Gartner forecasts a huge 20.4% increase in public cloud services expenditure by 2024, hitting an astounding $679 billion. This surge in spending could be primarily driven by business needs and innovative technologies like generative AI. Interestingly, all cloud market segments Gartner monitors are set to grow, with Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) leading the pack at 26.6%. That said, as the cloud market evolves in response to business outcomes, non-technical issues such as cost, privacy, and sustainability are crucial considerations for an effective GenAI deployment.
In a sharp escalation of theft incidents, Philippines operator Globe reported a loss of 834 backup batteries from their network facilities in 2022’s first half. This, they outline, puts localities at risk of service interruptions during power cuts. This surge may be associated with the modern, high-value sodium nickel batteries introduced by Globe. However, it’s more likely tied to the nation’s steep energy prices and increased cost of living. In the face of these challenges, telco operators must devise robust security measures while continuing to innovate on environmental fronts.
The allure of AI technology and its insatiable demand for data is sparking a new interest in fibre backbones. However, this digital evolution is revealing a myriad of challenges for newcomers, with the fibre industry grappling with economic pressures from inflation, supply chain disruptions and rising interest rates. While the European Union’s telecom mergers & acquisitions policy may offer consolidation opportunities, those venturing into this dynamic sector must be prepared for a landscape fraught with potent risk and complexity.
Just under a year ago, the tech world buzzed with anticipation over a new partnership between chip mogul Qualcomm and satellite firm Iridium. The aim? Integrating satellite-to-phone services via Snapdragon Satellite and Iridium’s resources. However, a recent shift in direction caught the industry’s attention. Despite a successful demo, smartphone manufacturers didn’t opt to incorporate this feature, leading Qualcomm to end the agreement. Yet, in the face of disappointment, Iridium remains optimistic, envisaging an industry veering towards greater satellite connectivity. As earthquakes ripple across the telecoms landscape, all eyes await what’s next.
Emerging from the tech world, the AI Pin—an innovative, screen-free wearable gadget—incorporates artificial intelligence to facilitate verbal engagement and numerous other unique functionalities. Embedded into a shirt, it provides easy, hands-free access to information and personal communication. It features an unusual ability to support nutritional goals, leveraging computer vision technology to identify various food items. Functioning on the tailored OS, Cosmos, the AI Pin tries to simplify user interaction with AI, by veering away from the conventional method of downloading or launching apps. With no need for smartphone pairing and its claim of not eavesdropping on user’s conversations, it offers a fresh take on consumer technology.
BT, in collaboration with NHS and Soprano, is experimenting with ‘Patient Concierge’, an AI-aided patient messaging system aimed at enhancing communication and reducing appointment conflicts. With a strong UK government backing and promising outlook from NHS staff, AI integration is on the rise for optimizing healthcare.
Under the Online Safety Act, UK’s telecoms regulator Ofcom, gears up to reinforce online safety, focusing on protecting vulnerable users, especially children. Their proposed laws call for tech firms’ accountability, ensuring a thorough content governance to curb harmful material. They seek stakeholder feedback on their initial codes against illegal harms online, marking the end of harmful content and the dawn of user safety.
Samsung enters the mobile AI game with Galaxy AI, its latest invention aimed to revolutionize smartphone experiences. Powered by Samsung-developed on-device AI and a cloud-based system, it incorporates remarkable features like real-time audio and text translation during phone calls. Alongside this, Samsung excites with Samsung Gauss, dedicated to streamlining diverse tasks from coding assistance to content translation – a move promising profound impacts on our technology interactions.
In a push for universal cybersecurity standards, the EU faces backlash from global telecommunications titans like Ericsson and Nokia, who warn of supply chain disruptions akin to those experienced during COVID-19. Striking a balance between stringent security measures and smooth product availability is crucial, prompting these industry leaders to suggest increased self-assessment and more lenient implementation timeframes. However, the underpinning question remains – who should ensure industry compliance, the vendors or third parties? Amidst the surge in cybercrime, a secure, streamlined approach is paramount.
The UK has spurred a global AI commitment, aptly named ‘The Bletchley Declaration,’ inviting international participants to coordinate efforts to transform AI into a force for societal good. This shared endeavor, decided during the UK-led AI Safety Summit, represents a crossroad for the world: fruitful scientific accomplishment or potential disaster if poorly managed. The declaration sets the stage for practical actions, yet, the exact plan of action remains uncertain. In light of global climate initiatives, questions arise on the effectiveness of this AI initiative. Will technological advancements in AI hold the answers to crucial global issues? Only time will tell.
