Crypto
1. Crypto firm Abra reaches settlement with US states for operating without licences
Financial regulators in 25 U.S. states reached a settlement with cryptocurrency platform Abra and its CEO for operating without proper licensing. Abra agreed to cease U.S. operations for retail customers and refund up to $82.1 million. CEO Bill Barhydt is barred from licenced businesses for five years. (U.S. News)
2. US regulators could approve spot ether ETFs for launch by July 4, sources say
The SEC may approve spot ether ETFs by July 4, with eight asset managers, including BlackRock and VanEck, seeking approval. The process is nearing completion, focusing on minor issues. (Reuters)
Fintech
3. Flipkart Group launches payments app, Super.money, in fintech push
Flipkart’s new payments app, Super.money, quietly enters beta on Play Store, focusing on UPI transactions with promises of real cashback. The app aims to expand into secured cards and lending, partnering with DMI Finance, Axis Bank, and Credit Saison India. (Tech Crunch)
Internet governance
4. RIPE 89: Call for presentations open
The RIPE Programme Committee is seeking content proposals for RIPE 89, which will be hybrid. Both in-person and virtual presentations are encouraged. The deadline for proposals is August 23, 2024. Topics include IPv6 deployment, network security, and IoT. (RIPE NCC)
5. RIPE NCC quarterly plans (Q3 2024) published
RIPE NCC has published the Q3 2024 quarterly plans for our development teams, detailing upcoming work items. RIPE NCC members and the wider community can provide feedback and suggestions. (RIPE NCC)
IT infrastructure
6. Arkansas-based Evolve Bank confirms cyber attack and data breach
Evolve Bank and Trust confirmed a cybersecurity incident resulting in customer data being released on the dark web. The bank has engaged law enforcement and will offer affected customers complimentary credit monitoring. The Federal Reserve recently ordered Evolve to enhance its risk management and anti-money laundering programs. (Aol.)
AI
7. AI dataset licensing companies form trade group
Seven content-licensing companies, including Rightsify and vAIsual, have formed the Dataset Providers Alliance (DPA) to advocate for ethical data sourcing in AI training. The DPA aims to protect intellectual property rights and promote legislation like the NO FAKES Act. (Reuters)
8. Micron Tech beats revenue estimates on AI chip demand; shares fall after run-up
Micron Technology beat third-quarter revenue estimates due to strong memory chip demand but disappointed investors with its fourth-quarter forecast. Despite a 13% rise in shares this month, the stock fell 7.2% after hours. (Yahoo!Finance)
9. Israel to build supercomputer to keep pace in global AI race
Israel will launch a tender next month to establish its first supercomputer, aiming to maintain its AI leadership, according to Dror Bin, CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority. (Reuters)
AR/VR
10. Genesys International set to launch its AI-powered maps
Genesys International will launch its AI-powered navigation maps for the mobility markets on Monday. The company is introducing five new products aimed at enhancing navigation and mobility solutions. (The Economic Times)
IoT
11. Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing service now available to all in San Francisco
Waymo has expanded its robotaxi service to all users in San Francisco. Nearly 300,000 people signed up for Waymo One since the waitlist opened. Waymo operates about 300 cars in San Francisco, part of its 700-vehicle fleet. (NBC News)
Products
12. A group of R1 jailbreakers found a massive security flaw in Rabbit’s code
Rabbit faces serious scrutiny after API keys were found hardcoded in its R1 AI gadget, compromising sensitive data. Despite claims from Rabbitude that access has been revoked, security concerns remain over the mishandling of keys, impacting trust in the company’s response and product reliability post-launch issues. (The Verge)
13. Steam is getting an official controller, but Valve isn’t making it
Valve’s new licensed Steam gamepad by Hori, the Wireless Horipad for Steam, marks a return to dedicated PC controller hardware after the Steam Controller’s discontinuation. Set for a Japan launch on October 31, it features Steam Deck-inspired design elements and robust programmability. (The Verge)
14. Google improves search experience in the Chrome mobile app
Google announced new enhancements to Chrome for mobile on Wednesday, introducing features like local search shortcuts, a redesigned address bar for tablets, personalised search recommendations, trending search suggestions on iOS, and live sports cards. (Tech Crunch)
15. TikTok’s Instagram rival, Whee, has no traction
TikTok’s new photo-sharing app Whee quietly launched in 71 countries on June 18, focusing on features akin to Instagram but without initial marketing via Apple Search Ads. With limited downloads—13,000 on iOS and more on Android—mainly from smaller markets like Malaysia and Indonesia, its success remains uncertain amid ByteDance’s broader app strategy. (Tech Crunch)
