Cease aimless browsing—get your daily tech news here! Discover updates on major corporations grappling with image controversies like X, along with significant infrastructure developments and partnerships emerging in East Asia.
1. Apple made an AI image tool that lets you make edits by describing them
Apple and UC Santa Barbara collaborated on the Multimodal large language model-guided Image Editing (MGIE), enabling users to edit photos through text prompts. MGIE, blending multimodal language models, interprets prompts and executes edits accordingly. MGIE’s release on GitHub and Hugging Face Spaces suggests broader applications, but Apple’s future plans remain undisclosed. (The Verge)
2. Crypto use in money laundering ‘far below’ cash — US Treasury
The United States Treasury Department’s comprehensive report on money laundering underscores cash’s enduring prominence over cryptocurrencies in criminal activities. The report highlights compliance failings in cryptocurrency exchanges, emphasising ongoing challenges in combating financial crime. (Cointelegraph)
3. 9GAG CEO buys Stephen Chow NFT at 3,155% premium to floor price
9GAG CEO Ray Chan’s acquisition of the scarce Stephen Chow NFT, dubbed “Nobody 889,” commanded attention with its substantial premium, marking a remarkable investment totaling $47,300—a staggering 3,155% above the price floor. (Cointelegraph)
4. Bitcoin needs layer-2 networks more than Ethereum does — Merlin Chain founder
Jeff, founder of Merlin Chain, underscores the significance of layer-2 networks for bitcoin’s growth, contrasting Ethereum’s adaptability. He delves into BRC-420’s modular data approach, enhancing utility within bitcoin’s ecosystem. (Cointelegraph)
5. Spot Bitcoin ETF ‘superior’ to gold ETF — Core Scientific founder
Spot Bitcoin ETFs, like Bitwise’s, offer unmatched security and transparency, according to Darin Feinstein, Core Scientific founder. With verifiable Bitcoin holdings, they surpass traditional ETFs like gold ETFs. (Cointelegraph)
6. Google’s AI now goes by a new name: Gemini
Google consolidates its AI efforts under the unified Gemini brand, symbolising its pivot towards artificial intelligence dominance. With the rollout of Gemini Ultra 1.0 and integration into Google Workspace, Gemini asserts its significance, challenging even Google’s long-standing Search supremacy. (The Verge)
7. Apple moves away from iTunes on PC with new Windows apps
Apple expands its ecosystem to Windows with the official launch of Apple TV, Music, and Devices apps, following a preview phase. In collaboration with Microsoft, the apps aim to transition Windows users from iTunes. (The Verge)
8. Google’s 4K-ready Chromecast is nearly matching its best price to date
While cable TV’s resurgence seems improbable, the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) offers a compelling streaming solution at a discounted price. Featuring Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos support, and a user-friendly remote, it’s a top choice. (The Verge)
9. X hits number one in App Store as leaked Drake nude goes viral
Despite recent celebrity image scandals, X surged to the top of Apple’s App Store, showcasing resilience amidst controversy. The latest incident involving a speculated Drake video comes after previous challenges with fake Taylor Swift images. (The Verge)
10. India to look at offline solutions to aid CBDC adoption in rural areas
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das announced plans to introduce offline solutions to promote the adoption of the digital rupee in areas with poor internet connectivity, aiming to enhance financial inclusion. (Cointelegraph)
11. Kyndryl expands partnership with Google Cloud to deliver enterprise-ready GenAI solutions
Kyndryl, the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, announces an enhanced collaboration with Google Cloud to develop responsible generative AI solutions. (Economic Times)
12. OceanBase inks agreement with NTU Singapore in database optimisation and green computing advancements
OceanBase and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, forge a partnership to pioneer advancements in database system performance and green computing. This collaboration seeks to drive technological innovation, with a focus on enhancing efficiency and sustainability in computing practices. (Economic Times)
13. Hitachi Vantara and Cisco unveil next-gen hybrid cloud managed services
Hitachi Vantara, Hitachi’s data management subsidiary, unveils a new phase in its collaboration with Cisco, presenting innovative hybrid cloud services. Aimed at modern enterprises, these solutions target persistent data management hurdles, marking a significant advancement in addressing evolving industry needs. (Economic Times)
14. Equinix announces fully managed service for NVIDIA DGX AI Supercomputing
Equinix, a leading digital infrastructure provider, introduces a fully managed private cloud service facilitating enterprise access to NVIDIA DGX AI supercomputing infrastructure. This empowers organisations to seamlessly deploy and oversee their custom generative AI models. (Economic Times)
15. Westcon-Comstor bolsters cloud capabilities with acquisition of AWS service partner Rebura
Westcon-Comstor strengthens its cloud portfolio with the acquisition of Rebura, an acclaimed AWS advanced service partner. This strategic move enhances Westcon-Comstor’s channel-focused services, amplifying its capabilities in delivering comprehensive cloud solutions. (Economic Times)
