Microsoft and Atom Computing have announced a significant breakthrough in quantum computing that could revolutionise blockchain mining. The two companies developed a quantum system with 24 entangled logical qubits using just 80 physical qubits, setting a new record in quantum efficiency. This achievement could eventually lead to a transformation in the world of proof-of-work (PoW) blockchain mining, as quantum systems become capable of outperforming traditional mining methods.
The advancement is especially notable for its potential to impact the security of blockchain networks like Bitcoin, which rely on SHA-256 encryption. Quantum computers, by applying Grover’s Algorithm, could significantly speed up the process of solving the PoW puzzle, threatening the security measures that have safeguarded blockchain technology. While Grover’s Algorithm has shown promise in small-scale experiments, it has yet to be proven on the large scale required for cracking SHA-256 encryption.
Though the timeline for practical quantum mining remains uncertain, with experts predicting it could take 10 to 50 years, Atom Computing and Microsoft aim to bring a 1,000-qubit quantum computer to market as early as 2025. This breakthrough could drastically shorten the path to quantum systems capable of rivaling traditional mining rigs.
India-based audio platform Pocket FM is leveraging AI to enrich its content offerings and scale its production capabilities. Despite hosting over 200,000 hours of content, CEO Rohan Nayak emphasised the need for deeper genre coverage and original content. The company has partnered with ElevenLabs to convert written stories into audio series, achieving faster production and significant cost savings. AI models are also being used to adapt stories for diverse regions by handling cultural nuances, ensuring broader appeal across geographies.
Pocket FM is testing AI tools to enhance its creative process. These include a writing assistant that provides alternative plot ideas and insights based on platform data, aiming to empower solo writers with a ‘writer’s room’ experience. A ‘blockbuster engine’ is under development to analyse trends and identify potential hit shows, underscoring the platform’s focus on producing popular content. AI has already contributed to more than 40,000 series on the platform, generating $3 million in revenue.
Despite the benefits, Pocket FM acknowledges challenges in maintaining quality while accelerating production. Industry experts caution that reliance on AI might undermine creativity, with artists needing to ensure authenticity in their work. Nayak affirmed that AI tools are intended to complement rather than replace human creativity. Pocket FM, backed by $197 million in funding, competes with platforms such as Audible and Kuku FM while striving to strike a balance between innovation and content excellence.
Namibia’s communications regulator has ordered Starlink, operated by SpaceX, to cease its operations in the country. The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) stated that the company was running a telecommunications network without the required licence.
A cease-and-desist order was issued on 26 November, demanding that Starlink immediately halt all activities. CRAN has also advised the public against purchasing or subscribing to Starlink services, warning that these actions are illegal under Namibian law.
Investigators have already confiscated unlicensed terminals from consumers and have opened criminal cases with the police. The regulator emphasised its commitment to enforcing compliance with national telecommunications regulations.
Earlier this year, Cameroon faced a similar situation, seizing equipment at ports due to licence violations. SpaceX has yet to comment on the developments in Namibia.
European chip equipment stocks surged on Thursday following reports that upcoming US restrictions on China’s semiconductor industry might be less stringent than anticipated. Shares of ASML, a leading supplier of semiconductor tools, rose by 4.3%, while competitors BE Semiconductor and ASM International climbed 5% and 2.9%, respectively, outperforming the STOXX 600 index.
According to Bloomberg, the US may exclude Chinese memory chipmaker ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) from its trade restrictions, though details remain uncertain. The US Commerce Department, which oversees export rules, is expected to release updated guidance after Thanksgiving.
ASML, which has seen a sharp decline in sales to China over recent quarters, declined to comment. The company previously projected that sales to China would shrink to 20% of its revenue by 2025, down from nearly half in the last 18 months. Other global semiconductor equipment suppliers, including US-based Applied Materials and Tokyo Electron, are also closely monitoring the situation.
Ai2, a nonprofit AI research group, has introduced OLMo 2, a groundbreaking series of open-source language models designed for transparency and reproducibility. The models, developed using open-access data and tools, align with the Open Source Initiative’s standards for AI, setting them apart from many competitors.
The OLMo 2 series includes two versions: one with 7 billion parameters and another with 13 billion, making them powerful tools for tasks like summarising documents, answering questions, and generating code. Trained on a dataset of 5 trillion tokens sourced from websites, academic papers, and other vetted materials, the models perform competitively against Meta’s Llama 3.1.
While some critics voice concerns about potential misuse of open models, Ai2 argues their benefits outweigh the risks. By making the models freely available under an Apache 2.0 license, the organisation hopes to democratise AI development and promote ethical innovation.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer inaugurated London’s first Google-backed AI Campus in Camden on Wednesday. The facility aims to equip young people with vital skills in AI and machine learning, addressing the growing demand for expertise in these areas. Located near Google’s upcoming offices in King’s Cross, the campus has already launched a two-year pilot project for students aged 16 to 18.
The pilot cohort of 32 students will benefit from AI-focused mentoring and resources provided by Google’s DeepMind. They will engage in real-world projects that integrate AI with health, social sciences, and the arts. The campus, a collaboration between Google and local authorities, seeks to inspire students from diverse backgrounds to envision themselves as leaders in the AI-driven future.
Starmer hailed the initiative as a transformative step for young people, particularly those in challenging circumstances. He emphasised that the programme represents a significant milestone in preparing the next generation to navigate AI’s boundless potential. ‘The possibilities of AI are incredible, and projects like this will shape the future,’ he stated.
Google further announced £865,000 in funding for a national AI literacy programme. This initiative, led by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Parent Zone, aims to train teachers and reach 250,000 students by 2026. Debbie Weinstein, Google’s UK and Ireland managing director, highlighted the programme’s role in ensuring that AI’s vast opportunities are accessible to all, potentially unlocking £400 billion in economic benefits for the UK.
Orange has entered a groundbreaking multi-year partnership with OpenAI, becoming the first European telecom company with direct access to pre-release versions of the company’s AI models. This collaboration will allow Orange to influence OpenAI’s development roadmap while ensuring secure hosting of AI infrastructure in Europe, according to the group’s AI chief, Steve Jarrett.
The partnership highlights the strategic importance of OpenAI’s widely used models, with over 50,000 Orange employees already integrating them into their work. Jarrett emphasised the financial and technological advantages of a direct relationship with OpenAI, boosting Orange’s position in the AI race.
In addition to the partnership, Orange is working with Meta and OpenAI to translate African languages like Wolof and Pular for customer support and broader non-commercial uses. The initiative aims to support governments, universities, and startups, expanding accessibility to underserved linguistic communities.
Google Labs has unveiled GenChess, a new AI-powered web project that adds a creative twist to the traditional game of chess. The experiment allows players to design their own chess pieces using Google’s Gemini Imagen 3 image-generation model. By typing text prompts, users can customise their chess sets with themes like sushi or pizza, giving each game a personalised touch. GenChess offers two styles: a classic mode that mimics traditional pieces and a creative mode for abstract designs. Players can further refine individual pieces for a truly bespoke gaming experience.
Once the custom set is complete, players can face an AI opponent with chess pieces generated on complementary themes. For instance, a sushi-themed set might compete against a taco-inspired set. Users can select from three difficulty levels—easy, medium, or hard—and two timer options to match their playstyle. The project showcases AI’s potential in creative design and user interaction, merging art and gameplay into one cohesive experience.
The launch of GenChess coincides with Google’s broader initiatives around chess during the World Chess Championship. These include a coding challenge in partnership with the International Chess Federation (FIDE) on Google-owned Kaggle, encouraging participants to create innovative AI chess engines. Additionally, Google plans to launch Chess Gem, an interactive feature in the Gemini app next month. This tool will allow Gemini Advanced subscribers to play chess against a conversational AI, blending gameplay with witty banter. The range of initiatives highlights Google’s commitment to integrating AI into diverse aspects of life, from gaming to advanced problem-solving.
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) and the Comoros National Agency for Digital Development (ANADEN) collaborate to advance ICT development in both countries. During a skills exchange meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania showcased its leadership in the ICT sector through significant achievements such as establishing a National Data Centre, earning recognition as a regional cybersecurity leader by ITU, and fostering widespread mobile money adoption, with over 60.8 million SIM cards registered and 90% population usage.
Inspired by these advancements, Comoros aims to develop similar infrastructure, including an e-government agency, a national domain registry, and a national data centre supported by the African Development Bank. The collaboration will emphasise capacity development and expertise sharing to strengthen ICT systems in Comoros.
Tanzanian experts will assist in enhancing system interoperability and training ICT professionals in Comoros to support sustainable development. Both countries share a vision of using ICT as a driver for economic growth, innovation, and digital transformation, highlighting the importance of regional partnerships in advancing technological progress.
Network International and Gate To Pay have partnered to accelerate digital payments in Jordan, enhance the country’s financial infrastructure, and foster a digitally enabled, inclusive economy. The collaboration, announced during the MENA ICT event, aims to provide secure and accessible digital payment solutions to businesses and consumers.
By improving customer experience, streamlining compliance, and facilitating platform integration, the partnership seeks to address gaps in Jordan’s financial sector, support economic growth, and empower individuals. The shared vision between the two companies is to create a financially inclusive Jordan where innovative digital solutions drive economic progress and make digital payments central to the country’s future.
The collaboration marks a significant step in transforming the payment landscape in Jordan, aligning with the nation’s broader goals for digital transformation. Leaders from both companies have emphasised their commitment to building a secure, digitally connected financial ecosystem that meets the needs of a modern economy.
