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: 40 briefingsSony PS VR2 headset will support PC games this year
Sony’s PlayStation Blog discusses PS VR2’s past and future, including game expansions and PC gaming support tests for wider accessibility.
More robust and stable, rSIM launches world’s first resilient SIM
The rSIM uses advanced patented technology that could autonomously monitor network connectivity and seamlessly switch providers in the event of disruptions.It develops a way to minimize the potential for disconnection between the SIM and the device during outages. Dual-Profile Resilience: Enhanc…
IBM expands services to Cisco for better SD-WAN performance
IBM has unveiled a new array of professional services tailored specifically for Cisco networks, aiming to provide enhanced support and implementation options for Cisco SDN and SD-WAN users. This move signifies IBM’s dedication to help build more efficient and interconnected networks while optimizing…
Google unveils Gemma, a lightweight open AI model
Google launches Gemma, an AI model aiding responsible development, offering 2B and 7B variants, surpassing benchmarks with secure training.
Top tech stories today: February 22, 2024
Circle has terminated its USDC support on the Trblockchain. Google introduces new AI models. A new SIM card can talk to multiple networks.
IBM’s NS1 Connect GSLB: Revolutionizing Load Balancing
IBM has unveiled its latest service, the IBM NS1 Connect Global Server Load Balancing (GSLB), which leverages DNS technology to enhance the load balancing capabilities for enterprise customers dealing with highly distributed applications and multicloud workloads. This innovative offering combines IB…
A new 3D printing technology is introduced
A new 3D printing technology is introduced, inspired by butterfly wings, to produce colourful gradients using a single ink type.
Galaxy AI will be extended to wearable devices
Samsung aims to expand Galaxy AI to more devices, prioritising user privacy and security while enhancing digital health experiences.
Ford Mustang slashes prices, aiming at sales growth
Ford cuts Mustang Mach-E prices due to sales drop, adapting to market shifts and increased competition in the EV market.
Nvidia’s Q4 revenue reached $22.1 billion, up 265% YoY
Nvidia’s Q4 2024 revenue exceeds expectations, showcasing growth in AI and computing, with Jensen Huang forecasting innovation at GTC 2024.
Google launches Gemini for Workspace
Google launches Gemini for Workspace, an AI-enhanced suite with tiered pricing, streamlining AI product offerings for users.
Getty-backed AI image generator BRIA snags fresh funding
BRIA, an Israeli AI startup, secures $24M in Series A funding, aiming to expand its responsible visual AI platform with Getty’s support.
How to‘easily chat with documents’? Adobe adds generative AI
Adobe has launched a beta version of its new AI Assistant in Acrobat, which aims to enhance the digital document experience for users by making it easier to find and comprehend information in lengthy documents. The feature, described as a “conversational engine,” can answer questions, summarize file…
ChatGPT can write smart contracts but shouldn’t oversee security
Researchers Assess AI for Detecting Security Vulnerabilities Researchers from Salus Security have conducted tests on GPT-4 and other artificial intelligence systems to evaluate their capability in identifying seven common security vulnerabilities. GPT-4’s Role in Smart Contract Auditing A pair of re…
Microsoft creates AI server gear to reduce dependency on Nvidia
Microsoft is developing a networking card to ensure that data moves quickly between its servers, in order to reduce its dependence on Nvidia.In addition to potentially saving Microsoft money, the company hopes the new networking gear. The move comes as Nvidia has ridden a surge of demand for its AI …
Payplug and Mangopay unite to a forge seamless payment process
Fintech companies from Paris, Payplug and Mangopay, announced a strategic alliance to provide payment options for platforms and marketplaces.
Does Microsoft aim to eliminate physical disc games?
Discussions surround Microsoft’s stance on physical disc versions of Xbox games amid reports of departmental changes.
Microsoft is developing alternatives to Nvidia network cards
Microsoft’s new network card aims to enhance Maia AI chip performance, reducing reliance on Nvidia, reflecting broader tech trends.
Tesla’s Berlin Gigafactory expansion hit a snag
Tesla’s Berlin Gigafactory expansion faces local opposition due to environmental concerns, highlighting the need for community engagement.
Byju’s $200 million rights issue cutting valuation by 99% fully subscribed
The Bangalore-based startup was valued at $22 billion in its last funding round in early 2022. The company announced last month that it would try to raise about $200 million through a rights issue. As TechCrunch reported earlier, Byju lowered its pre-funding valuation requirement for the rights issu…
Indonesian minister accuses TikTok of violations
Indonesian officials scrutinise TikTok for allegedly breaching in-app transaction bans despite its major e-commerce influence.
Signal keeps your number private with the launch of usernames
Signal Introduces Usernames Signal has announced the launch of usernames, marking a significant shift in how users connect on the platform. Previously reliant on phone numbers for communication, users can now create unique usernames, enhancing privacy and security. This update is currently in beta b…
House punts on AI with directionless new task force
The House of Representatives Establishes AI Task Force The House of Representatives has formed a Task Force on artificial intelligence with the aim of ensuring America maintains its leadership in this strategic domain. Speaker Mike Johnson emphasised the significance of this initiative. However, ami…
Another dot-com bubble? Nvidia earnings become the focus
Nvidia’s upcoming earnings report tests AI-driven market resilience amidst record trading, spotlighting its pivotal role.
Nvidia dethrones Tesla as Wall Street’s most traded stock
Nvidia surpassing Tesla in Wall Street trading highlights AI’s investor allure, yet revenue concerns may jeopardise its recent surge.
Adobe Acrobat adds generative AI to ‘easily chat with documents’
Innovative AI Experience in Adobe Acrobat Adobe is introducing a groundbreaking generative AI experience to its Acrobat PDF management software, aiming to revolutionize the digital document experience. Dubbed “AI Assistant in Acrobat,” this new tool functions as a conversational engine, summarizing …
Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin excited by AI for code testing
Ethereum co-founder Buterin has expressed optimism about the potential of artificial intelligence to identify flaws in the Ethereum software.
Porsche adds two new hybrids to its lineup of plug-in Panameras
Porsche unveils two new plug-in hybrid Panameras, meeting market demands for efficiency and performance, with prices starting at $117,495.
Top 10 richest Esport tournaments: #1 gives $214 million
A new study reveals the top 10 highest paying Esport tournaments in the world, with all paying many millions of dollars to entities.
MariaDB, a database company, may be privatized for $37 million
An exploratory proposal To MariaDB K1 said on Friday it had submitted a so-called “unsolicited non-binding indicative proposal“, this is a non-binding exploratory proposal, may according to the negotiation progress and change in the next few weeks. The proposal involves buying all of MariaDB’s stock…
Alibaba bets on overseas e-commerce unit
Alibaba focuses on global expansion amid slow domestic growth, boosted by strong international e-commerce revenue.
EU opens formal investigation into TikTok
The European Commission investigates TikTok’s compliance with the Digital Services Act for minor protection and advertising transparency.
The EU now formally investigate TikTok’s compliance with the Digital Services Act
The DSA is the EU’s online governance and content moderation rulebook, and since Saturday it has been widely applied to (possibly) thousands of platforms and services. An investigation into Tiktok The areas of concern for the Commission in its investigation into TikTok relate to the protection of mi…
Sony to release a ‘Pro’ version of the PlayStation 5 this year
Sony might launch a PlayStation 5 Pro to revive interest, anticipating “Grand Theft Auto 6,” amidst lowered PS5 sales expectations.
Porsche has added two new hybrids to its plug-in Panameras range
Late last year, Porsche unveiled the third-generation Panamera, which includes the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid, the first of four models that will eventually be introduced. Today, the automaker added two more models: the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid. The growth of demand Porsche said…
Wyze camera breach let 13,000-customer glimpse others homes
The problem with Wyze letting its surveillance camera users briefly see other customers’ homes is far worse than we thought. Established fact The news came in an email to customers titled “Important Security Message from Wyze,” in which the company acknowledged the breach and apologized, while tryin…
Google feature automates customer service calls
Google’s “Talk to a Live Representative” feature automates customer service calls, notifying users when a human agent is available.
Spotr, Dutch data platform, earned $4.8M funds to build largest database
Spotr, a Dutch property data platform, secures $4.8 million in funding to bolster its position as a global property data platform.
KYND announces major investment to drive cybersecurity solution
KYND,a cybersecurity firm, announced the completion of a significant investment to support its growth and further development.
Electric vehicles will account for 60% of new car production in 2030
The Biden administration aims to ease car emissions rules, granting more time, but faces industry skepticism over feasibility.
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsAsian chip manufacturers are expanding their operations in Japan
Japan’s chip industry, once dominant, sees a revival as more firms, notably from Taiwan, expand operations amid challenges.
China’s 2017 IPv6 action plan sets milestones to 2025
China’s official IPv6 push rests on a 2017 action plan with milestones for the end of 2018, 2020 and 2025. The text contains no 2030 deadline, no IPv4 ban and no nationwide single-stack switch.
Singapore to impose green fuel levy on flights from 2026
Singapore unveils ambitious blueprint: Sustainable Aviation Fuels mandated, emission cuts targeted, aiming for net-zero aviation by 2050.
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 3 briefingsRivian, the US electric car maker, is cutting 10 per cent of workforce
Rivian Automotive announces a 10% layoff, concerning over electric vehicle sales, attributing stagnant production to economic uncertainties.
The US will relax pollution-limiting rules for vehicle emissions
The New York Times writes that labor leaders are pressing Biden to give them more time to unionize workers at new U.S. electric car plants. The union’s support is critical as Biden faces re-election in the face of a dire climate situation and attacks from candidate and former President Donald Trump.…
Microsoft to expand its AI infrastructure in Spain with $2.1 billion
New investment Microsoft will invest $2.1 billion over the next two years to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure in Spain, Brad Smith, vice chairman and president of the US software giant, said in a post on the social media site X.The company has just announced that it w…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Europe and Middle East Trends / Europe and Middle East Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 4 briefingsThe EU is formalizing rules for taking CO2 out of the atmosphere
EU’s Milestone in Carbon Removal Technology Certification The European Union has reached an interim agreement to establish a pioneering certification process for technologies aimed at extracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This significant move marks the first step towards legitimising such …
Revolut takes action against Meta Platform scams
Revolut, a UK-based neobank, has introduced a fraud detection technology in an effort to better safeguard its customers.
Top tech stories today: February 20, 2024
Microsoft to expand its AI infrastructure in Spain, Porsche announced two new plug-in hybrid Panameras and other top tech news.
Europe’s Digital Services Act applies in full from February 18
The EU’s relaunched e-commerce rules are fully applicable from tomorrow, potentially setting new legal obligations on thousands of platforms and digital businesses. What is DSA The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a huge EU effort to establish an online governance framework for platforms and to use tra…