Mastercard Launches Bill Qkr to Simplify and Secure Digital Bill Payments Globally
Mastercard launches Bill Qkr, an advanced global solution for seamless, secure card-based bill payments. The service addresses challenges in the bill payment industry by offering recurring payment features, tokenization, and QR code payments, helping merchants and service providers enhance customer experiences and payment efficiency. Mastercard’s strategic partners in multiple regions are already adopting the solution to expand...
Sophos to Acquire Secureworks in $859 Million Deal to Strengthen Global Cybersecurity Offerings
Sophos has agreed to acquire Secureworks in an all-cash transaction valued at $859 million, combining their cybersecurity expertise to deliver enhanced MDR and XDR solutions. The acquisition will strengthen Sophos’ global security offerings, providing new capabilities like ITDR and next-gen SIEM to customers of all sizes. 22 October 2024 – Sophos, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, has entered into a definitive...
Tesla’s New Robotaxi and Robovan Take Center Stage in Musk’s Autonomous Vision for 2026
Tesla unveiled its new robotaxi and robovan, marking a significant move toward autonomous vehicles, with production expected in 2026. However, despite ambitious plans, concerns remain about Tesla’s ability to overcome regulatory and technical hurdles in the highly competitive robotaxi market. 11 October 2024 – Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled a long-anticipated robotaxi and a robovan at a high-profile event in Los Angeles,...
Visa Launches VTAP Platform to Bridge Traditional Finance and Blockchain Ecosystems
Visa has introduced the Visa Tokenized Asset Platform (VTAP), enabling financial institutions to issue fiat-backed tokens and integrate blockchain technology into their operations. The platform supports seamless integration, programmability, and interoperability across blockchain networks, with live programs expected by 2025. 3 October 2024 – Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has announced the launch of its Visa...
MasterCard Advances Subscription Management with Minna Technologies Acquisition
MasterCard has acquired Minna Technologies to enhance subscription management, catering to the growing demand for convenient and flexible consumer services. This strategic move aims to simplify subscription processes, improve transparency, and foster lasting consumer relationships. 2 October 2024 – Subscriptions are integral to modern lifestyles, spanning delivery, entertainment, shopping, software, healthcare, and more. With...
Google Powers Volkswagen’s AI Assistant, Enhancing Driver Support with Advanced Technology
Google is powering an AI assistant for Volkswagen’s smartphone app, utilizing its Gemini large language models to assist drivers with real-time information. The AI tool, currently available to select Volkswagen models, showcases Google’s growing presence in the enterprise AI and cloud computing market. 24 September 2024 – Alphabet’s Google is making strides in artificial intelligence (AI) by providing key capabilities for an...
OpenAI Hits 1 Million Paying Users for ChatGPT Business Products, Eyes Higher-Priced AI Models
OpenAI has surpassed 1 million paying users for its ChatGPT business products, driven by growing enterprise demand. Additionally, OpenAI is considering higher-priced subscriptions for future models like “Strawberry” and “Orion,” aiming to push its AI research capabilities further. 6 September 2024 – OpenAI, the AI firm behind the popular ChatGPT application, announced that it now boasts over 1 million...
OpenAI Launches Advanced Voice Mode for ChatGPT Plus, Enhancing Realistic AI Conversations
OpenAI has begun rolling out an advanced voice mode for ChatGPT Plus users, allowing real-time voice interactions and interruptions. The launch was delayed to ensure quality and is part of OpenAI’s efforts to stay competitive in the AI industry. 31 July 2024 – OpenAI, the Microsoft-backed artificial intelligence startup, announced on Tuesday via a post on X that it has begun rolling out an advanced voice mode to a select...
Microsoft Predicts Slower Azure Growth, Increases Spending Amid AI Investment Concerns
Microsoft’s forecast for Azure’s quarterly growth fell below estimates, leading to a stock drop and raising concerns over AI investment returns, despite plans for accelerated growth in fiscal 2025. The company continues heavy spending to expand its data centers and integrate AI across its products. 31 July 2024 – Microsoft has forecasted quarterly growth for its Azure cloud platform below market expectations and...
Meta Unveils AI Studio for Personalized Chatbots Amidst OpenAI’s Secret ‘Strawberry’ Project
Meta has introduced AI Studio, a tool that lets users create and share personalized AI chatbots, powered by the new Llama 3.1 model. OpenAI is developing a secret project named “Strawberry” to showcase advanced reasoning capabilities in its models. 30 July 2024 – Meta Platforms announced on Monday the launch of AI Studio, a new tool designed to enable users to create, share, and design personalized AI chatbots. AI...
Alibaba’s International E-commerce Unit Embraces AI for Global Market Expansio
Alibaba’s international e-commerce arm, led by Alibaba International Digital Commerce, is integrating AI tools for translation, content creation, and more to support global merchants. Despite geopolitical challenges, Alibaba remains bullish on AI innovation, aiming to strengthen its competitive position in global markets like AliExpress and Lazada. 9 July 2024 – Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. is leveraging generative...
it.com Domains Partners with GoDaddy to Boost Availability of Tech-Focused Web Addresses
it.com Domains has partnered with GoDaddy to offer .it.com domains, catering to the growing demand for tech-related web addresses. This collaboration aims to support the global IT community by providing businesses with domain names that highlight their industry focus. 9 Jul 2024 – it.com Domains, a provider of innovative domain names for the technology industry, has announced a new partnership with GoDaddy, a global leader in...
China Leads the World in Generative AI Adoption, Outpacing Global Competitors
A survey by SAS and Coleman Parkes Research shows China leads in generative AI adoption, with 83% of Chinese respondents using the technology, compared to the global average of 54%. The country’s rapid progress is further supported by its leading position in the generative AI patent race and advancements in continuous automated monitoring. 9 July 2024 – China is leading the global adoption of generative AI, according to a...
KORE and mCare Digital Launch Award-Winning mCareWatch 241, Revolutionizing Personal Emergency Alarms with IoT Technology
KORE and mCare Digital have launched the mCareWatch 241, an award-winning personal emergency alarm that enhances health monitoring and independence for users through innovative IoT technology. 5 July 2024 – KORE, a global leader in Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and a pioneering IoT hyperscaler, in collaboration with mCare Digital, a leader in assistive technology, is proud to announce the launch of the mCareWatch 241, the...
Suika Game Launches [Summer Version] Special Skin Expansion Pack for Global Customization
Aladdin X Inc. launched the ‘[Summer Version] Special Skin Expansion Pack’ for the Suika Game, offering free and paid customizable skins inspired by summer themes. The pack is now available globally on Nintendo Switch, allowing players to personalize their game experience. 5 July 2024 – Aladdin X Inc., a subsidiary of the award-winning projector and laser projector brand XGIMI, launched the ‘[Summer Version]...
Over RM6.44 Billion Cryptocurrency Theft in First Half of 2024
Cryptocurrency thefts in the first half of 2024 more than doubled from the previous year, driven by rising crypto prices and large-scale attacks, with over RM6.44 billion stolen. Despite no fundamental changes in security, the increased value of tokens has made cybercriminals more motivated. 5 July 2024 – According to blockchain researchers TRM Labs, the global amount of cryptocurrency stolen in hacks more than doubled in the...
Hacker Breaches OpenAI’s Internal Systems, Steals Sensitive AI Design Information
A hacker accessed OpenAI’s internal messaging systems last year, extracting sensitive information about AI technologies, but did not compromise core systems or customer data. OpenAI has since taken measures to counter covert operations exploiting its AI models, amidst ongoing governmental efforts to safeguard advanced AI technologies. 5 July 2024 – In a report by The New York Times on Thursday, it was revealed that a hacker...
Amazon Shifts Focus to Household Robots, Discontinues Astro for Business
Amazon is discontinuing its Astro for Business security robot to focus on developing household robots. Customers will receive a US$300 credit and refunds for unused Astro Secure subscription fees as the business model shifts. 4 July 2024 – Amazon.com announced on Wednesday that it will discontinue its Astro for Business security robot, designed for small- and medium-sized businesses, to refocus its efforts on household robots....
Meta’s Threads Surpasses 175 Million Users Amid Engagement and Revenue Challenges
Meta Platforms’ Threads has reached over 175 million monthly active users, despite challenges in user engagement and monetization. Launched a year ago as a rival to Twitter, Threads has expanded internationally but faces questions about its future direction and standalone viability. 4 July 2024 – Meta Platforms’ newest social media offering, Threads, has reached over 175 million monthly active users (MAU), according...
Global Payment Gateways Market to Surge by MYR 52.33 Billion by 2028 Amidst Rising Adoption of NFC Technology
The global payment gateways market is set to grow by MYR 52.33 billion (USD 11.23 billion) from 2024 to 2028, driven by the increasing adoption of contactless payment solutions and NFC technology, despite the high costs of PoS terminals. Major market players are innovating to meet the evolving demands of secure, convenient, and efficient online transaction processing. 4 July 2024 – The global payment gateways market is projected...