Japanese startup ArkEdge Space revealed on Friday that it helped build an observation satellite for Taiwan’s space agency that has captured what may be the highest-quality Earth imagery from a spacecraft smaller than a suitcase. The optical satellite, ONGLAISAT, took 2.5-metre resolution images after being launched into orbit around 400 km above Earth in December.
Takayoshi Fukuyo, ArkEdge’s CEO, described the clarity of the images as comparable to aerial photography, despite the satellite’s small size. Black-and-white photos, including those of Seattle suburbs and Argentina’s Patagonia, were released showing impressive detail. The satellite, co-developed with the University of Tokyo, mounts Taiwan’s space agency’s optical equipment onto a compact cubesat.
ONGLAISAT’s mission will conclude in early March, but the optical technology demonstrated during the mission will contribute to future satellite projects. Taiwan, keen to strengthen its space infrastructure amid rising tensions with China, is also progressing with other space ventures, including weather satellites and satellite internet collaborations with Amazon’s Kuiper. Additionally, Taiwan’s space agency has deepened partnerships with Japanese space companies like Space One and ispace.
OpenAI announced on Thursday that it is evaluating US states as potential locations for data centres supporting its ambitious Stargate project, which aims to secure the US’s lead in the global AI race. The project is seen as crucial for ensuring that AI development remains democratic and open, rather than falling under authoritarian control, according to Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer.
Stargate, a venture backed by SoftBank, OpenAI, Oracle, and other investors, is set to receive up to $500 billion for AI infrastructure. A significant portion of this investment, $100 billion, will be deployed immediately, with the rest scheduled over the next few years. Texas has been designated as the flagship location for Stargate’s data centres. An initial site under construction in Abilene is expected to begin operations later this year.
The announcement follows the rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI model that challenges the traditional view that AI development requires large, specialised data centres. DeepSeek’s use of cheaper chips has raised concerns among investors, leading to a significant drop in tech stock values, including a record $593 billion loss for Nvidia, the leading AI chipmaker.
OpenAI is considering data centre locations in approximately 16 states, with plans to expand the Stargate network to five to ten campuses in the coming months.
The Trump administration’s move to end tariff-free low-cost imports into the US is expected to impact fast fashion retailer Shein more severely than online dollar-store competitor Temu. Both companies have heavily benefited from the ‘de minimis’ rule, which exempts shipments under $800 from import duties, with a significant portion of US daily packages coming from these retailers. While the Biden administration has scrutinised the rule, Temu has been quicker to adapt, diversifying its shipping strategy to minimise reliance on this exemption.
Temu, owned by PDD Holdings, has made considerable shifts in its model, including a move to bulk shipping to US warehouses instead of directly to consumers. By late 2023, about 50% of its US sales came from local warehouses. The company has also increased sea freight for bulkier items like furniture. This strategy contrasts with Shein’s continued dependence on air freight for its fast-fashion inventory, despite opening US centres and expanding its supply chain to countries like Brazil and Turkey.
While the Trump administration’s decision is set to raise prices for American consumers ordering from Shein and Temu, analysts believe the impact will not be catastrophic for these Chinese e-commerce giants. Shein, despite its reliance on fast inventory turnover and speed, is seen as capable of adapting, though the new tariffs and regulations will accelerate the need for supply chain diversification.
Recent changes in US Postal Service policies have added further uncertainty, reversing decisions on accepting parcels from China and Hong Kong. Analysts estimate that de minimis shipments could drop by up to 60%. However, experts remain confident that both Shein and Temu will navigate the changes, given the flexibility and competitiveness of their supply chains.
Google plans to introduce real-world quantum computing applications within five years, according to its head of quantum research, Hartmut Neven. The company’s prediction challenges Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang‘s estimate that practical quantum computing remains at least 15 to 30 years away. Google has been developing quantum technology since 2012 and recently announced a breakthrough that could accelerate the field.
Potential applications for quantum computing include advancements in materials science, drug discovery, and energy solutions. Google has already demonstrated quantum processors capable of solving complex problems far beyond the reach of traditional computers. A recent study published in Nature highlights new progress in quantum simulation, bringing the company closer to commercial viability.
The timeline for practical quantum computing remains uncertain, with predictions varying widely among experts. Nvidia’s scepticism caused a sharp drop in quantum-related stocks, but Google remains optimistic about achieving its goal. Governments and businesses continue to monitor quantum developments closely due to their potential impact on cybersecurity, finance, and healthcare.
Google has introduced new versions of its Gemini AI models, including the budget-friendly “Flash-Lite,” to compete with lower-cost rivals such as China‘s DeepSeek. The updates include the public release of Gemini 2.0 Flash and the testing of a new ‘Pro’ model. Flash-Lite was developed following positive feedback on the previous Flash 1.5 version, with the goal of making AI more affordable.
Investor scrutiny has increased over the rising costs of AI model development. DeepSeek recently claimed to have spent under $6 million on training a model, significantly less than what US AI firms are believed to invest. The emergence of cheaper alternatives has influenced discussions at Alphabet, Microsoft, and Meta, with all three companies reaffirming their commitment to high AI investment.
Alphabet’s stock declined on Tuesday amid concerns over a planned increase in capital expenditure, which exceeded Wall Street expectations by 29%. Google’s pricing strategy for Gemini Flash-Lite sets its cost at $0.019 per million tokens, placing it between OpenAI’s cost-efficient model at $0.075 and DeepSeek’s current rate of $0.014, which is set to increase soon.
SKY Perfect JSAT plans to invest approximately $230 million in a new satellite constellation. The project will utilise Pelican satellites from US-based Planet Labs and will be managed through the company’s American subsidiary.
The investment marks JSAT’s entry into the Earth observation satellite business, expanding its operations beyond broadcasting and communications. The new satellite network aims to enhance data collection and imaging capabilities from low-Earth orbit.
Following the announcement, JSAT shares surged by as much as 9%. The company remains the largest operator of broadcast and communication satellites in Japan and Asia.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with India’s IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday to discuss India’s vision of developing a low-cost AI ecosystem. Vaishnaw shared on X that the meeting centred on India’s strategy to build a comprehensive AI stack, including GPUs, models, and applications. He noted that OpenAI expressed interest in collaborating on all three aspects.
Altman’s visit to India, his first since 2023, comes amid ongoing legal challenges the company faces in the country, which is its second-largest market by user numbers. Vaishnaw recently praised Chinese startup DeepSeek for its affordable AI assistant, drawing parallels between DeepSeek’s cost-effective approach and India’s goal of creating a budget-friendly AI model. Vaishnaw highlighted India’s ability to achieve major technological feats at a fraction of the cost, as demonstrated by its moon mission.
Altman’s trip also included stops in Japan and South Korea, where he secured deals with SoftBank and Kakao. In Seoul, he discussed the Stargate AI data centre project with SoftBank and Samsung, a venture backed by US President Donald Trump.
At the annual Almaty Digital Forum, experts highlighted the growing importance of preparing for the AI revolution sparked by the sudden rise of the Chinese AI company DeepSeek. The company’s appearance at the forum raised questions about the future of AI and humanity, particularly due to the affordability of DeepSeek’s AI models, which cost just $6 million to develop, compared to the $40-100 million investments from other global players. This has made AI solutions more accessible to smaller developers and countries.
During the forum, Kaan Teryioglu, CEO of VEON Group, emphasised that AI’s potential lies in enhancing human capabilities across various sectors. Experts agreed that AI will no longer be dominated by tech giants, with smaller developers now able to harness its power. However, concerns were raised about the risk of cultural homogenisation if AI technologies are not adapted to local languages and values.
The forum also showcased Central Asia’s ambition to keep up with global AI developments, with high-level representatives from several countries, including Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Uzbekistan, in attendance. Kazakhstan, in particular, is planning to train a million AI professionals by 2030, with the goal of boosting AI exports to $5 billion by 2029. The government is also launching Alem.ai, a hub for AI research, start-ups, and international collaboration, expected to play a key role in the country’s AI future.
Kazakhstan’s ambitious plans have attracted the attention of global tech giants, who are already in discussions about establishing offices at Alem.ai. With a focus on developing local talent and fostering innovation, Kazakhstan aims to position itself as Central Asia’s intellectual capital and a key player in the global AI landscape. The forum’s success, with over 220 tech companies and 80 local start-ups participating, signals that the country’s plans may not be overly ambitious after all.
Snap has introduced an AI-powered text-to-image model designed to run efficiently on mobile devices, generating high-resolution images in just 1.4 seconds on an iPhone 16 Pro Max. Unlike cloud-based systems, this model operates entirely on the device, reducing costs while maintaining impressive visual quality. The company plans to integrate it into Snapchat’s AI Snaps and Bitmoji features in the coming months.
By developing its own AI model, Snap aims to provide users with more advanced creative tools while lowering operational expenses. The move aligns with a broader trend among tech companies investing heavily in AI to enhance their platforms. Previously, Snap relied on external providers like OpenAI and Google, but its in-house model gives it more control over future innovations.
Snapchat’s AI investment highlights the growing competition in mobile AI technology, with major players racing to deliver faster and more efficient features. As the company prepares to roll out these new capabilities, it remains to be seen how they will shape user experiences and engagement on the platform.
India‘s finance ministry has issued an advisory urging employees to refrain from using AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek for official tasks, citing concerns over the potential risks to the confidentiality of government data. The directive, dated January 29, highlights the dangers of AI apps on office devices, warning that they could jeopardise the security of sensitive documents and information.
This move comes amid similar actions taken by other countries such as Australia and Italy, which have restricted the use of DeepSeek due to data security concerns. The advisory surfaced just ahead of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s visit to India, where he is scheduled to meet with the IT minister.
Representatives from India’s finance ministry, OpenAI, and DeepSeek have yet to comment on the matter. It remains unclear whether other Indian ministries have implemented similar measures.
