Microsoft buys land for a data centre, while Tesla’s Elon Musk could leave if his $56 billion pay package isn’t approved. Additionally, Samsung Electronics’ union prepares for its first walkout, Apple may reveal a new “Passwords” app.
Crypto
1. Global rules needed to spur blockchain trading of assets, report says
Trading stocks and bonds on blockchains at scale remains a distant dream due to the lack of global regulatory standards for cross-border activity. Inconsistent regulations and compliance requirements across jurisdictions hinder seamless asset movement and widespread adoption. (Channel News Asia)
2. Bitcoin miner Core Scientific rejects buyout offer from CoreWeave
Core Scientific, a major mining company, rejected Coreweave’s unsolicited buyout offer of $5.75 per share, citing undervaluation. The decision follows a series of long-term contracts, including a 12-year lease of 18% of Core Scientific’s infrastructure. (Cointelegraph)
3. New York sues over $1B crypto frauds targeting immigrants
New York Attorney General Letitia James sued NovaTech Ltd. and AWS Mining Pty Ltd., alleging they defrauded immigrant communities of over $1 billion by exploiting their religious faith. (Aol.)
IT infrastructure
4. US proposes to boost internet security, citing Chinese carrier action
The FCC advanced a proposal to enhance internet traffic security following Chinese carrier misrouting incidents. The plan mandates broadband providers to implement BGP security measures and report risk-mitigation progress. (Reuters)
5. Melexis to produce all of NIO’s current chips for traction inverters
NIO Inc. has partnered with Melexis to integrate advanced current sensor chips in its electric vehicles, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of NIO’s traction inverter systems, which convert battery DC into AC for the motor. (Yahoo!Finance)
6. Singapore data centre plan will ‘push boundaries’ for energy
Singapore is now a viable location for future data centres, as the government plans to increase available power by 300MW. Established players like Digital Realty and new entrants can benefit by potentially attracting hyper scale customers and investors. (Capacity)
7. Microsoft buys 900+ acres for $77.5m data centre
Microsoft purchased 929 acres of farmland in Indiana for $77.5 million to build a data centre, despite local opposition. The St. Joseph County Council approved the rezoning. (Capacity)
Tech trends
8. Tesla CEO Elon Musk could leave if $56 billion pay package not approved, shareholders warned
Tesla’s board chair, Robyn Denholm, urges shareholders to approve Elon Musk’s $56 billion pay package, warning that failure to do so could lead Musk to pursue opportunities elsewhere. (The Verge)
Social
9. GameStop surges almost 50% as ‘Roaring Kitty’ teases livestream
Shares of GameStop surged nearly 50% after the online stock influencer “Roaring Kitty” announced a livestream. Keith Gill, known as “Roaring Kitty,” returned to social media, reviving rallies in GameStop and other meme stocks. (Reuters)
AI
10. Meta’s WhatsApp launches new AI tools for businesses
Meta launched its first AI-driven ad targeting program for businesses on WhatsApp, using Facebook and Instagram behavior for targeting. Additionally, Meta introduced an AI chatbot for business inquiries and integrated Brazil’s PIX payment method, boosting WhatsApp’s commercial capabilities. (Reuters)
11. Salesforce to open first AI centre in London
Salesforce has selected London for its inaugural AI Centre, fostering collaboration among industry experts, partners, and customers to drive AI innovation and provide upskilling opportunities. (Sales Force)
AR/VR
12. Skatrix’ uses Vision Pro to turn your room into a virtual skate park
Skatrix Pro, the Vision Pro skateboarding app by Rodney Mullen, has been revamped with its 2.0 update, offering more immersive mixed reality gameplay. The update includes full-room mixed reality, a skatepark builder, improved hand gestures, and nuanced environment sensing. (Road Tovr)
Products
13. Samsung Electronics’ union set to stage first walkout on Friday
Samsung Electronics’ union in South Korea is set to stage its first walkout over pay and conditions, involving about 28,000 members. Analysts don’t expect a major impact on chip production, as the strike mainly affects Seoul headquarters staff, not production workers, and follows a public holiday. (Reuters)
14. Apple might reveal a new ‘Passwords’ app next week
Apple is set to unveil a new app called Passwords at its Worldwide Developers Conference. The app aims to help users manage their login information, sync across devices, and generate and store passwords. (The Verge)
IoT
15. Fibocom propels 5G RedCap CPE solution integrated with newly launched RedCap module FG332 and Wi-Fi 7/6 technologies at Computex 2024
Fibocom has expanded its RedCap module portfolio with the launch of FG332 during Computex 2024. The module, powered by MediaTek’s T300 chipset, supports 5G SA with a maximum bandwidth of 20MHz, enabling high-speed data transmission. (IoT Now)
