From blockchain to AI, tech news covers bitcoin’s resilience, IARU’s century celebration, Microsoft’s AI push, EU’s TikTok concerns, Apple’s FIFA deal, and more. Stay tuned for the latest tech trends!
Blockchain
1. Bitcoin traders shrug off ‘halving’ to focus on broader market risks
Bitcoin’s recent halving event failed to significantly impact its price, currently at $67,000. Industry experts attribute its fluctuations more to geopolitical events and broader market sentiment than to technical shifts. (Reuters)
Internet governance
2. World Amateur Radio Day: IARU celebrates a century of connections
The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) has championed the interests of radio enthusiasts worldwide. With over 160 member-societies, it has secured vital frequency allocations and promoted innovation and emergency communication. (ITU)
IT infrastructure
3. Microsoft hires former Meta exec to bolster AI supercomputing team
Former Meta executive Jason Taylor Microsoft’s AI supercomputing team as corporate vice president and deputy CTO. Taylor will contribute to advancing AI systems in collaboration with Microsoft and OpenAI. (The Verge)
Tech trends
4. Meta opens Quest operating system to third-party device makers
Meta announces the opening of its mixed reality operating system, now named “Meta Horizon OS,” to third-party device makers like Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft Xbox signals a new phase in VR/AR innovation. (Tech Crunch)
5. EU threatens to suspend TikTok Lite’s reward programme
The European Union initiates an investigation into TikTok Lite, expressing concerns over its potentially harmful effects, particularly on minors’ mental health. Threats of suspending the app’s rewards program loom as TikTok fails to meet the deadline for a risk assessment. (Aljazeera)
6. Apple close to finalising deal with FIFA over TV rights for new tournament, NYT reports
FIFA is reportedly nearing an agreement with Apple for global TV rights to a news month-long club tournament, valued at $1 billion. This is FIFA’s first single worldwide contract, potentially boosting Apple’s streaming business. (Channel News Asia)
7. Trump says Biden would be ‘responsible’ for any TikTok ban
Donald Trump accuses President Biden of advocating for a TikTok ban, shifting responsibility onto him. The House passes legislation giving TikTok’s owner, ByteDance, nine months to divest its U.S. operations. (Reuters)
8. Apple might be the streaming home of soccer’s next big tournament
Apple’s reported deal with FIFA for global rights to an expanded Club World Cup in the US signals a significant move in the streaming soccer market, potentially valued at over $1 billion. (The Verge)
AI
9. Microsoft to forge AI partnerships with South Korean tech leaders
Microsoft’s upcoming MS CEO Summit 2024 aims to bolster AI partnerships with South Korea’s top tech firms. The closed-door discussions will explore joint ventures in AI technology across sectors, potentially integrating Microsoft’s services into products like Samsung smartphones and LG home appliances. (AI News)
IoT
10. Facilio launches refrigerant tracking and leak detection software
Facilio introduces its refrigerant tracking and leak detection software, aiding grocery and convenience store operators in achieving 100% compliance with impending regulations. (IoT Now)
11. ITRI and Arm launch new SystemReady Lab in Taipei to boost AIoT industry
ITRI and Arm’s partnership culminates in the establishment of the ITRI･Arm SystemReady Lab in Taipei. Leveraging ITRI’s R&D expertise and Arm’s compliance program, the lab aims to bolster Taiwan’s AIoT industry by ensuring product quality. (IoT Now)
