No need to sift through the web for crucial stories – we’ve got you covered. Here are the key global technology highlights for December 12, 2023.
1. Huawei approaches Audi, Mercedes about investing in its smart car firm
In an effort to further expand its partnerships, China’s Huawei Technologies has asked Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen-owned Audi if they would be interested in purchasing a small stake in its smart car software and components company.
It was not immediately possible to determine the extent of Audi’s interest in Huawei’s offer. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz and Audi declined to comment.（Reuters）
2. Google is finally saying goodbye to Google Play Movies & TV
In a publicly released document, Google detailed how users will be able to watch purchased visual products after the Google Play Movies and TV brand disappeared permanently in January this year.You’ll still be able to watch your purchased content even if you get it elsewhere.（The Verge）
3. Google Workspace users will be able to record
Google Workspace users will be able to record the pronunciation of their name. When the feature rolls out, you’ll see a microphone button next to your name and a play button on someone else’s profile card. This may be able to promote efficient communication.（The Verge）
4. SpaceX postpones planned launch of US military’s secretive X-37B spaceplane
The US military’s secretive X-37B robotic space plane, which was scheduled to launch on Monday night, will go into orbit for the seventh time, Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) said on 11 December. Eventually, the rocket flew, but it was delayed by at least 24 hours from its original time.（The Verge）
5. Huawei to start building first European factory in France next year
China’s Huawei will start building a mobile phone network equipment factory in France next year. Huawei will go ahead with the construction of its first factory in Europe even as some European governments restrict the use of Huawei’s 5G equipment. Notably, the plan was first proposed back in 2020.（Reuters）
6. GlobalFoundries names chip industry veteran Hollister as CFO
GlobalFoundries (GFS.O) appointed semiconductor industry veteran John Hollister as chief financial officer on 11 December.Hollister spent more than two decades at wireless technology company Silicon Labs (SLAB.O), including ten years as the company’s chief financial officer.” Decades of experience, a proven track record, and a deep understanding of our industry. are his greatest strengths.（Reuters）
7. US expects to make multi-billion chips awards within next year
On 11 December, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said she expects to award about a dozen semiconductor chip grants next year, including billions of dollars in grants that could reshape US chip production.（Reuters）
8. Microsoft, AFL-CIO reach deal on AI, labor neutrality
The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and Microsoft Corp. announced a new partnership on Dec. 11 to engage in an open dialogue on how artificial intelligence (AI) must anticipate worker needs and integrate them into the development and implementation process. This is the first collaboration between an ILO and a technology company on the topic of AI. The agreement provides a neutral framework for AFL-CIO affiliated unions to organise workers in the future.（Microsoft News Center）
9. BlackBerry names insider as CEO, abandons IPO plans for IoT business
John Giamatteo, who succeeded John Chen as CEO of BlackBerry Ltd. and cancelled plans for an initial public offering of its Internet of Things business,, did not give a reason for abandoning the IPO plan.(Yahoo Finance )
10. Wikipedia releases its top 25 most-viewed pages of 2023
Wikipedia revealed its top 25 most visited pages for 2023, covering a variety of topics.Rounding out the top five, along with ChatGPT, are biographical articles about people who have died in 2023, the 2023 Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League and the film Oppenheimer.（CNN）
