the eighth consecutive year, according to the 2024 QS world university rankings by subject. Curtin University’s consistent performance …
DiVA Cohort 3 ignites Sarawak’s digital future
The official launch of the third cohort of the Digital Village Accelerator (DiVA), a joint effort by Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and NEXEA. This flagship programme within the Sarawak Digital & Innovation Ecosystem attracted over 190 startup applications, signalling a vibrant push towa…
ESR Group to build its fourth data centre in Tokyo
ESR Group Limited, a prominent APAC real asset manager, has announced the development of its fourth data centre site in Japan. The 60MW facility in Ariake, Koto-Ku, Central Tokyo, adds to their existing projects: 130MW Cosmosquare Data Centre in Osaka, 100MW Keihanna Data Centre in Kyoto, and 30MW H…