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Fibocom’s AI mobile hotspot promises faster, smarter connectivity

Fibocom has launched its new 5G AI Mobile Hotspot Solution, combining next-generation 5G connectivity with advanced AI-driven voice interaction.

The intelligent mobile hotspot, powered by Fibocom’s customised AI app, supports multilingual voice control, real-time document retrieval, and an AI translation engine covering more than 20 languages with up to 95% accuracy, making it an ideal tool for international communication and travel.

The solution is built on Qualcomm’s QCM4490 platform, featuring an 8-core 4nm CPU with speeds up to 2.4GHz. It supports dual SIM standby, USB 3.1, Ethernet, and boasts 15W fast and reverse charging capabilities.

Fully compliant with 3GPP Release 16, the device achieves downlink speeds up to 2.33Gbps on Sub-6GHz bands and supports Android and Linux operating systems, external cameras, and 1080P displays for broad application use.

Significantly, the mobile hotspot integrates Qualcomm’s next-generation Wi-Fi 7 chipset, offering concurrent dual-band modes and speeds up to BE5800.

Ralph Zhao, Vice President of Fibocom’s MC Product Management Department, said the launch transforms mobile hotspots into intelligent companions, driving forward the integration of 5G, AI, and edge computing technologies.

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SK Telecom begins SIM card replacement after data breach

South Korea’s largest carrier, SK Telecom, began replacing SIM cards for its 23 million customers on Monday following a serious data breach.

Instead of revealing the full extent of the damage or the perpetrators, the company has apologised and offered free USIM chip replacements at 2,600 stores nationwide, urging users to either change their chips or enrol in an information protection service.

The breach, caused by malicious code, compromised personal information and prompted a government-led review of South Korea’s data protection systems.

However, SK Telecom has secured less than five percent of the USIM chips required, planning to procure an additional five million by the end of May instead of having enough stock ready for immediate replacement.

Frustrated customers, like 30-year-old Jang waiting in line in Seoul, criticised the company for failing to be transparent about the amount of data leaked and the number of users affected.

Instead of providing clear answers, SK Telecom has focused on encouraging users to seek chip replacements or protective measures.

South Korea, often regarded as one of the most connected countries globally, has faced repeated cyberattacks, many attributed to North Korea.

Just last year, police confirmed that North Korean hackers had stolen over a gigabyte of sensitive financial data from a South Korean court system over a two-year span.

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Japanese startup Craif raises funds to expand urine-based cancer test

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with nearly 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths recorded in 2022.

In response, Japanese startup Craif, spun off from Nagoya University in 2018, is developing an AI-powered early cancer detection software using microRNA (miRNA) instead of relying on traditional methods.

The company has just raised $22 million in Series C funding, bringing its total to $57 million, with plans to expand into the US market and strengthen its research and development efforts.

Craif was founded after co-founder and CEO Ryuichi Onose experienced the impact of cancer within his own family. Partnering with associate professor Takao Yasui, who had discovered a new technique for early cancer detection using urinary biomarkers, the company created a non-invasive urine-based test.

Instead of invasive blood tests, Craif’s technology allows patients to detect cancers as early as Stage 1 from the comfort of their own homes, making regular screening more accessible and less daunting.

Unlike competitors who depend on cell-free DNA (cfDNA), Craif uses microRNA, a biomarker known for its strong link to early cancer biology. Urine is chosen instead of blood because it contains fewer impurities, offering clearer signals and reducing measurement errors.

Craif’s first product, miSignal, which tests for seven different types of cancers, is already on the market in Japan and has attracted around 20,000 users through clinics, pharmacies, direct sales, and corporate wellness programmes.

The new funding will enable Craif to enter the US market, complete clinical trials by 2029, and seek FDA approval. It also plans to expand its detection capabilities to cover ten types of cancers this year and explore applications for other conditions like dementia instead of limiting its technology to cancer alone.

With a growing presence in California and partnerships with dozens of US medical institutions, Craif is positioning itself as a major player in the future of early disease detection.

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Quantum encryption achieves new milestone without cryogenics

Computer scientists at Toshiba Europe have set a new record by distributing quantum encryption keys across 158 miles using standard computer equipment and existing fibre-optic infrastructure.

Instead of relying on expensive cryogenic cooling, which is often required in quantum computing, the team achieved this feat at room temperature, marking a significant breakthrough in the field.

Experts believe this development could lead to the arrival of metropolitan-scale quantum encryption networks within a decade.

David Awschalom, a professor at the University of Chicago, expressed optimism that quantum encryption would soon become commonplace, reflecting a growing confidence in the potential of quantum technologies instead of viewing them as distant possibilities.

Quantum encryption differs sharply from modern encryption, which depends on mathematical algorithms to scramble data. Instead of mathematical calculations, quantum encryption uses the principles of quantum mechanics to secure data through Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).

Thanks to the laws of quantum physics, any attempt to intercept quantum-encrypted data would immediately alert the original sender, offering security that may prove virtually unbreakable.

Until recently, the challenge was distributing quantum keys over long distances because traditional fibre-optic lines distort delicate quantum signals. However, Toshiba’s team found a cost-effective solution using twin-field quantum key distribution (TF-QKD) instead of resorting to expensive new infrastructure.

Their success could pave the way for a quantum internet within decades, transforming what was once considered purely theoretical into a real-world possibility.

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OpenAI to tweak GPT-4o after user concerns

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that the company would work on reversing recent changes made to its GPT-4o model after users complained about the chatbot’s overly appeasing behaviour. The update, rolled out on 26 April, had been intended to enhance the intelligence and personality of the AI.

Instead of achieving balance, however, users felt the model became sycophantic and unreliable, raising concerns about its objectivity and its weakened guardrails for unsafe content.

Mr Altman acknowledged the feedback on X, admitting that the latest updates had made the AI’s personality ‘too sycophant-y and annoying,’ despite some positive elements. He added that immediate fixes were underway, with further adjustments expected throughout the week.

Instead of sticking with a one-size-fits-all approach, OpenAI plans to eventually offer users a choice of different AI personalities to better suit individual preferences.

Some users suggested the chatbot would be far more effective if it simply focused on answering questions in a scientific, straightforward manner instead of trying to please.

Venture capitalist Debarghya Das also warned that making the AI overly flattering could harm users’ mental resilience, pointing out that chasing user retention metrics might turn the chatbot into a ‘slot machine for the human brain.’

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Australian radio station caught using an AI DJ

Australian radio station CADA has caused a stir after it was revealed that DJ Thy, who had hosted a daily show for several months, was actually AI-generated.

Developed using ElevenLabs technology, Thy aired every weekday from 11am to 3pm, spinning popular tracks without listeners ever knowing they were hearing a machine instead of a real person.

Despite amassing over 72,000 listeners in March, the station never disclosed Thy’s true nature, which only came to light when a journalist, puzzled by the lack of personal information, investigated further.

Instead of being a complete novelty, AI DJs are becoming increasingly common across Australia. Melbourne’s Disrupt Radio has openly used AI DJ Debbie Disrupt, while in the US, a Portland radio station introduced AI Ashley, modelled after human host Ashley Elzinga.

CADA’s AI, based on a real ARN Media employee, suggests a growing trend where radio stations prefer digital clones instead of traditional hosts.

The show’s description implied that Thy could predict the next big musical hits, hinting that AI might be shaping, instead of simply following, public musical tastes. The programme promised that listeners would be among the first to hear rising stars, enabling them to impress their friends with early discoveries.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the AI-music world, electro-pop artist Imogen Heap has partnered with AI start-up Jen.

Rather than licensing specific songs, artists working with Jen allow fans to tap into the ‘vibe’ of their music for new creations, effectively becoming part of a software product instead of just remaining musicians.

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DOJ wants Google to sell Chrome to boost competition

The ongoing US antitrust case against Google has intensified speculation over the future of its Chrome browser, with DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg estimating its potential value at around $50 billion.

His remark, made during court testimony, far exceeds previous estimates and underscores how pivotal Chrome has become in the broader search and advertising ecosystem.

Weinberg, who leads one of Google’s search rivals, admitted that DuckDuckGo could not afford such a purchase, but would still be interested if money were no object.

Other major players, including OpenAI and Perplexity, have also expressed interest in acquiring Chrome if a court ruling mandates its divestment.

The Department of Justice and several states are pushing for such measures after Judge Amit Mehta found that Google illegally maintained a search monopoly through restrictive default agreements.

Executives from OpenAI and Perplexity testified that owning or partnering with Chrome would enable tighter integration of AI and search, reducing their dependence on Microsoft’s Bing.

OpenAI even approached Google for access to its search API last year but was rejected. As the US trial continues, the fate of Chrome hangs in the balance, with a forced sale likely to reshape the search and AI landscape dramatically.

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Google’s Gemini AI sees rapid surge in adoption

Google’s AI chatbot Gemini has reached 350 million monthly active users and 35 million daily users as of March 2025, according to court documents revealed during an ongoing antitrust trial. The figures mark a sharp rise from just 90 million monthly users in October 2024.

While OpenAI’s ChatGPT is estimated to have over 600 million monthly active users, with some sources suggesting daily figures exceeding 160 million, Meta AI has grown even larger, surpassing 700 million monthly users by January.

Despite trailing in raw numbers, analysts say the strategy of integrating Gemini across existing ecosystem has given it a unique advantage.

Gemini is now embedded in products such as Google Workspace, Chrome, and Galaxy smartphones, allowing for seamless access without separate apps or downloads.

With recent launches such as Gemini 2.5 Pro and an upcoming partnership with the Associated Press for real-time news feeds, Google is clearly working to position Gemini not just as a chatbot, but as a central AI assistant for both everyday and professional tasks.

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MTN confirms cybersecurity breach and data exposure

MTN Group has confirmed a cybersecurity breach that exposed personal data of some customers in certain markets. The telecom giant assured the public, however, that its core infrastructure remains secure and fully operational.

The breach involved an unknown third party gaining unauthorised access to parts of MTN’s systems, though the company emphasised that critical services, including mobile money and digital wallets, were unaffected.

In a statement released on Thursday, MTN clarified that investigations are ongoing, but no evidence suggests any compromise of its central infrastructure, such as its network, billing, or financial service platforms.

MTN has alerted the law enforcement of South Africa and is collaborating with regulatory bodies in the affected regions.

The company urged customers to take steps to safeguard their data, such as monitoring financial statements, using strong passwords, and being cautious with suspicious communications.

MTN also recommended enabling multi-factor authentication and avoiding sharing sensitive information like PINs or passwords through unsecured channels.

While investigations continue, MTN has committed to providing updates as more details emerge, reiterating its dedication to transparency and customer protection.

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North Korean hackers create fake US firms to target crypto developers

North Korea’s Lazarus Group has launched a sophisticated campaign to infiltrate the cryptocurrency industry by registering fake companies in the US and using them to lure developers into downloading malware.

According to a Reuters investigation, these US-registered shell companies, including Blocknovas LLC and Softglide LLC, were set up using false identities and addresses, giving the operation a veneer of legitimacy instead of drawing suspicion.

Once established, the fake firms posted job listings through legitimate platforms like LinkedIn and Upwork to attract developers. Applicants were guided through fake interview processes and instructed to download so-called test assignments.

Instead of harmless software, the files installed malware that enabled the hackers to steal passwords, crypto wallet keys, and other sensitive information.

The FBI has since seized Blocknovas’ domain and confirmed its connection to Lazarus, labelling the campaign a significant evolution in North Korea’s cyber operations.

These attacks were supported by Russian infrastructure, allowing Lazarus operatives to bypass North Korea’s limited internet access.

Tools such as VPNs and remote desktop software enabled them to manage operations, communicate over platforms like GitHub and Telegram, and even record training videos on how to exfiltrate data.

Silent Push researchers confirmed that the campaign has impacted hundreds of developers and likely fed some stolen access to state-aligned espionage units instead of limiting the effort to theft.

Officials from the US, South Korea, and the UN say the revenue from such cyberattacks is funneled into North Korea’s nuclear missile programme. The FBI continues to investigate and has warned that not only the hackers but also those assisting their operations could face serious consequences.

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