Fintech
1. Argentina looks to tame crypto market as money-laundering fears draw scrutiny
In the last year, Argentina saw $85.4 billion worth of crypto transactions, making it one of the largest crypto havens in the world, according to data platform Chainalysis, as Argentines seek to battle triple-digit inflation and a struggling currency. (Reuters)
Internet governance
2. Beyond WRC-23: Asia-Pacific prepares for next-generation mobile
The results of the latest World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC‑23) and the agenda for the next one (WRC‑27) have put the Asia-Pacific region in good stead for developing radio spectrum use for many services. (ITU)
IT infrastructure
3. Chip stocks volatile with China-US spat in focus
Trading in U.S. chip stocks was choppy on Thursday after a massive sell-off on Wednesday and a tumble in chip stocks in Asia after a report that the United States was considering tighter curbs on exports of advanced chip technology to China. (the Global and Mail)
Tech trends
4. SolarWinds beats most of US SEC lawsuit over Russia-linked cyberattack
A U.S. judge dismissed most of a Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit accusing software company SolarWinds of defrauding investors by concealing its security weaknesses before and after a Russia-linked cyberattack targeting. (West law today)
5. Apple in talks to license more Hollywood films
Apple is in talks to license more films from Hollywood studios to boost its streaming portfolio, citing people familiar with the matter. (Investing.com)
6. OpenAI holds talks with Broadcom about developing new AI chip, the Information reports
ChatGPT maker OpenAI is in discussion with chip designers, including Broadcom, about developing a new artificial intelligence chip, the Information reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. (CNA)
7. Dutch chip equipment startup Nearfield raises $148 million
Dutch chip equipment startup Nearfield Instruments said it has raised $147.6 million (135 million euros) to ramp up production and bring several tools to market more quickly. (US news)
8. Intuitive Surgical results beat on growing demand for surgical robots
Intuitive Surgical, opens new tab on Thursday beat estimates for second-quarter profit and revenue on growing demand for its surgical robots used in minimally invasive procedures, sending its shares up 6.7% after the bell. (Reuters)
AI
9. OpenAI unveils cheaper small AI model GPT-4o mini
OpenAI introduced GPT-4o mini on Thursday, its latest small AI model. The company says GPT-4o mini, which is cheaper and faster than OpenAI’s current cutting-edge AI models, is being released for developers, as well as through the ChatGPT web and mobile app for consumers, starting today. (Tech Crunch)
10. Google brings AI to US broadcast of Paris Olympics
Alphabet’s Google will infuse artificial intelligence into the US broadcast of the Paris Olympics, allowing sports commentators to use AI to explain competitions, the tech company said on Thursday alongside NBCUniversal and the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. (BS Home)
11. Ukraine rushes to create AI-enabled war drones
In Ukraine, some startups are developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to help fly a vast fleet of drones. The move aims at taking warfare into uncharted territory as combatants race to gain a technological edge in battle. (Strat News Global)
12. Shipping giant CMA CGM signs AI deal with Google
French shipping and logistics company CMA CGM signed a partnership with Alphabet’s Google to speed up deployment of AI solutions across operations worldwide. (TH)
13. Samsung agrees to acquire British startup Oxford Semantic for AI
Earlier this year, Samsung said it would bring its Galaxy AI and Google’s AI model Gemini to its products, including its flagship smartphone, the Galaxy 24, as well as the latest versions of its two foldable phones — the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 — each of which feature Galaxy AI and Google Gemini prominently. (Tech Crunch)