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Tech News : 10th January 2025
Google Proposes AntiTrust Remedies
Google Proposes AntiTrust Remedies
Google has filed a set of proposed remedies in its high-profile antitrust case concerning its dominance in the online search market, a case that has drawn significant scrutiny from regulators and competitors alike.
Background to the Antitrust Case
The case centres on allegations brought by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and a coalition of state attorneys general that Google’s business practices have unlawfully entrenched its dominance in online search. The central issue lies in Google’s agreements with companies such as Apple, Mozilla, and various Android device manufacturers to make Google Search the default search engine on their devices and browsers. Critics have argued that these deals stifle competition, leaving little room for rivals to gain a foothold.
Tech News : 10th January 2025
Microsoft’s Bundling Bungling?
Microsoft’s Bundling Bungling?
Following a recent Wall Street Journal article highlighting how Microsoft has made Copilot part of its 365 subscription service in several markets and raised prices, we now look at Microsoft’s strategies for deploying its AI assistant, and the broader implications of its AI initiatives.
Microsoft’s AI Expansion Through Copilot
As the recent Wall Street Journal article highlighted, Microsoft has embarked on an ambitious strategy to integrate its AI assistant, Copilot, into its flagship Microsoft 365 software suite, comprising tools such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This effort has, however, raised eyebrows due to its apparently aggressive implementation approach, particularly in markets like Australia and several Southeast Asian countries. In these markets, Microsoft has bundled Copilot into its 365 subscription service, thereby mandating its inclusion for all users and accompanying the move with price hikes – hence the WSJ’s accusation that Microsoft is essentially forcing its AI assistant on people and making them pay for the privilege. It’s perhaps no surprise, therefore, that these developments have sparked discussions about user choice, AI utility, and Microsoft’s long-term vision for AI.
Tech News : 10th January 2025
Net Neutrality (and TikTok) Bans Likely Lifted
Net Neutrality (and TikTok) Bans Likely Lifted
Recent developments in US tech policy have halted the return of net neutrality rules and put the looming TikTok ban on pause, thereby raising significant questions about internet governance, corporate power, and digital rights.
What Is Net Neutrality?
Net neutrality, the principle that internet service providers (ISPs) must treat all data equally, ensures that ISPs cannot prioritise, throttle, or block access to specific websites or online services based on their content, source, or payment arrangements. It is designed to maintain an open and fair internet, where all users and businesses have equal access to information and services, regardless of their size or resources.
Tech News : 19th December 2024
Tech Trends For 2025
Tech Trends For 2025
As 2024 draws to a close, here we explore 15 key technological trends expected to shape 2025, highlighting innovations likely to influence business operations and strategies.
Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI)
‘Agentic’ AI refers to a new wave of AI systems that can autonomously plan and execute tasks based on user-defined objectives. Unlike traditional AI systems that rely on pre-programmed instructions, agentic AI operates more like a virtual workforce, making independent decisions to achieve specific outcomes. For example, an agentic AI in a logistics company might autonomously plan the most efficient delivery routes, adjusting in real-time to account for traffic or delays, without needing constant human intervention.
Tech News : 19th December 2024
AGI For Christmas?
AGI For Christmas?
In this tech insight, we look at whether AI models are nearing true general intelligence and what the arguments around this subject are and its relevance to society, innovation, and the future of technology development.
What Is AGI?
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is the theoretical development of AI systems capable of performing any intellectual task a human can do, i.e. reasoning, learning, problem-solving, and adapting across diverse and unfamiliar contexts without specific prior training. This is important because AGI could revolutionise industries and address complex global challenges by replicating human-like intelligence. Therefore, it remains one of the most ambitious goals in technology.
However, while significant strides have been made in AI, experts are divided on whether we are nearing AGI or are still far from reaching this milestone.
Tech News : 19th December 2024
New Quantum Chip Cracks 10 Septillion-Year Problem in 5 Mins!
New Quantum Chip Cracks 10 Septillion-Year Problem in 5 Mins!
Google has unveiled an incredible new quantum computing chip named ‘Willow,’ which it claims can solve in just minutes a problem that would take the world’s fastest supercomputers ten septillion years to complete – a number that vastly exceeds the known age of the Universe!
What Exactly Is Willow and Why Is It So Special?
Willow is Google’s newest quantum chip, 10 years in the making and designed and manufactured in its cutting-edge fabrication facility in Santa Barbara, California. Featuring 105 qubits, Willow, a chip designed to be used in quantum computers, is partly so special because it represents a leap forward in error correction which, until now, has been one of the most challenging hurdles in quantum computing.
Tech News : 12th December 2024
Vodafone and Three Merge (With Conditions)
Vodafone and Three Merge (With Conditions)
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved Vodafone’s £15 billion merger with Three UK, subject to strict legally binding conditions.
Investment Crucial
The decision, outlined in a statement on the UK government’s website, hinges on commitments from the companies to invest billions in a joint 5G rollout across the UK while safeguarding consumer interests through measures such as price caps and guaranteed wholesale access for smaller operators.
Tech News : 12th December 2024
OpenAI's New $200 Monthly Plan
OpenAI's New $200 Monthly Plan
With OpenAI’s introduction of a new $200 monthly plan offering unlimited access to its most advanced models and tools, we examine whether the value it offers is likely to justify the price tag for businesses.
ChatGPT Pro $200 Per Month Subscription
The new ChatGPT Pro premium $200 per month subscription plan from OpenAI is targeted at so-called “power users” of ChatGPT (e.g. professionals and researchers) and OpenAI says it provides enhanced access to its most advanced AI models. OpenAI claims that with the ChatGPT Pro plan, it aims to set a new standard in productivity and problem-solving capabilities for businesses and specialised users.
Tech News : 12th December 2024
GenCast : Ultra-Advanced Weather Forecasting
GenCast : Ultra-Advanced Weather Forecasting
Google DeepMind has introduced GenCast, an advanced AI model designed to revolutionise weather forecasting by delivering faster, more accurate predictions of weather uncertainties and risks up to 15 days ahead.
What is GenCast and How Does it Work?
GenCast is a diffusion-based generative AI model (one that transforms ‘noisy’ data into realistic outputs), a sophisticated approach typically used in creating high-quality images, videos, and music. In the realm of weather forecasting, it works by leveraging decades of historical meteorological data to simulate complex atmospheric dynamics. Trained on nearly 40 years of data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), GenCast can generate an ensemble of predictions, providing a probabilistic range of possible weather outcomes rather than a single deterministic forecast.
Tech News : 5th December 2024
Oz Social Media Ban For Kids
Oz Social Media Ban For Kids
Australia’s government has enacted legislation prohibiting children under 16 from accessing social media platforms to protect them from the harmful effects of online content, such as cyberbullying, exploitation, and exposure to inappropriate material.
The Online Safety Amendment
Under the new legislation, known as the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, only just passed by the Australian Parliament in November, the ban will apply to social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, and X (formerly Twitter). However, messaging services, gaming platforms, and educational sites like YouTube are exempt from these restrictions, reflecting their different usage and content dynamics.