Author: Akin Naphtal

US tech giant, Microsoft, has announced that it will invest $1.3 billion over the next three years to bolster its cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Mexico. The investment, revealed during an event in Mexico City by Microsoft’s chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella, is aimed at enhancing connectivity and accelerating the adoption of AI technology by small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across the country. “We’re doubling down on bringing more capacity to Mexico,” Nadella said. According to a company statement, the initiative is expected to impact 5 million Mexicans and support 30,000 SMBs within three years. Already, major Mexican…

Google has announced that it has begun providing core technology for a new artificial intelligence (AI) assistant integrated into a smartphone app for Volkswagen (VW) drivers, to provide them with information and assist them with tasks. The AI assistant, built using Google’s Gemini large language models, enables users to ask and receive answers to questions like “How do I change a flat tire?” or use their phone cameras to identify dashboard controls and receive relevant information. This is part of Google’s broader strategy to expand its enterprise AI offerings by enabling businesses to develop practical AI applications. The assistant was…

Swedish streaming giant Spotify has announced that it is expanding its generative AI-powered playlist creation tool, initially launched in the UK and Australia in April, to four new markets, including the United States (US) and Canada. The feature, helps premium subscribers personalise playlists by allowing them to refine song selections using text prompts. Known as AI Playlist, the tool is still in beta and will be made available in Ireland and New Zealand as well. provisional Spotify aims to boost its competitive edge in the crowded streaming market by enhancing its app with innovative AI features, as it faces growing…

SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk, has announced that the company plans to launch approximately five uncrewed Starship missions to Mars over the next two years. The announcement, made on Musk’s social media platform X, aligns with his earlier statements that the first Starships will depart for Mars when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens in two years. Musk clarified that the timeline for crewed missions to Mars will depend on the success of these uncrewed flights. If the uncrewed Starships land safely, the first crewed mission could launch within four years. However, if challenges arise, the crewed missions will be postponed…

The US Commerce Department is expected to propose a ban on the use of Chinese software and hardware in connected and autonomous vehicles on American roads, citing national security concerns. The proposed regulation, set to be revealed on Monday, 23rd September, 2024, would prohibit the import and sale of vehicles from China equipped with key communications or automated driving system technology. This stands as a significant escalation in the United States’ efforts to limit Chinese influence in the automotive sector, following recent tariff hikes on Chinese electric vehicles (EV) and related components. Concerns about Chinese firms collecting sensitive data on…

Major global stakeholders gathered at the United Nations Headquarters for “SDG Digital: A Digital Future for All”, where they showcased innovative digital solutions and announced new commitments to leverage technology for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the event highlighted how digital innovations are essential to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and responsible future. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasized the role of digital technology in transforming global efforts toward achieving the SDGs, stating, “The commitments and solutions on display send a powerful message to the world…

The Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development called on governments, industry, academia, and civil society to collaborate to support the forthcoming UN Global Digital Compact. The meeting held in New York today just days before the UN’s Summit of the Future, stressed the need for international cooperation to create a resilient, inclusive, and safe digital future. The Commission emphasized the importance of the Global Digital Compact and the Pact for the Future, which are expected to be finalized at the upcoming UN Summit. Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of Information Communication Technology and Innovation, highlighted the urgency of collective action, Ingabire stated:”How…

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released a report criticising social media companies for their inadequate data management practices, particularly regarding transparency and control over how user information is collected, shared, and processed by artificial intelligence systems. The report highlighted platforms like Meta Platforms, ByteDance’s TikTok, Amazon’s Twitch, and others for falling short in protecting user privacy. The FTC found that many companies employ insufficient data retention policies, while some were unable to fully identify the ways they collect or use data. Although specific companies’ practices were anonymised in the report, platforms including Google’s YouTube, X, Snap, Discord, and…

Verizon Business announced a partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), focusing on cyber resiliency and security optimization across MSE’s sports and entertainment operations. Through Verizon Security Consulting, the collaboration aims to bolster cybersecurity for MSE’s properties, including the NHL’s Washington Capitals, NBA’s Washington Wizards, WNBA’s Washington Mystics, and the NBA G League’s Capital City Go-Go. Charlie Myers, CTO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in the industry, saying, “Monumental Sports recognizes the need to proactively invest in cyber resiliency. This partnership with Verizon Business will allow us to continue our focus on driving digital innovation…

Countries worldwide are enhancing their cybersecurity measures, but stronger efforts are required to address evolving cyber threats, according to the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 (GCI 2024), released today by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The report shows that countries have made progress in cybersecurity commitments since the last index in 2021. However, significant threats remain a concern, including ransomware attacks targeting government services, cyber breaches in core industries, and privacy violations. “Building trust in the digital world is paramount,” stated Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General. “The progress reflected in the Global Cybersecurity Index shows that continued focus is needed to ensure…