Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference will showcase AI integrations, and AMD unveiled the MI325X accelerator to compete with Nvidia.
Crypto
1. Bitcoin ETFs make 26% of BlackRock’s 2024 inflows, 56% of Fidelity’s
Despite significant inflows for BlackRock’s IBIT and Fidelity’s FBTC bitcoin ETFs, they still lag behind Vanguard in total ETF inflows. Vanguard leads with $102.8 billion in 2024, compared to BlackRock’s $65.1 billion and Fidelity’s $8.9 billion. Bitcoin ETFs constitute 26% and 56% of BlackRock’s and Fidelity’s inflows, respectively. (Cointelegraph)
2. Hong Kong crypto exchange licence applications cost less than expected
Hong Kong’s crypto exchange licences now cost several million dollars, a significant decrease from the $25 million seen a year ago. Currently, only HashKey and OSL are fully licenced, with HashKey managing $500 million in user assets and facilitating $440 billion in trades. (Cointelegraph)
Internet governance
3. RIPE cooperation working group interim session on Europe’s digital infrastructure and regulation
The RIPE Cooperation Working Group will hold an interim session on the European Commission’s “White Paper on How to Master Europe’s Digital Infrastructure Needs” on 6 June 2024. Open to all, the session features speakers Peter Stuckmann from the European Commission and Dr. Joanna Kulesza from Lodz Cyber Hub, discussing low Earth orbit satellites. (RIPE)
IT infrastructure
4. Microsoft to lay off hundreds at Azure cloud unit, Business Insider reports
Microsoft is cutting hundreds of jobs in its Azure cloud unit, impacting Azure for Operators and Mission Engineering, with up to 1,500 job cuts. This follows earlier layoffs at Activision Blizzard and Xbox. (The Adviser Magazine.com)
5. ASML, Belgium’s Imec open laboratory to test newest chip-making tool
ASML has opened a test laboratory in Veldhoven, Netherlands, for its High NA EUV lithography equipment, in collaboration with Imec. This €350 million tool will enhance chip resolution by up to 60%, aiding future chip generations. (CNBC)
6. Microsoft to invest $3.2 bln in Swedish cloud, AI
Microsoft is investing $3.2 billion to expand AI and cloud operations in Sweden, driven by surging demand for generative AI and cloud services. This includes deploying 20,000 advanced GPUs at Swedish data centers using Nvidia processors. (PYMNTS)
7. Google says tech infrastructure investment in Singapore reaches $5 bln
Alphabet’s Google announced on June 3 the completion of a $5 billion investment in expanding its data centre and cloud facilities in Singapore, employing over 500 people to power services like Google Search and Maps. (Asia One)
Tech trends
8. Spotify raises US prices of its premium plans in margin push
Spotify raised U.S. prices for its premium plans on Monday, increasing the individual plan to $11.99, duo to $16.99, and family to $19.99. (Aol.)
9. Poland to boost cybersecurity after fake news attack
Poland’s government plans to invest up to 3 billion zloty ($760 million) in enhancing cybersecurity measures after attributing recent attacks to Russia. (Bloomberg)
Apps
10. What to expect from Apple’s AI-powered iOS 18 at WWDC
Apple’s upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference will spotlight its AI integration into devices and software, including a partnership with OpenAI. Notable updates in iOS 18 include AI-powered Siri, enhanced Photos and Notes, AI-generated recaps in Safari, Mail, and Messages, and customisable app icons. (Tech Crunch)
AI
11. AMD launches new AI chips to take on leader Nvidia
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) unveiled its latest AI processors, the MI325X accelerator, at the Computex technology trade show. Set for release in Q4 2024, AMD aims to challenge Nvidia’s market dominance. (Yahoo! Finance)
12. Arm expects 100 billion Arm devices will be ready for AI by end of 2025
British chip designer Arm Holdings expects 100 billion Arm devices worldwide to be AI-ready by the end of next year, CEO Rene Haas announced on Monday at the Computex forum in Taipei. (The Print)
13. Trend Micro taps Nvidia software tools for AI cybersecurity offering
Trend Micro announced on Sunday its collaboration with Nvidia to develop new AI-powered cybersecurity tools aimed at protecting data centers where AI operations occur. (The Economic Times)
AR/VR
14. VR classics Job Simulator and Vacation Simulator come to Apple Vision Pro
The Apple Vision Pro, initially marketed for productivity, is gaining traction in gaming. Developer Owlchemy Labs released fully immersive VR titles, Job Simulator and Vacation Simulator, optimised for the headset with hand-and-eye tracking. (Engadget)
IoT
15. Zymbit unveils Secure Edge Fabric for enhanced IoT deployments
Zymbit unveiled its Secure Edge Fabric line, offering enhanced business outcomes for IoT deployments with hybrid architecture. Key components include the Secure Edge Node 400, Tiny Nodes, and HSxM Core Silicon, all managed by Bootware 1.0. (IoT Now)
