Top tech news stories today: July 12, 2024

Top tech news stories today: July 12, 2024 is profiled by BTW Media because public-source evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

Fintech

1. Firms launch options on swap-based Bitcoin ETF

Options on just-launched leveraged products that track the spot price of bitcoin via derivative swaps began trading on Thursday, a first for the cryptocurrency exchange-traded fund (ETF) universe. (Aol)

2. Block investors need more to gauge crypto unit’s earnings potential, analysts say

Jack Dorsey-led payments technology firm Block could become a formidable player in the crypto mining industry, but Wall Street will need details on profit margins to gauge the earnings tailwind from this business, analysts said. (Yahoo Finance)

IT infrastructure

3. Exein raised $15M Series B to stop robotic arms going haywire

By now, we’re all pretty familiar with cybersecurity for computers. But what would happen if a robotic arm on a production line was hacked and instructed to kill its human co-worker? That “device security” is the kind of thorny problem that Rome-based startup Exein is tackling. (Tech Crunch)

4. Apple warns iPhone users in 98 countries of spyware attacks

Apple has issued a new round of threat notifications to iPhone users across 98 countries, warning them of potential mercenary spyware attacks. It’s the second such alert campaign from the company this year, following a similar notification sent to users in 92 nations in April. (Tech Crunch)

Tech trends

5. Software firm MicroStrategy announces 10-for-1 stock split

MicroStrategy MSTR.O said on Thursday its board of directors has decided in favor of a 10-for-1 stock split of its class A and class B common stock, sending shares of the software company that invests in bitcoin up 4% before the bell. (XM)

6. Several Macau government websites hacked, says Chinese state media

Several Macau government websites were hacked and police have launched a criminal investigation to trace the source of the crime, Chinese state media reported late on Wednesday. (Aol)

AI

7. Hedge funds turn to South Korea for next wave in AI By Reuters

Hedge funds trying to find synthetic intelligence-related inventory market bargains are speeding into South Korea’s chipmakers, betting a brand new wave of demand for high-end reminiscence chips and authorities spending makes them extra helpful. (Sensi)

8. South Korean beauty buffs can now thank AI for the perfect foundation shade

Customers have booked out South Korean cosmetics giant AmorePacific’s new artificial intelligence (AI) beauty lab, where robots custom mix face products and the latest technology recommends the most suitable lipstick colours. (Beam Start)

9. Intel leads investment in Israeli AI construction tech startup Buildots

Buildots, an Israel-based AI construction software company, has announced a $15 million investment led by Intel Inc’s Intel Capital, with participation from OG Tech Partners and previous investors. (Fidelity)

10. Defense AI startup Helsing raises $487M Series C, plans Baltic expansion to combat Russian threat

Defense AI startup Helsing has raised €450 million ($487 million) in a Series C financing round led by General Catalyst. It now plans to expand its presence in European nations bordering Russia. The announcement came as NATO held its annual summit in Washington, D.C., where the Russian invasion of Ukraine is high on the agenda. (Tech Crunch)

11. AI-powered Regard nabs $61M to find missed illness, boost hospital revenue

People in tech often say that data is the new oil. That phrase, coined by British mathematician Clive Humby, of course implies that data is valuable. (Tech Crunch)