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Microsoft Set to Unleash AI Assistants for Windows and Office

Aditya Saikrishna
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Microsoft Set to Unleash AI Assistants for Windows and Office

UNITED STATES: Microsoft Corp. is gearing up to launch its highly anticipated AI assistants for Windows and Office, incorporating cutting-edge GPT-4 technology from OpenAI. The AI revolution is set to kick off on September 26 with the release of the Windows AI assistant, followed by the Office AI app becoming widely available on November 1.

Speaking at a launch event in New York, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasized how the Copilot-branded AI assistants promise a seamless experience across various operating systems, applications, and devices. He showcased an example where a user effortlessly retrieved a flight reservation from their text messages with a simple command to Copilot.

Over the past year, Microsoft has been diligently infusing its core products, including Windows, Office, Bing search, security software, and customer solutions, with artificial intelligence capabilities. This transformation is primarily driven by the potent OpenAI GPT-4 technology, a venture that has seen Microsoft invest a staggering 13 billion dollars.

The report also sheds light on the Office product, which underwent extensive testing with approximately 600 customers and is priced at $30 per user per month, alongside existing fees for most business users. 

This dynamic tool empowers employees to leverage both online and on-premise data for tasks ranging from spreadsheet analysis to crafting presentations and forecasting future business challenges.

Back in May, Microsoft introduced a user-friendly Windows feature accessible via a taskbar button. This opens a side panel, providing invaluable assistance with tasks like text manipulation, rewriting, summarization, and content clarification. 

Windows users can also engage with Copilot through queries, much like interacting with Bing’s AI chat. The imminent launch of these AI-driven solutions underscores Microsoft’s unwavering commitment to harnessing the power of artificial intelligence for the benefit of its global user base. 

The fusion of GPT-4 technology promises to usher in a new era of seamless, context-aware computing experiences, revolutionizing how individuals interact with their digital environments.

Also Read: Microsoft Clears Regulatory Hurdle in Activision Blizzard Acquisition, Paves Way for Historic Merger

Apple to Scale up Production in India, Targeting $40 Billion in 4-5 Years

Aditya Saikrishna
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0
Apple to Scale up Production in India, Targeting $40 Billion in 4-5 Years

INDIA: Tech giant Apple is set to significantly increase its manufacturing operations in India, with plans to ramp up production to approximately $40 billion (Rs 3.32 lakh crore) within the next four to five years, according to government sources.

Over the past few years, Apple has intensified its presence in India, pledging substantial investments in the world’s second-largest smartphone market. In the previous financial year, the company achieved a production milestone, surpassing $7 billion.

In addition to iPhones, Apple intends to commence production of AirPods in India in the upcoming year. The company’s global sales figures for the fiscal year concluding on September 25, 2022, were impressive, with iPhones accounting for $191 billion and other products, including wearables, home, and accessories, contributing $38.36 billion.

However, in the initial nine months of the current fiscal year, iPhone sales saw a slight dip of around 4 percent, totalling $156.77 billion, while the wearable, home, and accessories segment experienced a marginal decline, amounting to $30.52 billion.

Apple has secured its position as the leading exporter of mobile phones from India. Industry sources revealed that the iPhone 15 series witnessed an astounding 100 percent surge in sales compared to the previous iPhone 14 series on its launch day.

Notably, four models have been introduced in the iPhone 15 series, with two variants, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, being produced in India. For the first time, the ‘made-in-India’ iPhones were made available on the same day as their global release.

A recent report from Morgan Stanley indicated that India is poised to be a significant growth driver for Apple, both in terms of revenue and expanding its user base over the next five years. Analysts project that Apple’s business in India could potentially reach a valuation of $40 billion within the next decade.

Also Read: High Severity Warning Issued to Apple Users in India over Critical Vulnerabilities

Verstappen Dominates Japanese Grand Prix, Clinches Constructors’ Championship for Red Bull

Aditya Saikrishna
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0
Verstappen Dominates Japanese Grand Prix, Clinches Constructors’ Championship for Red Bull

JAPAN: Max Verstappen delivered a masterclass performance at the Suzuka circuit, securing his 13th victory of the season and ensuring Red Bull’s triumph in the Constructors’ Championship.

The Dutchman left his rivals trailing behind, clinching the top spot with a staggering lead of almost 20 seconds ahead of Lando Norris in second place, followed by Oscar Piastri in third.

Verstappen’s impeccable start from pole position set the tone for the race, thwarting a challenge from Oscar Piastri and allowing Norris to slip into second place. A cascade of collisions ensued behind them, with drivers like Sainz, Perez, and Hamilton jostling for position, resulting in a safety car intervention.

As the safety car retreated on lap 4, Verstappen wasted no time in accelerating, leaving Norris in his wake. Valtteri Bottas, plagued by misfortune, retired his vehicle after sustaining damage, while Logan Sargeant received a penalty for an incident with Bottas.

Further down the field, a gripping battle unfolded between Russell and Hamilton, showcasing moments of intense rivalry. Verstappen’s strategic pit stop on lap 19 allowed him to regain the lead, solidifying his position at the forefront.

Meanwhile, Norris opted for a two-stop strategy, closing the gap between himself and Russell. With strategic tire changes and calculated moves, Norris successfully secured second place, while Piastri followed his teammate to claim a well-deserved third position.

Sergio Perez’s tumultuous race day included multiple pit stops and penalties, ultimately leading to his retirement, while teammate Verstappen soared to victory. This remarkable performance by Red Bull meant they clinched the Constructors’ Championship, securing an insurmountable lead in the standings.

Interestingly, Red Bull decided to “unretire” Sergio Perez’s car to avoid getting a grid penalty in Qatar due to the unserved five-second time penalty he had received earlier in the race after a safety car infringement.

In a thrilling conclusion to the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen’s exceptional skill and Red Bull’s strategic prowess shone through, marking a pivotal moment in the Formula 1 season.

With this victory, Verstappen’s dominance in the championship remains unchallenged, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next race in Qatar.

Also Read: Verstappen Dominates Practice Rounds at Japanese GP, Red Bull Sends a Strong Signal

Microsoft Clears Regulatory Hurdle in Activision Blizzard Acquisition, Paves Way for Historic Merger

Aditya Saikrishna
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0
Microsoft Clears Regulatory Hurdle in Activision Blizzard Acquisition, Paves Way for Historic Merger

UNITED KINGDOM: Microsoft Corporation has successfully navigated the regulatory landscape to advance its acquisition of the renowned video game giant, Activision Blizzard. This milestone achievement comes in the wake of Microsoft’s diligent efforts to address antitrust concerns raised by British authorities, culminating in a green light from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on Friday.

The proposed $69 billion deal, initially unveiled in January 2022, encountered scrutiny from antitrust agencies across the globe, drawing attention to concerns over potential market dominance. The CMA, in particular, initially sought to impede the transaction over fears of adverse impacts on competition within the gaming industry.

However, Microsoft’s strategic move to forgo the acquisition of a segment related to cloud gaming from Activision Blizzard proved pivotal in shifting the regulator’s stance. This pivotal decision led to a reevaluation, ultimately resulting in the CMA’s approval.

The revised deal, which includes substantial modifications, was deemed by the CMA as sufficiently addressing their initial apprehensions about the transaction. The alterations assuaged fears of potential monopolistic practices, effectively paving the way for one of the most substantial-tech mergers in history.

This breakthrough not only propels Microsoft towards the acquisition of a gaming powerhouse but also serves as a litmus test for the industry.

It sets a precedent for the regulatory treatment of large-scale tech mergers in an era marked by concerns over market consolidation and industry dominance.

With this significant regulatory hurdle overcome, Microsoft is now poised to forge ahead with its ambitious plans for the future of gaming, solidifying its position as a major player in the global tech landscape. The acquisition of Activision Blizzard promises to be a transformative moment, with far-reaching implications for the gaming industry and beyond.

Also Read: Microsoft Set to Unveil Redesigned Xbox Series X “Brooklin” with Enhanced Features

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Mission Nears Epic Utah Desert Landing with Asteroid Treasure Trove

Aditya Saikrishna
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0
NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Mission Nears Epic Utah Desert Landing with Asteroid Treasure Trove

UNITED STATES: In the thrilling culmination of NASA’s $1 billion OSIRIS-REx mission, a dramatic landing in the Utah desert is now less than 48 hours away. The spacecraft, bearing the acronym OSIRIS-REx (“Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer”), hurtles towards Earth, cradling a capsule containing approximately 8.8 ounces (250 grams) of material harvested from the asteroid Bennu in 2020.

At an altitude of 63,000 miles above Earth, the capsule is set to touch down in the Department of Defense’s remote Utah Test and Training Range on Sunday at 8:55 a.m. MDT. The event will be broadcast live on Space.com, courtesy of NASA.

During a briefing held on September 22, OSIRIS-REx mission managers expressed confidence in the mission’s readiness. Sandra Freund, OSIRIS-REx program manager at Lockheed Martin, conveyed the collective anticipation, affirming, “Everybody feels a buzz of being less than two days away from having the Bennu samples on the ground.

The mission’s trajectory has been meticulously charted, requiring no additional manoeuvres after the final adjustment on September 17. However, a crucial orientation shift is yet to ensure precise release of the capsule towards its target. Mission planners will convene early Sunday morning to give the final clearance.

Dante Lauretta, principal investigator of the OSIRIS-REx mission, emphasized the project’s careful planning, detailing how contingencies were considered. He pointed to an incident in October 2020 when the sample collector faced a hiccup, preventing a complete mass measurement. Despite this, the estimated material returned exceeds the mission requirement by a considerable margin.

Upon touchdown, U.S. Air Force personnel will secure the landing site before recovery teams take charge. A Department of Defense helicopter will transport the capsule to a temporary clean room at Dugway Proving Ground. From there, the samples will journey to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

The ensuing two years will be dedicated to exhaustive analysis of the Bennu material, providing invaluable insights into our solar system’s early history. This mission represents a significant milestone for NASA, marking its first asteroid sample collection while standing on the shoulders of Japan’s previous Hayabusa missions. 

Whatever the outcome on Sunday, valuable scientific data is assured, a testament to the mission’s careful approach and unwavering dedication.

Also Read: NASA’s Webb Telescope Discovers Carbon on Europa’s Surface, Boosting Potential for Life

Verstappen Dominates Practice Rounds at Japanese GP, Red Bull Sends a Strong Signal

Aditya Saikrishna
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0
Verstappen Dominates Practice Rounds at Japanese GP, Red Bull Sends a Strong Signal

JAPAN: Max Verstappen showcased Red Bull’s resurgence at the Japanese Grand Prix, securing a practice hat-trick with a blistering 1:30.267 lap in FP3 on Saturday, setting a formidable pace ahead of the crucial qualifying session.

In a slow start to the day’s action, Carlos Sainz broke the silence by venturing out after the first five minutes. Charles Leclerc followed suit, edging his teammate with a 1:31.9 lap, initiating the action.

As McLaren’s improved performance became evident, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri briefly claimed the 1-2 spots. Speculation arose about Ferrari possibly starting with a heavier fuel load to gather crucial data for Sunday’s race due to their historical struggle with high tire degradation.

Mercedes faced an unexpected gear mishap with George Russell, but he managed to secure the third fastest time, just ahead of Lewis Hamilton in second place, who sported an eye-catching helmet design.

Meanwhile, AlphaTauri’s Liam Lawson reported front brake issues, later clarified as smoke from a fresh set of brakes. Alex Albon also faced brake troubles, citing a “flat-spotted” tire.

The session’s turning point arrived as Max Verstappen, 20 minutes in, emerged for his initial laps of the day, immediately claiming the top spot with a rapid 1:30.9 lap. The reigning World Champion was equipped with Red Bull’s new floor edges on his RB19.

With drivers seemingly conserving tires for Sunday’s race, predictions surfaced of potential three-stop strategies. Only four drivers entered double-digit lap counts in the final 20 minutes of practice.

McLaren opted for fresh softs on the MCL60s, propelling Norris and Piastri to the 1-2 positions, leading Verstappen by almost half a second. However, the Dutchman had yet to unleash his qualifying simulation.

Verstappen’s entry into the simulation saw him dominate the charts with a 1:30.267, securing a 0.240s lead over Norris, while Piastri settled for third. Notably, Norris surged aggressively at the start of his lap but lost pace in the final sector, while Verstappen strategically balanced his pace across the sectors, resulting in two fastest sector times.

Sergio Perez claimed fourth place, with Ferrari drivers Leclerc and Sainz adopting a similar approach to Verstappen, finishing in fifth and sixth place, respectively.

Also Read: Singapore GP: Ferrari Dominates FP2 at Marina Bay as Red Bull Falters

Jaguar Teams Up with Tesla to Revolutionize Charging for Next-Gen Electric Vehicles

Aditya Saikrishna
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0
Jaguar Teams Up with Tesla to Revolutionize Charging for Next-Gen Electric Vehicles

UNITED KINGDOM: Jaguar has announced a strategic partnership with Tesla, setting the stage for a significant shift in North American charging standards. The British automaker revealed that its forthcoming next-generation electric vehicles, set to hit the market in 2025, will seamlessly integrate the Tesla-developed North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector, eliminating the need for additional adapters when utilizing Tesla’s renowned Supercharging network.

This collaboration is part of Jaguar Land Rover’s ambitious Reimagine strategy, signalling a clear commitment to transforming Jaguar into a leading, all-electric luxury brand. Under the agreement, Jaguar gains access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharging network spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico, ensuring an expansive and efficient charging experience for its customers.

Current Jaguar I-Pace owners need not fret, as the company is dedicated to providing NACS adapters from Tesla once they become available, ensuring a smooth transition to the new charging standard. Industry experts speculate that these adapters may hit the market by 2024, aligning with other manufacturers’ timelines for the shift from CCS1 to NACS connectors in North America.

Furthermore, this transition to NACS is poised to be comprehensive, encompassing not only Jaguar’s vehicle lineup but also home charging units and adapters for older models. The move is anticipated to pave the way for a unified and user-friendly electric vehicle ecosystem within the Jaguar brand.

The ripple effect of this shift towards NACS is already evident, with a growing list of major automotive players pledging to adopt this charging standard for their vehicles in North America by 2025. Notable names include Ford, General Motors, Rivian, Volvo Cars, Polestar, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Fisker, Honda (along with Acura), and, of course, Jaguar and Tesla. 

With Land Rover also under the Jaguar Land Rover umbrella, it’s anticipated that the brand will follow suit in adopting the NACS charging connector, solidifying a standardized approach within the automotive group.

Also Read: Tesla’s Cybertruck Secures a Staggering 2 Million Pre-Orders, Crowdsourced Tracker Reveals

Chinese Launch Company Galactic Energy Faces Setback with First Mission Failure

Aditya Saikrishna
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0
Chinese Launch Company Galactic Energy Faces Setback with First Mission Failure

CHINA: Galactic Energy, a Chinese launch company, experienced its inaugural mission failure on Thursday (Sept. 21), resulting in the unfortunate loss of a valuable commercial remote-sensing satellite.

The ill-fated launch took place at 12:59 a.m. EDT (0459 GMT) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The Ceres-1 rocket was entrusted with carrying the Jilin-1 Gaofen-04B satellite, a critical component for the remote-sensing endeavours of Changguang Satellite Technology. However, the mission took a dire turn when the satellite failed to reach its intended orbit.

Galactic Energy promptly addressed the issue, stating, “The rocket flew abnormally and the launch mission failed. The specific reasons are being further analyzed and investigated,” in a post on the Chinese social network WeChat.

The Ceres-1 rocket, standing at approximately 62 feet (19 meters) tall, is a four-stage vehicle with the capacity to transport 880 pounds (400 kilograms) to low Earth orbit (LEO). 

Before this incident, the Ceres-1 had completed nine successful flights since its debut in November 2020. This setback marks China’s first mission failure of the year, following an impressive streak of 43 consecutive successful launches in 2023.

Interestingly, it also represents the second failure within just two days for small-satellite launchers, with California-based Rocket Lab’s Electron vehicle encountering an anomaly on Tuesday (Sept. 19), leading to the loss of one of Capella Space’s radar Earth-observation satellites.

Despite this setback, Galactic Energy is pressing forward with ambitious plans. In addition to the Ceres-1, Galactic Energy is actively developing the Pallas-1, a larger rocket with the capacity to deliver approximately 11,000 pounds (5,000 kg) of payload to LEO. 

The inaugural flight of the Pallas-1 is scheduled for next year, with future iterations aiming for reusability, akin to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, projected for a 2025 launch.

Also Read: Homecoming of a Space Explorer: UAE Astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi’s Heroic Welcome

Oracle Pioneers Generative AI Services on Fusion Cloud Platform, Revolutionizing Customer Interactions

Aditya Saikrishna
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0
Oracle Pioneers Generative AI Services on Fusion Cloud Platform, Revolutionizing Customer Interactions

UNITED STATES: The tech giant Oracle is poised to launch its inaugural generative AI services on the Fusion Cloud platform in the next two quarters, according to Miranda Nash, the Group Vice President for Applications Development and Strategy at Oracle.

This announcement was made during the Oracle CloudWorld conference on Wednesday. The new services will debut on Oracle’s Human Capital Management and Cloud Experience platforms in the fourth quarter of this year, followed by Enterprise Resource Planning and Supply Chain Management services in the January to March 2024 timeframe.

Oracle’s recent unveiling of groundbreaking generative AI features at Oracle CloudWorld on September 20 showcases its dedication to enhancing customer interactions and operational efficiency.

Larry Ellison, the Chief Technology Officer at Oracle, emphasized the company’s distinctive networking infrastructure in his keynote address, emphasizing rapid data transfer facilitated by their remote direct memory access (RDMA) network.

During his keynote, Ellison provided insight into Oracle’s vision for the future of artificial intelligence, highlighting the global race to develop superior forms of artificial intelligence. He noted the transition from ChatGPT 3.5 to ChatGPT 4.0, as well as the pioneering efforts of companies like Cohere and OpenAI in crafting more versatile large language models.

Oracle’s Fusion Cloud Customer Experience (CX) suite now boasts enhanced capabilities powered by generative AI. These seamlessly integrated features aim to refine customer service, optimize operational processes, and elevate overall customer interactions.

The company’s innovative approach to cloud computing, particularly its unique networking infrastructure, facilitates swifter data exchange between computers, setting it apart from competitors.

Rob Tarkoff, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Oracle Cloud CX, emphasized the transformative impact of pre-trained large language models on organizational interactions.

Having harnessed artificial intelligence for over two decades, Oracle has seamlessly integrated it into their global services, spanning analytics, cloud services, and its extensive database portfolio.

Their generative AI initiative, announced in June, places a strong emphasis on building robust infrastructure, user-friendly cloud services, and the integration of generative models into everyday business applications and workflows.

As part of this strategy, Oracle has made substantial investments in Nvidia chips to bolster its position in generative AI and cloud computing.

Also Read: Revolutionizing Electric Mobility: Toyota Unveils Cutting-Edge Battery Technology Roadmap

Finnish Mobile Carriers Halt Xiaomi Sales amid Russian Presence Controversy

Aditya Saikrishna
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0
Finnish Mobile Carriers Halt Xiaomi Sales amid Russian Presence Controversy

FINLAND: In a significant move, three of Finland’s major mobile carriers, Telia, DNA, and Elisa, have announced the suspension of sales for Chinese tech giant Xiaomi’s products as of Thursday. This decision is a direct response to Xiaomi’s continued operations in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier this year, the National Agency of Corruption Prevention in Ukraine designated Xiaomi as an “international sponsor of war.” Telia cited this label as the primary motive for discontinuing cooperation with the Chinese firm. The company has resolved to sell only the existing stock and will not acquire new devices.

DNA has confirmed the complete suspension of all Xiaomi product sales. CEO Sami Aavikko expressed dissatisfaction with Xiaomi’s handling of the situation in Russia, making it clear that plans are in place not to replenish stocks once the current devices are sold out.

In contrast, Elisa will take a more measured approach, opting to limit its range of Xiaomi devices rather than entirely suspending sales.

While Veikon Kone became the first Finnish retailer to halt Xiaomi sales during the summer, it later reversed its decision due to a lack of follow-up from competitors. Currently, the retailer has no plans to introduce new models to its stores.

On the other hand, retailers like Gigantti and Verkkokauppa have affirmed their commitment to continue selling Xiaomi products until further notice, citing the absence of an EU ban on Xiaomi.

This decision by Finnish carriers follows a series of setbacks for Xiaomi’s European business in 2023. Poland and Lithuania banned the sale of its products in March and April, and the European Union imposed sanctions on Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun.

The sanctions on Xiaomi are part of a broader EU initiative to exert pressure on Russia to withdraw from Ukraine. This effort has also led to a ban on the export of crucial semiconductor components necessary for smartphone production to Russia.

Xiaomi’s continued presence in Russia has sparked intense debate. While the company contends that it has a responsibility toward its Russian customers and employees, critics argue that it indirectly supports the Russian government financially.

The ramifications of this Finnish decision could reverberate throughout Xiaomi’s revenue, market share, and reputation in Europe. Moreover, it may lead to increased calls from other European governments to halt the sale of Xiaomi smartphones.

For the European smartphone market, this development could translate into reduced competition and heightened demand for alternative brands, potentially benefiting manufacturers like Samsung, Apple, and Huawei. It may also trigger greater scrutiny of other Chinese companies operating in Europe.

Also Read: Lava Challenges Xiaomi with Yuva 2: A Budget Smartphone with Glass Back Finish at Rs 6,999

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