Briefing Desk
Latest Briefings
Concise reporting on the developments shaping internet governance and infrastructure. Browse each area for recent news, context and watchpoints.
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Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Institutional Trends
In this section: 1 briefingCoinbase Approved Futures Broker
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has approved Coinbase Financial Markets, allowing it to function as a registered futures broker. This move signifies a significant step towards cryptocurrency mainstream adoption and integration with traditional financial markets. Coinbase Earns …
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Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 39 briefingsFintech Startup Bags $1.1M
Vegapay, a fintech startup focussed on digital lending and card management, has secured $1.1 million in a pre-seed funding round. The funding was led by Eximius Ventures and featured contributions from various investors including DSP HMK, Capri Global, Upsparks Capital, MGA Ventures, and Climber Cap…
Intel Drops Hightower Acquisition
Intel Corporation has announced the abrupt abandonment of its proposed acquisition of HighTower Semiconductor, citing insurmountable regulatory challenges that impeded timely approval. Alongside this decision, Intel will pay a substantial breakup fee totalling $353 million. This move poses a setback…
CATL Unveils Ultra-Fast EV Battery
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), a global leader in lithium-ion battery technology, has introduced the world’s first 4C ultra-fast charging LiFePO4 battery, named the “Godspeed Ultra-Fast Battery.” This innovative battery could change the electric vehicle (EV) industry by addressing …
Tumblr’s Comeback, Formerly Twitter
Tumblr has introduced a fresh web interface inspired by the aesthetics of X, the former Twitter platform. This move follows a month-long testing period with select users and aims to simplify user experience and navigation, catering to both newcomers and established users. A Bid to Increase Engageme…
True Anomaly Launches Spacecraft Hub in Colorado, Satellites to Fly in 2024
Denver-based startup True Anomaly has inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in Centennial, Colorado, with the goal of producing compact satellites tailored for space-based surveillance and reconnaissance applications. The company’s pioneering spacecraft, named Jackal, is crafted with a specific f…
Google And Universal Music Partner Up to Licence AI-Generated Song Voices
Real vocals to breathe new life into AI: Google and Universal Music join forces to create AI vocals that sound human-like. How real does it get? Google And Universal Music Partner Up to Licence AI-Generated Song Voices Google and Universal Music Group have joined forces to licence voices for AI-gene…
Zoom Revises Terms Amidst Backlash, Clarifies AI Data Usage
Updated Terms and Features Zoom Revises Terms Amidst Backlash, Clarifies AI Data Usage Following recent concerns and criticism, Zoom has revised its terms of service to address the use of customer content in training artificial intelligence (AI) models. The videoconferencing giant’s initial terms ha…
Byebye Cortana: Microsoft Decides It’s Not for Windows 11
Deprecation Notice Sent Byebye Cortana: Microsoft Decides It’s Not for Windows 11 Microsoft has taken the decisive step of discontinuing its Cortana app for Windows 11. This move marks the end of an era for the digital assistant that originated in the Windows Phone ecosystem. It also follows the ces…
Serve Robotics turns delivery robots into a public-market financing test
Serve Robotics' 2023 go-public transaction matters because it moved sidewalk delivery robotics from venture-backed pilots into public-market disclosure. SEC filings show Patricia Acquisition Corp. completed a reverse-merger transaction with privately held Serve Robotics on 31 July 2023, changed its name to Serve Robotics Inc., and continued Serve's delivery-robot business as a public reporting company. The financing headline matters only as capital context: the strategic test is whether public-market access can fund fleet deployment, autonomy operations and partner concentration risk.
YouTube Shows A Blank Page to Viewers with No Watch History
Don’t be surprised with a blank YouTube history if it hits you: An update has been rolled out to the dismay of some and delight of others. YouTube has implemented a noteworthy alteration in its user experience: a blank homepage for those who have deactivated their watch history. This shift has elici…
Slack Unveils its Largest Redesign Yet to Streamline Workday Chaos
Will Slack “stop” being Slack? A new simpler layout is set to organize the feature-overload that has been slowing down employees. Slack is taking a decisive step to tackle the increasing clutter within its interface that arises as users become more immersed in it. The company’s new redesign aims to …
IBM to Integrate Meta’s Llama2 into Watsonx
IBM integrates Meta’s language model, Llama2, into Watsonx. Explore how IBM’s decision is surprising yet expected. IBM to Integrate Meta’s Llama2 into Watsonx IBM and Meta have joined forces to incorporate Meta’s Llama 2 model into IBM’s AI platform, Watsonx. This collaboration underscores IBM’s app…
X Releases Payouts After a Disheartening Delay
X’s payout has finally arrived after a disappointing delay. Shortly after, X announced lower requirements for revenue sharing. Discover how you might qualify. Elon Musk’s new initiative, the X Ads Revenue Sharing program, has issued its latest round of payments after a delay which disappointed many.…
Coinbase’s Base Valuation Surpasses $100M
Coinbase launches Base, its very own (L2) public chain. Find out how it propelled Coinbase to a $100M valuation. Coinbase’s Base Surpasses $100 Million Valuation Coinbase’s much-awaited Layer 2 (L2) public chain, Base, made its grand entrance into the mainnet arena on August 9th at the stroke of 9:0…
Crypto Market Fallout: Galaxy Digital and Riot Blockchain Face Q2 Losses
The Crypto Winter has come and lingered: Galaxy Digital and Riot Blockchain still weathering the thaw. Discover how they plan to rise back. Crypto Market Fallout: Galaxy Digital and Riot Blockchain Face Q2 Losses Both Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd. and Riot Platforms Inc. recently reported financial l…
Circle Unveils Web3 Wallet: Introducing the Programmable Wallet Revolution
Circle opens a new door to the future with its Programmable Wallet. Read on to find out new exciting ways to how we exchang value. Circle Unveils Programmable Wallets as Part of Web 3.0 Services Line Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, has launched Programmable Wallets. Aimed at enhancing dig…
Disney Forms AI Task Force: Exploring Cost Savings and AI Integration for a Magical Future
Disney announces the creation of an AI task force to investigate potential cost savings and the incorporation of artificial intelligence into its vast array of businesses and services. Disney Embraces AI to Revolutionize the Magic Kingdom The Walt Disney Company, a global leader in entertainment, ha…
Google Search Integrates AI-Powered Grammar Checker
Google pushes AI grammar checker in Search. Discover how you can use it to take your search to the next level of grammar correctness. Google Search Integrates AI-Powered Grammar Checker Google has introduced a grammar checker to its Search feature, aiming to compete with platforms like Grammarly. Th…
EvilProxy Phishing Campaign Targets Microsoft 365 Users, Focuses on C-Level Executives
Phishing campaign out to get C-level execs. This sophisticated threat has been around for a while and it’s back again to get more victims. Find out how it works. EvilProxy Phishing Campaign Targets Microsoft 365 Users, Focuses on C-Level Executives The EvilProxy phishing platform has emerged as a po…
OpenAI Deploys Web Crawler to Enhance GPT-5
OpenAI’s web crawler to revolutionise GPT-5 with the entire knowledge base of the Internet. Are you ready for what’s next? OpenA has recently deployed a web crawler in preparation for the release of GPT-5, its next-generation language model. The move marks a significant advancement in OpenAI’s quest…
Microsoft’s AI Red Team Has Already Made a Case for Itself
Discover Microsoft’s AI Red Team: Upholding AI integrity through proactive testing. Explore their accomplishments and navigate the challenges in AI security. Microsoft has recently put together an AI Red Team—a group of experts tasked with rigorously scrutinising the impact and security of their AI …
Google AI System Raises Copyright Concerns
Google pushes AI boundaries but also raises copyright concern. How will Google tread the fine line between innovation and respecting publisher rights? . Google’s AI system has revolutionised various industries, including healthcare, transportation, and content creation. However, its potenti…
Snap Plans AR for Music Festivals
Snap Outlines Ambitious Plan To Expand Ar Experience In Music Festivals Snap is set to revolutionize the music festival experience with its innovative augmented reality (AR) technology. The parent company of popular social media platform Snapchat has announced its ambitious plan to bring AR experie…
Amazon Enhances Product Reviews with Generative AI
Is AI writing that product view? Amazon says yes and it’s surprisingly creating positive results for customers. . Amazon Uses Generative AI to Enhance Product Reviews Amazon recognizes the impact of customer reviews on purchases and is utilizing generative AI technology to elevate this aspe…
Microsoft Edge’s new feature: Bing AI helps you rewrite text
Rewriting text with your browser? Another handy AI tool to help you increase your productivity. A recent update to Edge Canary introduced the ability to rewrite text with Bing AI. This feature allows the user to select a piece of text in the input box and rewrite it using the Alt + I shortcut. Edge
The Next Music Revolution: AI Sound Effect Generator
Explore how artificial intelligence is creating new auditory experiences and transforming industries with AI generated sounds. The Next Revolution in Music Comes from the AI Sound Effect Generator Music, a realm where human creativity knows no bounds, is witnessing a shift as AI generated are increa…
PS5 Sales Exceed 40 Million
SIE today announced that PS5 sales (Sold Through, that is, actual sales) exceeded 40 million, in 32 months and 15 days. By comparison, the PS4 reached this milestone in 30 months and six days. Officials said that due to the impact of the pandemic, PS5 host supply chain problems, inventory can not me…
NFT Exchanges Slash Artist Royalties To The Tune Of $1.5 Billion As Market Slump Deepens
NFTs fall into a deeper slump, dragging artist revenues with it. Discover what the future offers to NFT artists. NFT Exchanges Slash Artist Royalties To The Tune Of $1.5 Billion As Market Slump Deepens The Non-Fungible Token (NFT) market is currently facing a substantial downturn, raising concerns a…
Musk & Zuckerberg’s Octagonal Cage
Elon Musk reveals that his monumental showdown against Mark Zuckerberg will be broadcasted live on the X platform, with all proceeds generously pledged to support veterans’ charities. Musk and Zuckerberg’s Highly Anticipated “Octagonal Cage Date” to be Broadcast Live on X Platform The Bitter Rivalry…
Kundli GPT Entered Astrology AI Field
Kundli GPT AI is a personalized AI astrologer combined ancient wisdom with futuristic intelligence. on how the occult and the future partner up to give practical advices. Personalized Astrological Insights with the Power of AI Kundli GPT AI is a new tool that combines Astrology, AI to offe…
Three Big Reddit Communities Are No Longer Focused On John Oliver
John Oliver’s Reddit fan base might be thinning down. But the reasons behind it are much more nuanced. Discover what caused the shift. Three Big Reddit Communities Move Away from John Oliver Three of Reddit’s major communities have decided to end their exclusive focus on John Oliver as a form of pro…
Meta's AI personas turn messaging reach into a consumer-AI distribution test
Meta's AI personality launch was a distribution signal, not just a novelty chatbot release. At Connect 2023, Meta introduced Meta AI and a set of AI characters with distinct interests and personalities, placing conversational agents inside Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp rather than asking consumers to adopt a separate AI destination. The important actor is Meta Platforms: the company can turn existing social and messaging surfaces into consumer-AI entry points, then extend the model through AI Studio and creator-built characters.
Tinder Introduces Groundbreaking AI Tool to Optimize Photo Selection
Will AI help you find the love of your lifetime? Tinder’s new algorithm opens doors but also raises debates. Read to find out. Tinder has recently unveiled a advanced AI tool designed to assist users in selecting their most appealing photos. This revolutionary technology employs artificial intel…
Toyota GR Cup Offers Polygon Blockchain Digital Trophies
Toyota GR Cup redefines racing rewards with Polygon blockchain digital trophies. Unique & verifiable proofs of achievement for winners. Innovation meets recognition The esteemed racing event, Toyota GR Cup, is embracing a revolutionary approach to rewarding its race winners. Organisers recently reve…
SIGGRAPH Launches its 50th: Keynote Speech and New Tech Anticipated
SIGGRAPH rolls out the itinerary for its 50th anniversary. Read about the tech and keynote speech that will make the event one for the books. SIGGRAPH 2023, a milestone event marking its 50th anniversary as the premier conference and exhibition for computer graphics and interactive technologies, is …
YouTube Tests Out AI Video Summarization Tool
YouTube takes a momentous step in enhancing user experience through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Find out how this has implications beyond online entertainment. In its latest test, YouTube has introduced a groundbreaking feature that uses AI algorithms to summarise videos. Thi…
Elon Musk Aims to Address Apple’s “Apple Tax” through Direct Dialogue with Tim Cook
Is this the discourse of the year? Musk and Cook may toe the proverbial line as the Tesla founder wants to start a discussion regarding Apple’s high fees. Elon Musk Aims to Address Apple’s “Apple Tax” through Direct Dialogue with Tim Cook Elon Musk disclosed his plans to engage in a conversation wit…
Twitter Blue Clients Can Now Go Low-Profile by Hiding Their Badges
Twitter gives users the option to hide their verification status. Find out how this seemingly benign change sparked a debate among Twitter users. Twitter Blue Clients Can Now Go Low-Profile by Hiding Their Badges Twitter Blue’s latest update introduces an intriguing change that offers users more aut…
Coinbase Set to Unveil Layer 2 Blockchain ‘Base’ on August 9
Coinbase-Set-to-Unveil-Layer-2-Blockchain-‘Base’-on-August-9 Coinbase Set to Unveil Layer 2 Blockchain ‘Base’ on August 9 Coinbase recently confirmed that its Layer 2 blockchain, aptly dubbed “Base.” Built upon the Optimism’s OP Stack, Base will go live for public access on August 9. Base was initia…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Institutional Trends
In this section: 2 briefingsChina’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology Sets Ambitious Course for Robot Development
China’s MIIT unveils ambitious plan for robot dev. Beijing joins with proactive policies. Humanoid robots, next frontier. More players enter the market, hinting big strides. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has unveiled its strategic plan to bolster innovation in the co…
Singapore’s Financial Regulator Sets Sights on Web3 and Startup Ecosystem with S$150 Million Investment
Singapore’s Financial Regulator Sets Sights on Web3 and Startup Ecosystem with S$150 Million Investment Singapore’s Financial Regulator Sets Sights on Web3 and Startup Ecosystem with S$150 Million Investment The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has unveiled its ambitious plan to inject S$150 mi…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Asia-Pacific Trends / Asia-Pacific Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 4 briefingsTesla Ensures Data Privacy & Localization in China
Tesla shifts gears as it campaigns deeper into the Chinese market. Discover Tesla’s ingenious ways to win the heart of China’s drivers and the approval of its legal system. Tesla Ensures Data Privacy and Localization for Chinese Market Tesla has taken significant steps to address localization and pr…
WealthPower Securities Applies for License to Engage in Virtual Asset-Related Activities with Hong Kong SFC
Finance powerhouse WealthPower Securities seeks Hong Kong SFC license for virtual asset activities. Discover what exciting things this move might entail. WealthPower Securities Applies for License to Engage in Virtual Asset-Related Activities with Hong Kong SFC WealthPower Securities has recently su…
Intel Forges Ahead with New Chip Innovation Center in Shenzhen Amid Escalating US-China Tech Battle
Intel defies US pressure, opens a chip center in Shenzhen. The move aids local AI startups, despite US-China tech battle, aiming to empower China’s tech future. Intel partners with Shenzhen for a chip center. Unveils AI processor meeting U.S. export rules for sale in China. American chip giant Intel…
Crypto Custodian Hex Trust Gains Registration in France, Facilitating European Expansion
Hex Trust steps into French market, following a successful campaign in Italy. about how the digital assets firm plans to enter the rest of the EU market. Crypto Custodian Hex Trust Unlocks Access to French Market, EU Expansion Eyed Hex Trust, a Hong Kong-based digital asset custodian secur…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Europe and Middle East Trends / Europe and Middle East Institutional Trends
In this section: 2 briefingsUK Government Signs Up Tech Experts and Diplomats for Landmark AI Safety Summit
UK government taps tech and diplomacy experts for landmark AI safety summit, addressing risks and promoting responsible AI use on a global scale. UK Government Signs Up Tech Experts and Diplomats for Landmark AI Safety Summit To address the growing concerns surrounding the safe use of artificial int…
UAE Starts Carbon Credit System, Built on Blockchain Technology
UAE teams up with Venom foundation to fight climate change with blockchain. Find out how tech might be the answer to our worsening climate. UAE Starts Carbon Credit System, Built on Blockchain Technology The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has entered into a pioneering accord to establish a carbon credit…
Coverage
Market / Trends / Global Trends / Global Institutional Trends
In this section: 1 briefingQuest 3 Gets FCC Cert, Headset May Support 6GHz
The highly anticipated Quest 3, the latest virtual reality headset from Oculus, has recently achieved FCC certification. This landmark achievement assures consumers that the device complies with Federal Communications Commission standards for electromagnetic interference and radio frequency emission…
Coverage
Market / Trends / North America Trends / North America Cloud Services Trends
In this section: 1 briefingUS DOJ Deliberates Binance Fraud Charges
US DoJ closes in on a verdict against Binance but treads the water carefully — their ruling may have undesirable effect on crypto and the economy. Read on. US Department of Justice Deliberates Fraud Charges Against Binance Amid Concerns of Potential Exchange Run Regulators Weigh Alternatives to Crim…