Top tech stories today: February 22, 2024

Top tech stories today: February 22, 2024 is profiled by BTW Media because public-source evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

Your daily top tech news is here to brighten your day. Crypto firm Circle has terminated its USDC support on the Tron blockchain. In IT infrastructure, rSIM has developed a SIM card that can communicate across multiple networks. Plus, Google has introduced new AI models on the latest tech trends.

1. Crypto firm Circle to end support for USDC stablecoin on Tron blockchain

Major U.S. crypto firm Circle will end support for its USDC token on the Tron blockchain network, aligning with its efforts to ensure USDC’s trustworthiness. The decision means no more minting of USDC tokens on Tron amid regulatory scrutiny of its founder, Justin Sun. (Reuters)

2. Binance adopts USDT price cap to align with local rules in Nigeria

Binance’s price cap on Tether tokens in Nigeria led traders to seek unfettered trade on other platforms. Despite regulatory compliance efforts, Binance faced criticism for the pegged rate on its P2P platform, which it attributed to an automatic system pause. (Cointelegraph)

3. Hack VC raises $150M to back crypto and AI startups

Web3 Venture Capital firm Hack VC’s $150 million fund targets “capital-efficient” DeFi projects and security solutions to combat smart contract hacks. Hack will also focus on Web3 x AI projects. While the crypto market has faced challenges, Hack remains optimistic about the future of the industry. (Cointelegraph)

4. IBM launches professional services for Cisco networks

IBM has expanded its Cisco-focused professional services with new support and implementation options for Cisco SDN, SD-WAN users, and a remote assessment service for Cisco network infrastructure. (NetworkWorld)

5. Two-in-one SIM offers network redundancy for IoT devices

A joint venture between Deutsche Telekom, Tele2, and CSL Group, rSIM introduces a resilient SIM card capable of communicating with multiple networks simultaneously. (NetworkWorld)

6. IBM taps DNS technology to improve load-balancing service

IBM has introduced a new service that leverages DNS to assist business clients in efficiently balancing loads across highly distributed applications and multi-cloud workloads. (NetworkWorld)

7. Google Gemma: because Google doesn’t want to give away Gemini yet

Google has unveiled Gemma 2B and 7B, two open-source AI models inspired by its Gemini flagship. Designed for more straightforward tasks like chatbots and summarizations, these models may lack complexity but boast speed and cost advantages. (The Verge)

8. Getty-backed AI image generator BRIA snags fresh funding

BRIA, a responsible AI image generation startup, secured $24 million in a Series A round, with support from Getty Images and Publicis Groupe. This investment allows BRIA to expand globally and enhance its text-to-video generation capabilities. (Reuters)

9. Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg to visit South Korea

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is planning a visit to South Korea, scheduling key meetings, including one with Samsung Electronics chairman Jay Y. Lee, to discuss AI chip supply and generative AI issues. (Reuters)