Welcome to today’s roundup of major tech news. From Canada’s significant enforcement action against Binance to Apple’s latest advancements in AI and cloud computing, we’re covering the dynamic shifts and innovations that are shaping the technology landscape.
Blockchain
1. Canada fines Binance $4.38m for money laundering violations
Canada’s FINTRAC fined Binance $4 million for breaching money laundering laws, failing to register, and not reporting transactions properly. This follows its cessation in Canada and comes after its former CEO’s U.S. sentencing and financial penalties. (Reuters)
IT infrastructure
2. Apple plans to use M2 Ultra chips in the cloud for AI
Apple is deploying its M2 Ultra chips in data centres for complex AI queries, transitioning to advanced M4 chips later. With emphasis on AI, Apple has kept pace with competitors, enhancing AI capabilities on devices while ensuring security and privacy in data processing, outlined in its Project ACDC. (The Verge)
3. Tract plans 2.4GW data centre campus in Virginia
Tract has acquired 1,200 acres in Virginia to develop a 2.4GW data centre, aiming for completion by 2028. This development, known as Hanover Technology Park, aligns with local industrial plans to maximise benefits and minimise community impact. (Capacity)
4. Google Cloud issue blamed for UniSuper week-long service disruption
A provisioning error at Google Cloud caused a week-long outage for UniSuper, deleting its Private Cloud and affecting service across two locations. UniSuper assured that investments continued normally and funds remained secure, with restoration efforts ongoing. (Network World)
Tech trends
5. Huawei’s new phone uses more China-made parts, memory chip
Huawei’s latest high-end smartphone, the Pura 70 Pro, showcases an increase in Chinese-made components, signaling progress towards China’s tech self-sufficiency. A teardown by iFixit and TechSearch revealed the use of a Huawei-made Kirin 9010 chipset and other domestic parts, reflecting a strategic shift amidst ongoing US-China trade tensions. (SCMP)
6. Apple apologises for iPad ‘Crush’ ad that ‘missed the mark’
Apple apologised for its “Crush!” iPad Pro ad, which was criticised for seemingly disparaging cultural and creative objects to promote its product. The ad, meant to showcase the iPad’s capabilities, was seen as undermining the arts, prompting an uproar from creatives including Hugh Grant. Apple has since pulled the ad from TV plans. (Variety)
7. Microsoft is testing a new Windows 11 Start menu with floating widgets
Windows 11 Build 26212 introduces a new feature called “Companions” for the Start menu, which incorporates interactive widgets in a floating panel. This update, the first major one since 2021, allows users to customise and interact with features like weather and financial widgets through Adaptive Cards. (Windows Latest)
AI
8. Apple to power AI servers with its chips, Bloomberg News reports
Apple is set to enhance its products with generative AI features this year, utilising data centres powered by its own chips. This move aligns with Apple’s strategy to handle more complex AI tasks on cloud servers while managing simpler tasks on devices, leveraging the new M4 chip for AI capabilities. (Yahoo!Finance)
AR/VR
9. Apple makes it easier to browse Vision Pro Apps outside of the headset
Apple has enhanced the App Store’s web portal with a new search function, simplifying the process of finding and downloading apps for Vision Pro users. This update allows users to easily install apps directly to their Vision Pro headset from the web or via an iOS device, improving accessibility and user experience. (Road Tovr)
IoT
10. Energy harvester powers remote devices in the IoT
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a self-charging pyroelectrochemical cell that harvests thermal energy from the environment to power IoT devices in remote areas. Utilising temperature changes, the cell charges through the ion migration induced by a pyroelectric material, offering a novel solution for sustainable energy in IoT applications. (Global Space)
