Today’s tech headlines include: The U.S. SEC approved ether-based ETFs. Nvidia supports 20,000 GenAI startups. Orange and Vodafone expand 4G Open RAN in rural Romania. Virgin Media enhances Manchester connectivity and more.
Blockchain
1. US SEC approves exchange applications to list spot ether ETFs
The SEC approved Nasdaq, CBOE, and NYSE applications to list ether-based ETFs, a surprise win for the cryptocurrency industry. Nine issuers, including VanEck and ARK Investments, aim to launch ETFs. (Reuters)
IT infrastructure
2. Nvidia says 20,000 GenAI startups are now building on its platform
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang highlighted the surge in generative AI startups using Nvidia’s platform, emphasising high demand for GPUs. Nvidia’s H100 “Hopper” and upcoming “Blackwell” architecture will drive the AI revolution. (Venture Beat)
3. Orange, Vodafone expand pilot project for 4G Open RAN in rural Romania
Orange and Vodafone have expanded their pilot project in rural Romania with a 2G virtualised RAN technology, marking an ‘international first’ in RAN sharing. This innovation paves the way for cloud migration of RAN, supporting 2G/4G/5G networks. (Capacity)
4. Virgin Media Business Wholesale adds new fibre routes to Equinix MA5 data centre
Virgin Media Business Wholesale launched diverse fiber routes and high-bandwidth services at Equinix’s Manchester MA5 data center, the 160th connected site. This enhances connectivity for businesses in Manchester and the North, supporting 10Gbps and 100Gbps services. (Data Centre Dynamics)
5. Snowflake acquires TruEra to deliver LLM observability inside data cloud
Snowflake announced its acquisition of TruEra to enhance its AI capabilities, providing tools to test and monitor ML models and LLM apps. This move supports Snowflake’s aim to offer an end-to-end AI platform, ensuring effective and trustworthy applications, and strengthens its position against competitors like Databricks. (Venture Beat)
Tech trends
6. Google acquiring HubSpot would bolster bid to challenge Microsoft
Google parent Alphabet’s potential acquisition of HubSpot, valued at $31 billion, would enhance its cloud-based application offerings, positioning it against Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 in customer relationship management. (U.S. News)
7. Microsoft’s new Windows chief on the future of the OS, Surface, and those annoying ads
Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows, announced Microsoft’s transition to Arm-powered chips and AI ambitions. He aims to integrate AI across Windows, enhancing productivity and transforming app development with the Windows Copilot Runtime. (The Verge)
8. Euclid space telescope captures tens of thousands of glittering galaxies
The Euclid space telescope revealed stunning images, including a galaxy cluster, star nursery, and spiral galaxy. These images demonstrate Euclid’s capability to explore dark matter and dark energy, providing a comprehensive view of the cosmos. (CBS News)
9. CEO Barra backs GM’s push for autonomous vehicles
General Motors CEO Mary Barra emphasized the potential safety benefits of autonomous vehicles at a Detroit Economic Club event, highlighting AI’s role in reducing human error-related accidents. (Reuters)
10. Orange and Nokia expand partnership with API agreement
Nokia and Orange expanded their API collaboration to enhance 5G network programmability and revenue opportunities for developers. Nokia’s Network as a Code platform, available through Orange’s portal, offers SDKs, API documentation, a coding sandbox, and code snippets. (Mobile World Live)
AI
11. Musk’s xAI seeking to raise $6 bln in Andreessen Horowitz-backed funding
Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI, aims to raise nearly $6 billion in a funding round backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, and Tribe Capital, valuing the company at $18 billion. This comes as AI investment surges, with startups raising $19.15 billion in venture capital in Q1 2024. (Reuters)
12. The Kia EV3 will have over 300 miles of range and a ChatGPT-like AI assistant
Kia unveiled the finalized EV3 small electric SUV, featuring a voice-activated AI assistant based on ChatGPT. Launching in South Korea this July and Europe later, the EV3 boasts a 600km range, advanced tech including dual 12.3-inch screens, and a spacious design inspired by the EV9. (The Verge)
IoT
13. Dell expands AI factory with NVIDIA to accelerate AI adoption
Dell Technologies has expanded its Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA to accelerate AI adoption. This collaboration enhances server, edge, and workstation solutions, integrating NVIDIA’s AI Enterprise platform and GPUs. (IoT Now)
