Fintech
1. Taiwan central bank says no timetable for launching digital currency
Taiwan’s central bank has no timeline for launching a digital currency, citing complexity. Public hearings next year will educate the public. The bank aims to improve payment efficiency through ongoing research, stressing the need for widespread communication and education. (Reuters)
Crypto
2. Crypto hacking thefts double to $1.4 bln in first half of 2024, researchers say
Global cryptocurrency theft more than doubled in the first half of 2024 to $1.38 billion, driven by large hacks and rising crypto prices, according to TRM Labs. (Yahoo!Finance)
3. Bitcoin set for worst week in nearly a year on Mt. Gox liquidation fears
Bitcoin faced its biggest weekly fall in nearly a year, dropping over 10%, as traders feared token dumping from the defunct Mt. Gox exchange and leveraged selling. (The Star)
4. Solana has impacted Africa’s crypto market maturity — Exchange exec
Oladotun Wilfred Akangbe, CMO of Flincap, highlighted the cryptocurrency industry’s growth, focusing on Solana’s resilience and community efforts in Africa. Despite challenges like Binance’s regulatory issues, the crypto sector shows positive growth. (Cointelegraph)
IT infrastructure
5. Talen asks US regulators to reject challenge to Amazon data centre deal
Talen Energy has urged US regulators to dismiss a challenge from utilities, including American Electric Power and Exelon, against its Amazon data centre deal. (Business Times)
6. NASCAR shows off an EV prototype
NASCAR unveiled an all-electric vehicle at the Chicago Street Race while maintaining its commitment to combustion engines. Developed with ABB, the EV prototype features regenerative braking and showcases new technology. (Aol.)
Tech trends
7. Nokia, BT and Qualcomm complete 5G 5CC carrier aggregation
Nokia and BT Group successfully aggregated the 5G Standalone spectrum using 5CC carrier aggregation, making BT the first European operator to achieve this. The tests, conducted at BT’s R&D headquarters, used Nokia’s 5G AirScale and a Qualcomm-powered device, enhancing 5G performance. (Capacity)
8. Apple Intelligence and a better Siri may be coming to iPhones this spring
Siri will improve in spring 2025 with the iOS 18.4 update, introducing Apple Intelligence AI features. Expected enhancements include AI-powered tasks like extracting ID details from photos and deeper tech support capabilities. (The Verge)
9. The Apple Watch Series 10 may get an Ultra-sized screen
The Apple Watch Series 10 is anticipated to feature significant design changes, similar to the iPhone X’s transformation. Traditionally updated each fall with minimal changes, the Series 10 is rumored to introduce major alterations, marking a significant evolution for Apple’s wearable. (Apple Insider)
AI
10. Chinese AI firms showcase resilience, innovations at AI event despite US sanctions
At the World AI Conference in Shanghai, Chinese tech companies showcased over 150 AI products, despite U.S. sanctions. SenseTime unveiled its SenseNova 5.5 model, rivaling OpenAI’s GPT-4. (Investing.com)
11. IOH launches AI tools for Indonesia’s upstream oil and gas industry
Indosat Ooredoo Hutchinson’s business division launched AI tools to support Indonesia’s upstream oil and gas industry. These include seismic wave measurement for exploration, worker connectivity, safety monitoring, predictive maintenance, and AI-based legal contract analysis. (Capacity)
Products
12. Meta AI may get more collaborative in WhatsApp for Android
The new WhatsApp beta for Android allows users to send photos to Meta AI for questions and edits, according to WABetaInfo. Meta has integrated more image-generation features, including a beta tool that creates avatars from user photos, enhancing the app’s AI capabilities. (The Verge)
Social
13. Waymo robotaxi pulled over by Phoenix police after driving into the wrong lane
The new WhatsApp beta for Android allows users to send photos to Meta AI for questions and edits, according to WABetaInfo. Meta has integrated more image-generation features, including a beta tool that creates avatars from user photos, enhancing the app’s AI capabilities. (Tech Crunch)
IoT
14. SelfDecode launches DecodyGPT: World’s first precision Health GPT
SelfDecode launched DecodyGPT, the world’s first precision health GPT, to revolutionise personalised health. Using AI and extensive health data, DecodyGPT offers customised health insights based on DNA, lab results, and lifestyle. (Practical-patient-care)
15. Avicenna.AI secures MDR certification for AI medical imaging tools
Avicenna.AI received MDR certification for five algorithms, ensuring EU compliance. The certified AI tools for neurovascular and vascular conditions are CE-marked and FDA-cleared, integrated into radiologists’ workflows, enhancing safety and performance. (IoT Now)
