Microsoft unveils Xbox updates and Flight Simulator 2024. Nvidia execs sell shares as stock soars. Apple announces iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and watchOS 11 updates; Meta adds AI to WhatsApp Business.
Fintech
1. Trump pitches himself as ‘crypto president’ at San Francisco tech fundraiser
During a San Francisco fundraiser, Donald Trump positioned himself as a pro-crypto candidate, criticising Democrat regulations. He raised $12 million, supported by tech investors. (Reuters)
2. Synapse bankruptcy trustee says $85 million of customer savings is missing in fintech meltdown
Trustee Jelena McWilliams revealed an $85 million shortfall in Synapse’s accounts, impacting over 100,000 customers. The crisis, the worst in the fintech sector in years, has left customers locked out of their accounts due to fund balance discrepancies. (CNBC)
Internet governance
3. IAB co-signed joint letter in response to Australian eSafety proposed industry standards
The Australian government’s draft online safety standards threaten end-to-end encryption, risking user privacy and security. In May, the Internet Architecture Board and Global Encryption Coalition urged the eSafety Commissioner to protect encrypted services. (IAB)
IT infrastructure
4. LinkedIn disables tool for targeted ads to comply with EU tech rules
To comply with EU rules, LinkedIn has discontinued using sensitive personal data for targeted advertising. This change followed a complaint to the European Commission under the Digital Services Act. (Reuters)
Tech trends
5. Microsoft unveils all-digital Xbox consoles, ‘Doom’ title at Games Showcase
Microsoft’s annual Xbox Games Showcase revealed new all-digital Xbox Series X and S consoles and trailers for over a dozen games, including “Call of Duty.” Microsoft aims to boost console sales and promote Xbox Game Pass, featuring titles like “Doom” and “Gears of War.” (Reuters)
6. Norway wealth fund to vote against Musk’s $56 billion Tesla pay package
Norway’s $1.7 trillion sovereign wealth fund will vote against ratifying Elon Musk’s $56 billion pay package for Tesla. The fund, Tesla’s eighth-biggest shareholder, had opposed the package in 2018 and continues to advocate for alignment with long-term shareholder value. (Reuters)
7. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launches on November 19
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launches on Xbox and PC on November 12. The new installment features hot air balloon trips, aerial firefighting, commercial flights, air ambulances, and more. (The Verge)
8. Nvidia execs cash out shares as GPU giant skyrockets
Nvidia executives, including CEO Jensen Huang, are selling shares amid the company’s soaring stock value, which briefly surpassed Apple in market capitalisation. (The Register)
9. WWDC 2024: Everything Apple announced today including iOS 18, AI with Apple Intelligence and more
At WWDC 2024, Apple unveiled iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and watchOS 11 updates. iOS 18 introduces RCS support, “Apple Intelligence” AI features, and revamped apps. macOS Sequoia adds iPhone mirroring and a Passwords app. watchOS 11 includes Training Load and a Vitals app. (Engadget)
AI
10. Meta adds AI-powered features to WhatsApp Business app
During Meta’s Conversations conference in Brazil, Mark Zuckerberg announced AI-powered features for WhatsApp Business, enhancing customer interaction and ad creation. (Tech Crunch)
11. Google Play cracks down on AI apps after circulation of apps for making deepfake nudes
Google has issued new guidelines for developers of AI apps on Google Play to prevent inappropriate content, such as sexual and violent material. Apps must allow users to flag offensive content and undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety and privacy. (Tech Crunch)
12. Apple needs to focus on making AI useful, not flashy
Next week’s Worldwide Developers Conference is expected to unveil Apple Intelligence, marking Apple’s entry into the generative AI race. Enhancing Siri’s capabilities is a key focus to meet user expectations. (Tech Crunch)
AR/VR
13. Microsoft, Meta, Google launch new AI connectivity standard for data centres
Google, AMD, Meta, and Microsoft, among others, have introduced the Ultra Accelerator Link (UALink) standard for AI connectivity in data centers. UALink aims to enhance performance and flexibility in AI computing clusters by improving interconnection between accelerators, such as GPUs. (IoT World Today)
IoT
14. Self-driving company launches at French open
At the French Open, tennis fans experienced an autonomous bus service by WeRide and Renault Group, showcasing Level 4 self-driving technology. The pilot, marking WeRide’s European debut, shuttled fans from a parking lot to Roland-Garros, signaling its potential expansion across Europe. (IoT World Today)
15. Amazon Zoox self-driving taxi to test in Miami, Austin
Zoox, Amazon’s self-driving arm, is expanding its testing to Miami and Austin, adding to its existing locations in San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Seattle. The company will use retrofitted Toyota Highlander SUVs for testing, focusing on small areas near business and entertainment districts to gather insights and feedback. (IoT World Today)
