No need to sift through the web for crucial stories – we’ve got you covered. Here are the key global technology highlights for February 8, 2024.
1. Microsoft’s next big AI push is here after a year of Bing
One year ago today, Microsoft unveiled its ambitious plans for Bing, an AI search engine.But a year later, it seems that bing has pulled out of the discussion.Google still holds more than 91% of the traditional search market, according to StatCounter, and ChatGPT’s weekly users have soared to 100 million, while Bing’s global search market has grown by less than 0.5%. (The Verge)
2. OpenAI developing software that operates devices, automates tasks – The Information
Microsoft-backed OpenAI is reportedly developing agent software to automate complex tasks by taking over a user’s device, according to people familiar with the matter.The agent software will handle web-based tasks such as collecting public data on a set of companies, creating an itinerary or booking a flight ticket. The new assistants – often referred to as “agents” – promise to perform more complex personal and work tasks at human command without close supervision. (Reuters)
3. Microsoft launches Copilot internally to boost AI adoption by developers – Business Insider
According to a report by Business Insider on Wednesday, Microsoft is rolling out the Microsoft 365 Copilot tool for employees, hoping to get more developers to use artificial intelligence.Microsoft has been conducting pilot tests to improve the use of AI tools by its developer community and plans to release Microsoft 365 more broadly to its teams for the first time. (Reuters)
4. Stephen Chow NFTs eclipse 10K ETH in trading volume as community expands
Hong Kong director Stephen Chow, known for the iconic film Kung Fu Hustle, launched a profile picture nonfungible token (NFT) collection titled “Nobody” earlier this month. At the time of publication, the collection had witnessed over 9,695 Ether ETH $2,432 traded with a daily volume of 2,713 Ether ETH $2,432. (Coin Telegraph)
5. Crypto industry tops all Canadian fintech investments 2 years in a row
According to a report by accounting firm KPMG, cryptocurrency and blockchain have seen the largest number of investments in the financial technology sector in Canada.The blockchain and crypto space saw 31 deals in 2023, more than any other vertical in fintech, according to KPMG. The software-as-a-service industry followed with 24 deals, while the artificial intelligence and machine learning industry had 15 deals. (Coin Telegraph)
6. Hacken links Ripple chairman’s hack to XRP official wallet
Blockchain audit firm Hacken claims to have discovered an XRP-related wallet before Ripple co-founder and Chairman Chris Larsen’s personal wallet was recently hacked for $112.5 million.A key executive at Ripple, the company behind the XRP ledger, may have had his personal crypto wallet compromised as a result of his internal work. (Coin Telegraph)
7. UBS Hong Kong tokenizes warrants on Ethereum with OSL
UBS AG today announced the launch of Hong Kong’s first investment-grade tokenised warrants on the Ethereum public blockchain network. This innovative product takes advantage of the on-chain offering framework provided by UBS Tokenize, an in-house tokenization service at UBS. The product is a call warrant for the underlying stock of Xiaomi.The tokenized warrant is also the first to be locally issued on a public blockchain, which was sold to OSL Digital Securities LTD. (UBS)
8. Toyota overcomes its EV skepticism to announce a three-row electric SUV for the US
Toyota is pouring $1.3 billion into its Kentucky plant for “future electrification efforts,” including the production of a currently unnamed three-row electric SUV for the U.S. market. The money will be used for an electric vehicle assembly line at its Kentucky plant, as well as battery pack assembly for electric vehicle batteries supplied at its North Carolina plant. (The Verge)
9. Google’s 4K-ready Chromecast is nearly matching its best price to date
The streaming world may be consolidating faster than expected, but it’s clear that cable isn’t likely to make a comeback anytime soon.Fortunately, if you’re looking for a new streaming device to get the most out of Netflix and other services, Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is available from Amazon, Best Buy and B&H Photo starting at $39.98 (a $10 discount),So far almost with the lowest price. (The Verge)
10. Nvidia’s stock market value on verge of overtaking Amazon
Wall Street’s enthusiasm for artificial intelligence has pushed Nvidia close to overtaking Amazon in market value for the first time in two decades, while the AI chipmaker is not far from google parent Alphabet.Nvidia’s market value had surged 40% to $1.715 trillion by midday Wednesday, according to LSEG, only about 3% below Amazon’s $1.767 trillion.（Reuters）
11. World’s largest chipmaker TSMC to build a second factory in Japan
Chip giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) is ramping up its production in Japan as it continues to expand its global presence.The world’s largest chipmaker will build a second semiconductor manufacturing plant in China to “respond to growing customer demand”. The report added that the Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (JASM), a subsidiary of TSMC Holdings, plans to start construction by the end of 2024.The facility plan was put into operation at the end of 2027. (CNN)
12. How Web3 and art can reform philanthropy and fight climate change — Code Green
Code Green co-founder Inna Modja explains how Web3 and art are spearheading social activism and raising awareness about climate change. Since its emergence, Bitcoin BTC($44,647), Web3, and Irreplaceable Tokens (nft) have positioned themselves as springboards for activism. (Coin Telegraph)
