IT infrastructure
1. CrowdStrike accepts award for ‘most epic fail’ after global IT outage
Just a few weeks after its software update triggered a global IT meltdown, CrowdStrike isn’t shying away from the spotlight. In fact, the company’s president Michael Sentonas even took the stage at the Pwnie Awards to accept the award for Most Epic Fail. (Tech Crunch)
2. Singtel launches first nationwide quantum-safe network in Southeast Asia
Singaporean telco Singtel claimed it launched Southeast Asia’s “first” National Quantum-Safe Network Plus (NQSN+), which employs modern quantum security solutions for enterprise clients and a customised program for companies to trial the technology before adoption. (ITW)
3. MTN Nigeria MLAs renewed by IHS Towers
IHS Towers, Africa’s largest telecom tower company, has renewed and extended leases on 13,500 sites with its largest customer and shareholder, MTN Nigeria, until 2032. (Capacity)
4. Tech Mahindra partners with Northeastern University to advance Open RAN and 6G innovation
The companies will also enable end-to-end testing in virtual and real-world environments using solutions such as digital twin technology to replicate real-world conditions accurately. (Economic Times)
Tech trends
5. ByteDance to seek refinancing of $5 bln loan
Tiktok-owner Bytedance is preparing to refinance a $5 billion loan by another three years, Bloomberg news reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. (Reuters)
6. Apple’s last-gen iPad has dropped to $224 for a limited time
Apple’s iPad 9 is more affordable than ever during Amazon’s limited-time Apple sale. Right now, you can nab the iPad 9 for just $224 at Amazon. It normally costs $329, so you’re saving $105 with this deal. (LaptopMag)
7. Long-time Google exec Susan Wojcicki has died at 56
Susan Wojcicki, a pioneering tech executive who helped shape Google and YouTube, has died, her husband said. (APnews)
8. The cheapest Cybertruck is now almost $100,000
The company stopped selling its base Cybertruck — and raised prices for the rest. (Verge)
9. Sony’s adorable Astro Bot controller is now available for preorder
It’s nice to see the Astro Bot character, who has existed in the PlayStation ecosystem mostly as a tech demo mascot for a decade, finally getting the respect he deserves. (Kotaku)
10. Nearly everyone working on Nova Launcher has been laid off
Nova Launcher has announced layoffs have reduced its team down to just one member. (ING)
AI
11. The FCC proposes requiring robocallers to disclose when they’re using AI
The agency aims to combat scams by requiring transparency about AI use in automated calls and messages to consumers. (AI BUSINESS)
12. DevRev raises over $100 mln in Series A, joins AI unicorn Club
Customer relationship software frm DevRev has raised $100.8 million inseries A funding round from Khosla Ventures and others, as interest in frmsutilising artifcial intelligence continues to grow. (Economic Times)
13. UK govt unveils £32m funding for AI projects
The pledge comes a week after Labour shelved former administration’s £1.3 billion AI investment plans. (COMMSBUSINESS)
