Capacity development Archives | Page 267 of 332

Meta adds live translation to Ray-Ban smart glasses

Meta is enhancing its Ray-Ban smart glasses with new capabilities, including live language translation and broader AI integration.

Users can now access real-time translations in English, French, Italian, and Spanish, even without internet access if language packs are downloaded beforehand. The feature is available across all markets where the glasses are sold, aiming to break down communication barriers during travel and everyday use.

In the United States and Canada, Meta AI is gaining powerful new functionality, allowing the assistant to interpret visuals from the glasses’ built-in camera. This update lets users receive context-aware responses, such as identifying landmarks or translating menus.

Previously in beta testing, the ‘see what you see’ feature is moving to a full release. Messaging tools are also expanding, enabling communication via Instagram, in addition to WhatsApp, Messenger, and native SMS.

Aesthetic updates include new colour and lens options for the Skyler frame. Music lovers will benefit from broader support for streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Shazam in more countries.

Meta also confirmed upcoming launches of the glasses in Mexico, India, and the UAE, while EU users will soon gain access to Meta AI’s visual search tools.

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Trump threatens new tariffs within weeks

President Trump has signalled a potential early end to the current 90-day pause on tariffs for countries and companies not actively seeking trade agreements with the US.

While markets initially reacted positively to signs of easing tension with China, that optimism was short-lived as the administration quickly shifted direction.

Instead of waiting out the full pause period, Trump now suggests new tariffs could be imposed within two to three weeks, with rates possibly rising from 10% to as high as 50%.

The lack of clarity over which nations or firms are targeted adds further uncertainty. Although officials initially claimed around 90 countries were engaged in trade talks, that number reportedly dropped to just 15.

A vagueness like this, combined with the unpredictable nature of US tariff policy, has unsettled international markets and raised alarm across global supply chains.

Apple, among others, has managed to avoid immediate price hikes thanks to temporary exemptions and strategic stock management. However, those exemptions are due to expire shortly, leaving the company vulnerable to rising costs.

Instead of facing only Chinese tariffs, Apple may now contend with broader duties on semiconductors and products manufactured outside China.

If tariff relief fails to materialise soon, consumers could see higher prices on future Apple products, including the upcoming iPhone 17.

Without a clearer and more consistent trade strategy from the White House, global firms may struggle to adapt, and the fragile economic recovery could face renewed strain.

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India deepens ties with Finland and Denmark

India is intensifying its strategic ties with Finland and Denmark as part of a broader effort to deepen cooperation with key Nordic countries.

In recent high-level conversations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

These discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations in advanced technologies such as quantum computing, 5G and 6G, AI, and cybersecurity, instead of limiting collaboration to traditional sectors. Sustainability, mobility, and digital transformation also featured prominently.

Modi and Stubb underlined the importance of India-Finland cooperation within the wider context of EU relations. Both leaders expressed hope for a timely conclusion of an India-EU free trade agreement, a sentiment echoed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The collaboration aims to bolster efforts in AI for disaster response and climate resilience, secure telecommunications, and semiconductor development, especially given ongoing geopolitical shifts and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In parallel, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership during talks with Frederiksen.

The alliance prioritises environmentally responsible maritime practices instead of relying on conventional methods, and promotes innovation in green technologies and anti-piracy cooperation.

With the third India-Nordic Summit scheduled for later this year in Norway, the focus will be on expanding trade, climate action, and peace efforts with all five Nordic nations.

Meanwhile, India has overtaken Finland as the ‘World’s Happiest Country’ according to the latest Ipsos survey, with 88% of Indian respondents reporting happiness.

A milestone like this reflects a broader sense of national optimism and self-assurance as India continues to strengthen its global partnerships and expand its strategic influence across key sectors.

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Google launches Gemini 2.5 Flash with faster and smarter AI thinking

Google has unveiled Gemini 2.5 Flash, an enhanced version of its AI model that brings improved performance, faster response times, and cost-efficiency for developers and users alike.

Released in preview through Google AI Studio and Vertex AI, the model is designed to be highly responsive while also offering advanced reasoning capabilities when needed.

The hybrid design allows developers to toggle the model’s ‘thinking’ function, enabling it to pause before answering to better understand prompts and plan complex responses.

Even with this added step, Gemini 2.5 Flash maintains the quick speeds of its predecessor, Gemini 2.0 Flash, while improving on accuracy and depth of output in areas like mathematics, science, coding, and visual reasoning.

Benchmark tests reveal Gemini 2.5 Flash outperforms competing AI models across a range of technical and analytical tasks.

Developers can begin building with it today, and everyday users can explore the model through the Gemini app, which also features earlier models including Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking and Gemini 2.0 Pro Experimental.

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OpenAI eyes Chrome in bid to boost ChatGPT

OpenAI has expressed interest in acquiring Google’s Chrome browser if it were to be made available, viewing it as a potential boost for its AI platform, ChatGPT.

The remarks, made by Nick Turley, head of product for ChatGPT, surfaced during the US Department of Justice’s antitrust trial against Google. The case follows a 2023 ruling that found Google had maintained an illegal monopoly in online search and advertising.

Although Google has shown no intention to sell Chrome and plans to appeal, the DoJ has suggested the move as a remedy to restore competition.

Turley disclosed that OpenAI previously approached Google to use its search technology within ChatGPT, after facing limitations with Microsoft Bing, its current provider.

An email from OpenAI presented in court showed the company proposed using multiple partners, including Google’s search API, to improve the chatbot’s performance. Google, however, declined the request, citing fears of empowering rivals.

Turley confirmed there is currently no partnership with Google and noted that ChatGPT remains years away from answering most queries using its own search system.

The testimony also highlighted OpenAI’s distribution challenges. Turley voiced concerns over being shut out of key access points controlled by major tech firms, such as browsers and app stores.

While OpenAI secured integration with Apple’s iPhones, it has struggled to achieve similar placements on Android devices. Turley argued that forcing Google to share search data with competitors could instead speed up ChatGPT’s development and improve user experience.

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Fujitsu and RIKEN expand quantum computing with 256 qubits

Fujitsu and RIKEN, a prominent Japanese research institute, have unveiled a new 256-qubit superconducting quantum computer, marking a major advancement in quantum computing.

Located at the RIKEN RQC-FUJITSU Collaboration Center, the new machine is designed with high-density techniques, building on a previous model with 64 qubits. However, this increase will allow more complex molecule analysis and improved error correction algorithms.

Unlike its predecessors, this quantum computer will not be exclusive to Fujitsu and RIKEN. Both organisations plan to grant access to global companies and research institutes in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, enabling further innovation across various fields.

Alongside the qubit expansion, the teams have developed a breakthrough in cooling technology, using a dilution refrigerator with advanced thermal design to maintain efficiency.

Fujitsu and RIKEN also aim to enhance the platform’s usability by allowing seamless interaction between quantum and classical computers. This will enable users to run hybrid quantum-classical algorithms.

Looking ahead, the two organisations are working on a 1,000-qubit quantum computer, set to be installed next year, and have agreed to continue their partnership until 2029 to foster ongoing development.

While the 256-qubit computer does not yet compete with machines boasting over 1,000 qubits, it represents a crucial step in exploring diverse quantum computing approaches, as some may fail to scale effectively for practical use.

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D3FEND 1.0 brings structured security graphs

MITRE has unveiled its new Cyber Attack–Defense (CAD) tool as part of the D3FEND 1.0 release, offering security teams a structured way to model and counter cyber threats.

The browser‑based interface lets users build ‘D3FEND Graphs’—knowledge graphs grounded in a rich cybersecurity ontology—instead of relying on ad hoc PowerPoint diagrams.

Graph components include Attack nodes (tied to MITRE ATT&CK techniques), Countermeasure nodes (D3FEND defensive measures) and Digital Artifact nodes (elements from the D3FEND artifact ontology).

A drag‑and‑drop canvas enables rapid scene‑setting, while an ‘explode’ feature reveals related attack paths, defences or artefacts drawn from the ontology’s knowledge base.

Organisations can apply the CAD tool across threat intelligence, security engineering, detection scenario planning, incident investigation and risk assessments.

Exports in JSON, TTL or PNG support collaboration, and STIX 2.1 import ensures seamless threat data integration. Users may also extend the underlying ontology to capture emerging techniques.

Built in partnership with the NSA and various defence departments, D3FEND 1.0 and its CAD tool establish a common vocabulary and conceptual framework for cybersecurity operations.

As threats grow ever more complex, a methodical, semantically rigorous approach to modelling defences is set to become indispensable.

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TSMC struggles to block chip exports to China

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has acknowledged it faces significant challenges in ensuring its advanced chips do not end up with sanctioned entities in China, despite tightening export controls.

The company admitted in its latest annual report that its position as a contract chipmaker limits its visibility into how and where its semiconductors are ultimately used.

Instead of directly selling finished products, TSMC manufactures chips for firms like Nvidia and Qualcomm, which are then integrated into a wide range of devices by third parties.

Α layered supply chain structure like this makes it difficult for the company to guarantee full compliance with export restrictions, especially when intermediaries may divert shipments intentionally.

TSMC halted deliveries to a customer last year after discovering one of its AI chips had been diverted to Huawei, a Chinese tech giant on the US sanctions list. The company promptly notified both Washington and Taipei and has since cooperated with official investigations and information requests.

The US continues to tighten restrictions on advanced chip exports to China, urging companies like TSMC and Samsung to apply stricter scrutiny.

Recently, Washington blacklisted 16 Chinese entities, including firms allegedly linked to the unauthorised transfer of TSMC chips. Despite best efforts, TSMC says there is no assurance it can completely prevent such incidents.

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TSMC profits surge despite trade concerns

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) posted a significant jump in quarterly profits, driven by robust demand for AI chips. Net income rose by just over 60% year-on-year to NT$360.7bn (£9.77bn), outpacing analysts’ expectations.

Revenue also grew by 41.6% compared to the same period in 2024, although it dipped slightly from the previous quarter due to weaker smartphone sales.

The world’s largest contract chipmaker has not yet seen any major changes in customer behaviour, including from Apple and Nvidia, despite increasing uncertainty over potential US tariffs on Taiwanese semiconductors.

While concerns about trade tensions grow, particularly with former President Donald Trump suggesting the US should reclaim chip production, TSMC says it is continuing with business as usual for now.

Instead of scaling back, TSMC is expanding its investment in the US, with plans to spend up to $160bn. Analysts believe this move could help the firm argue for a more favourable position should tariff negotiations intensify.

The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Wendell Huang, acknowledged the risks posed by changing trade policies but said revenue growth is still expected in the next quarter.

Despite global pressures, TSMC remains optimistic, forecasting revenue between $28.4bn and $29.2bn. Although the company’s shares have fallen more than 20% so far this year, some analysts say the stock is now undervalued and well-positioned to rebound once market conditions stabilise.

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OpenAI deploys new safeguards for AI models to curb biothreat risks

OpenAI has introduced a new monitoring system to reduce the risk of its latest AI models, o3 and o4-mini, being misused to create chemical or biological threats.

The ‘safety-focused reasoning monitor’ is built to detect prompts related to dangerous materials and instruct the AI models to withhold potentially harmful advice, instead of providing answers that could aid bad actors.

These newer models represent a major leap in capability compared to previous versions, especially in their ability to respond to prompts about biological weapons. To counteract this, OpenAI’s internal red teams spent 1,000 hours identifying unsafe interactions.

Simulated tests showed the safety monitor successfully blocked 98.7% of risky prompts, although OpenAI admits the system does not account for users trying again with different wording, a gap still covered by human oversight instead of relying solely on automation.

Despite assurances that neither o3 nor o4-mini meets OpenAI’s ‘high risk’ threshold, the company acknowledges these models are more effective at answering dangerous questions than earlier ones like o1 and GPT-4.

Similar monitoring tools are also being used to block harmful image generation in other models, yet critics argue OpenAI should do more.

Concerns have been raised over rushed testing timelines and the lack of a safety report for GPT-4.1, which was launched this week instead of being accompanied by transparency documentation.

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