AI startups specialising in sales development representatives (SDRs) are experiencing rapid growth as businesses embrace new technologies to streamline outreach. These startups, leveraging large language models (LLMs) and voice technology, automate tasks like crafting personalised emails and placing calls to potential customers. This sector has seen an unprecedented surge, with multiple companies achieving notable success in a short span, according to Shardul Shah of Index Ventures. However, investors remain cautious about whether this trend will yield lasting results or fade once the novelty wears off.
The appeal of AI SDRs is particularly strong among small and medium-sized businesses, which find it easier to experiment with these tools. Arjun Pillai, founder of Docket, attributes the popularity to declining reply rates for traditional cold emails, prompting businesses to explore AI-driven solutions. Startups like Regie.ai, AiSDR, and 11x.ai, as well as incumbents like ZoomInfo, are vying for market share, boasting impressive revenue growth. Yet, as Tomasz Tunguz of Theory Ventures noted, some businesses report that while AI SDRs generate substantial leads, they don’t necessarily translate into higher sales, highlighting a gap in effectively integrating AI into sales strategies.
Despite the enthusiasm, the rise of AI SDRs faces significant challenges. Industry leaders such as Salesforce and HubSpot, which control vast customer data, could introduce similar AI features, potentially outpacing smaller startups. Investors also point to cautionary tales like Jasper, a copywriting AI startup that stumbled after the launch of ChatGPT, emphasising the uncertainty surrounding the longevity of AI adoption in sales. For now, the potential of AI SDRs to revolutionise sales processes is undeniable, but their ability to sustain growth and deliver tangible results remains to be seen.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Sora, and developer API experienced a significant outage on Thursday, disrupting services for over four hours. The issue began around 11 a.m. PT, with partial recovery reported by 2:05 p.m. PT. By 3:16 p.m. PT, OpenAI stated that Sora was operational, though ChatGPT users might still encounter issues accessing their chat history.
According to OpenAI’s status page, the outage was caused by one of their upstream providers, but the company did not provide further details. This marks the second major outage for OpenAI’s services in December. Two weeks ago, a similar incident attributed to a telemetry service malfunction resulted in a six-hour disruption, a notably longer downtime than usual.
Interestingly, popular platforms utilising OpenAI’s API, such as Perplexity and Siri’s Apple Intelligence integration, appeared unaffected during the outage, as confirmed by their status pages and independent testing. OpenAI is actively working to ensure full restoration of its services while addressing the root causes behind these recurring disruptions.
U Mobile and Huawei Malaysia have entered into a strategic partnership to enhance U Mobile’s 5G networks and support its strategic roadmap. The collaboration builds on an earlier partnership focused on 5G innovation and adoption for businesses, with both companies committed to advancing Malaysia’s telecommunications infrastructure.
The partnership also aims to deploy advanced hardware and software to create a high-performance second 5G network in Malaysia, leveraging Huawei’s global expertise in Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies and future technological advancements. Additionally, both parties will intensify research and development efforts to enhance customer satisfaction and drive greater 5G adoption in both consumer and enterprise markets, focusing on enterprises that require ultra-low latency and high bandwidth.
The collaboration will also explore project financing opportunities, including vendor financing and deferred payment plans, to support the development of these technologies and unlock new business opportunities.
Through this partnership, U Mobile and Huawei Malaysia are positioning themselves to meet the growing demand for 5G services across various sectors. The goal is to ensure the infrastructure can support the evolving needs of businesses and consumers alike.
By combining their strengths and expertise, the two companies aim to fast-track the growth of Malaysia’s telecom services and contribute to its digital economy, ultimately supporting the nation’s transition into a more connected and digitally advanced future.
Viettel High Tech (VHT) and High Cloud Technologies (HCT) have formed a strategic partnership through a $1 million deal to supply 5G systems for the Middle Eastern market. That collaboration strengthens HCT’s position as the region’s leading telecom solutions provider and opens doors for future partnerships with other telecom operators.
Under the agreement, VHT will provide 4G and 5G base stations using Non-Standalone (NSA) technology and cloud-based core network infrastructure, showcasing its expertise in end-to-end telecom solutions. The goal is to implement these solutions, conduct 5G trials, and demonstrate the reliability and performance of VHT’s products with major telecom operators.
The following partnership is expected to enhance telecom coverage, especially in suburban and rural areas, contributing to improved education and living standards across the UAE and the broader Middle East. The collaboration also supports regional growth in sectors like education, healthcare, and business, which depend on robust digital infrastructure.
Why does it matter?
VHT’s entry into the Middle East marks a significant milestone in its technological journey, as it has been developing 4G technologies since 2017 and began 5G research in 2019.
A German court has ordered Signify, the world’s largest lighting maker, to recall and destroy certain products sold since 2017, citing patent infringement claims made by Seoul Semiconductor, a South Korean firm. The Düsseldorf court also ruled that Signify could face fines of up to €250,000 ($259,925) for each violation of the order, according to a statement from Seoul Semiconductor.
Signify, headquartered in the Netherlands and spun off from Philips in 2016, has not yet responded to requests for comment. The court ruling adds to the challenges faced by the company, which has a global reputation in the lighting industry.
Seoul Semiconductor, a leader in light-emitting diode (LED) technology, invests heavily in innovation, allocating about 10% of its revenue to research and development. The company boasts a portfolio of over 18,000 patents and has pursued legal action against multinational corporations to protect its intellectual property rights.
Japan Airlines (JAL) announced on Thursday that its systems have returned to normal following a cyberattack that disrupted domestic and international flights earlier in the day. The attack, which began at 7:24 a.m., caused malfunctions in internal and external systems, forcing the airline to suspend same-day ticket sales temporarily. The issue was resolved after shutting down a malfunctioning router.
JAL confirmed that no customer data was leaked and there was no damage from computer viruses. The company resumed ticket sales for flights departing on Thursday once the systems stabilised. Meanwhile, ANA Holdings, Japan’s other major airline, reported no signs of a similar attack on its operations.
The incident comes shortly after American Airlines briefly grounded all flights on Christmas Eve due to a network hardware glitch, highlighting ongoing challenges airlines face with system vulnerabilities during peak travel periods.
Google is introducing major updates to its Maps Timeline feature, shifting towards enhanced privacy by storing location history locally on users’ devices. This change means that any unbacked location history data will be automatically deleted after three months unless users take action to save it. Notifications regarding the update will provide a six-month window to back up data, urging users to preserve personal memories or valuable travel records before permanent deletion.
To save Timeline data, users can utilise Google’s export tools on their devices or through the web. This process allows users to maintain access to their past location history while ensuring it remains private and under their control. However, some users have reported unexpected deletions, emphasising the importance of regular backups to avoid data loss.
These updates are part of the US-based tech giant’s broader efforts to address privacy concerns by limiting the storage of sensitive data on its servers. While this move enhances data security, users are encouraged to take proactive steps to back up important information, explore privacy features like incognito mode, and consider additional tools such as VPNs to protect their online activity.
Apple has requested to participate in the US antitrust trial against Google, arguing it cannot trust Google to safeguard their shared revenue agreements. These agreements make Google the default search engine on Apple’s Safari browser, generating an estimated $20 billion for Apple in 2022. Despite this lucrative partnership, Apple confirmed it has no plans to develop its search engine, regardless of the trial’s outcome.
The Department of Justice’s case against Google is a pivotal effort to curb the tech giant’s dominance in online search. Prosecutors allege that Google’s practices stifle competition and may push for drastic measures such as divesting its Chrome browser or Android operating system. Apple, aiming to protect its financial interests, plans to present witnesses in the April trial.
While Google has proposed easing its default agreements with browser developers and device manufacturers, it has resisted ending its ad revenue-sharing deals. Apple criticised Google’s ability to represent its interests as the trial escalated into a broader challenge to Google’s business model. A Google spokesperson declined to comment on the case.
If AI was the buzzword for 2023 and 2024, quantum computing looks set to claim the spotlight in the years ahead. Despite growing interest, much remains unknown about this transformative technology, even as leading companies explore its immense potential.
Quantum computing and AI stand as two revolutionary technologies, each with distinct principles and goals. Quantum systems operate on the principles of quantum mechanics, using qubits capable of existing in multiple states simultaneously due to superposition. Such systems can address problems far beyond the reach of classical computers, including molecular simulations for medical research and complex optimisation challenges.
AI and quantum computing intersect in areas like machine learning, though AI still depends on classical computing infrastructure. Significant hurdles remain for quantum technology, including qubit errors and scalability. The extreme sensitivity of qubits to external factors, such as vibrations and temperature, complicates their control.
Experts suggest quantum computers could become practical within 10 to 20 years. Classical computers are unlikely to be replaced, as quantum systems will primarily focus on solving tasks beyond classical capabilities. Leading companies are working to shorten development timelines, with advancements poised to transform the way technology is utilised.
Huge investments in quantum computing
Investments in quantum computing have reached record levels, with start-ups raising $1.5 billion across 50 funding rounds in 2024. Figure like this one nearly doubles the $785 million raised the previous year, setting a new benchmark. The growth in AI is partly driving these investments, as quantum computing promises to handle AI’s significant computational demands more efficiently.
Quantum computing offers unmatched speed and energy efficiency, with some estimates suggesting energy use could be reduced by up to 100 times compared to traditional supercomputers. As the demand for faster, more sustainable computing grows, quantum technologies are emerging as a key solution.
Microsoft and Atom Computing announce breakthrough
In November 2024, Microsoft and Atom Computing achieved a milestone in quantum computing. Their system linked 24 logical qubits using just 80 physical qubits, setting a record in efficiency. This advancement could transform industries like blockchain and cryptography by enabling faster problem-solving and enhancing security protocols.
Despite the challenges of implementing such systems, both companies are aiming to release a 1,000-qubit quantum computer by 2025. The development could accelerate the adoption of quantum technologies across various sectors, paving the way for breakthroughs in areas such as machine learning and materials science.
Overcoming traditional computing’s limitations
Start-ups like BlueQubit are transforming quantum computing into a practical tool for industries. The San Francisco-based company has raised $10 million to launch its Quantum-Software-as-a-Service platform, enabling businesses to use quantum processors and emulators that perform tasks up to 100 times faster than conventional systems.
Industries such as finance and pharmaceuticals are already leveraging quantum optimisation. Specialised algorithms are addressing challenges like financial modelling and drug discovery, showcasing quantum computing’s potential to surpass traditional systems in tackling complex problems.
Google among giants pushing quantum computing
Google has recently introduced its cutting-edge quantum chip, Willow, capable of solving a computational problem in just five minutes. Traditional supercomputers would require approximately 10 septillion years for the same task.
The achievement has sparked discussions about quantum computing’s link to multiverse theories. Hartmut Neven, head of Google’s Quantum AI team, suggested the performance might hint at parallel universes influencing quantum calculations. Willow’s success marks significant advancements in cryptography, material science, and artificial intelligence.
Commercialisation is already underway
Global collaborations are fast-tracking quantum technology’s commercialisation. SDT, a Korean firm, and Finnish start-up SemiQon have signed an agreement to integrate SemiQon’s silicon-based quantum processing units into SDT’s precision measurement systems.
SemiQon’s processors, designed to work with existing semiconductor infrastructure, lower production costs and enhance scalability. These partnerships pave the way for more stable and cost-effective quantum systems, bringing their use closer to mainstream industries.
Quantum technologies aiding mobile networks
Telefonica Germany and AWS are exploring quantum applications in mobile networks. Their pilot project aims to optimise mobile tower placement, improve network security with quantum encryption, and prepare for future 6G networks.
Telefonica’s migration of millions of 5G users to AWS cloud infrastructure demonstrates how combining quantum and cloud technologies can enhance network efficiency. The project highlights the growing impact of quantum computing on telecommunications.
Addressing emerging risks
Chinese researchers at Shanghai University have exposed the potential threats quantum computing poses to existing encryption standards. Using a D-Wave quantum computer, they breached algorithms critical to modern cryptographic systems, including AES-256, commonly used for securing cryptocurrency wallets.
Although current quantum hardware faces environmental and technical limitations, researchers stress the urgent need for quantum-resistant cryptography. New encryption methods are essential to safeguard digital systems against future quantum-based vulnerabilities.
Quantum computing promises revolutionary capabilities but must overcome significant challenges in scaling and stability. Its progress depends on interdisciplinary collaboration in physics, engineering, and economics. While AI thrives on rapid commercial investment, quantum technology requires long-term support to fulfil its transformative potential.
Greek authorities have made their first-ever cryptocurrency seizure, confiscating 273,000 USDT (Tether) as part of a criminal investigation. The operation, conducted in December, was carried out under the supervision of the Greek European Public Prosecutor’s Office and involved collaboration with various law enforcement departments, including the Digital Evidence Examination Department.
The seizure, which is part of the ongoing ‘Admiral’ operation, highlights the growing challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with advanced technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies, known for their anonymity and security features, are often used in criminal activities such as fraud and money laundering. Experts stress the need for precision and expertise in handling digital assets, as mistakes can lead to irreversible losses.
Crypto-related scams are becoming more common in Greece, with many victims falling prey to fraudulent schemes. As cryptocurrencies gain popularity, particularly with the rise of Bitcoin and NFTs, the lack of understanding among the public increases the risk of scams. Experts warn that technological advances in AI are making these scams harder to detect, even for experienced investors.
In addition to combating fraud, authorities are also focusing on the management of seized cryptocurrencies, with plans to convert them into funds for the state, similar to practices in other European countries.
