Top tech news stories today: July 24, 2024

Top tech news stories today: July 24, 2024 is profiled by BTW Media because public-source evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

Fintech

1. US spot ether ETFs make market debut in another win for crypto industry

U.S. exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tied to the price of ether enjoyed a strong debut on Tuesday, with $1.07 billion of shares changing hands in the products, according to CF Benchmarks, a digital asset index provider, Bitwise Asset Management and traders. (Reuters)

IT infrastructure

2. Cybersecurity firm Wiz calls off $23 billion deal with Google, memo say

It was earlier reported that Google’s parent company Alphabet was in advanced talks to acquire the firm. Wiz CEO: ‘While we are flattered by offers we have received, we have chosen to continue on our path to building Wiz’. (HAARETZ)

3. India cuts import tax on smartphones in boost for Apple

Almost 10-12% of the Apple iPhones are imported each year into India and a 5% reduction in tax on the devices will result in a $35-50 million annual benefit to Apple. (Business Standard)

4. Google scraps plan to remove cookies from Chrome

After years of deliberation, Google’s “Privacy Sandbox” initiative announced it will not be phasing out third-party cookies from its Chrome browser. The cookies allow advertisers to collect user information. (DW)

Tech trends

5. Apple likely to release foldable iPhone as early as 2026, the Information reports

Apple is likely to introduce its foldable iPhone as early as 2026, the Information reported on Tuesday, that could mark the biggest hardware design revamp for the company’s most popular product. (Khaleej Times)

6. GM slams brakes on self-driving vehicle without steering wheel

General Motors’ Cruise self-driving unit will focus its development efforts on a next-generation Chevrolet Bolt as it indefinitely delays its planned Origin vehicle that would not have a steering wheel, the automaker said on Tuesday. (MSN)

7. Hackers leak documents from Pentagon IT services provider Leidos, Bloomberg News reports

Hackers have leaked internal documents stolen from Leidos Holdings Inc., one of the largest IT services providers to the US government, according to a person familiar with the matter. (Bloomberg)

8. Elon Musk is not answering the most important questions about the Tesla robotaxi

The Tesla CEO dodged several questions during an earnings call Tuesday about the status of the company’s long-promised autonomous vehicle, including whether it would have traditional controls like pedals and steering wheels. (the Verge)

9. Spotify CEO confirms a ‘deluxe’ version with hi-fi audio is coming soon

Daniel Ek says the add-on will bring Spotify’s monthly subscription to around $17 or $18. Aside from better audio, customers can expect ‘a lot more control.’ (the Verge)

AI

10. US, European regulators sign joint statement on effective AI competition

Regulators in the United States, European Union and Britain have signed a joint statement to ensure effective competition in the artificial intelligence space, setting out principles to protect consumers. (US news)

11. OpenAI reassigns AI safety leader Madry, The Information reports

OpenAI last week removed Aleksander Madry, one of OpenAI’s top safety executives, from his role and reassigned him to a job focused on AI reasoning. (CNBC)

12. Google had a massive quarter thanks to Search and AI

Alphabet made almost $85 billion over the past few months — a 14 percent increase from the same time last year. (the Verge)

IoT

13. TruDoc Healthcare partners with e& enterprise to launch engageX solution

TruDoc Healthcare has announced a partnership with e& enterprise to transform healthcare communications in the MENA region. (IoT Now)