Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has secured a significant deal to provide H3 rocket launches for French satellite company Eutelsat from 2027. This agreement marks a major step forward for Japan’s H3 project, backed by a $1.5 billion investment, aiming to expand its presence internationally. Eutelsat, the world’s third-largest satellite operator by revenue, is the second foreign client to choose H3 rockets after Britain’s Inmarsat.
The H3 project, following its first successful flight earlier this year, aims to reduce launch costs to $33 million per mission and increase the number of annual launches to ten. Rising global demand for commercial rockets has made the competitive pricing of H3 appealing. Japan hopes to position H3 as a flagship rocket for its satellite and exploration missions.
After merging with OneWeb, Eutelsat now competes directly with SpaceX’s Starlink in the low-earth orbit communications market. The global satellite sector is intensifying, with other major players such as Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, Boeing-Lockheed’s Vulcan, and Europe’s Ariane 6 also preparing for launches.
MHI’s strategy to make the H3 rocket more competitive reflects growing global interest in space exploration and communications. Japan’s ambitions with H3 align with the increasing number of companies seeking to expand satellite fleets, driven by surging demand for internet connectivity.
The UAE’s AI ambitions take a leap forward with two new centres in Abu Dhabi, led by Microsoft and G42. The facilities will focus on developing responsible AI technologies and promoting best practices across the academic and private sectors.
One of the centres will address underrepresented languages in AI by creating large language models, while the other brings experts together to explore responsible AI usage. Both centres build on Microsoft’s recent $1.5 billion investment in G42.
Competition in AI is growing in the region, with Qatar and Saudi Arabia also seeking to emerge as key hubs. However, G42’s decision to divest from China ensures that the partnership aligns with US and UAEgovernment security concerns.
By opening these new centres, the UAE hopes to bolster its position as a global AI leader, demonstrating its shift away from reliance on oil toward innovative technology development.
Cyprus and Greece are making progress in talks about the creation of a high-speed electric cable network, known as the Great Sea Interconnector, linking Europe to the Middle East through the Mediterranean seabed. The project aims to connect transmission networks from Greece via Crete and Cyprus to Israel, with an estimated cost of €2.4 billion, of which €1.9 billion covers the Cyprus section.
Once complete, the interconnector will be the world’s longest and deepest high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable, stretching 1,240 km and descending to 3,000 metres. The European Union has expressed its willingness to finance part of the project, which is expected to be completed by 2030. However, overlapping jurisdictional claims in the Mediterranean, involving Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey, could present future challenges.
Cyprus has sought clarity on its financial contribution and the potential impact of geopolitical risks, particularly concerning Turkey’s opposition, which could lead to delays and additional costs. Deputy government spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou said discussions have made progress, and the issue may be raised in an upcoming cabinet meeting.
The matter is also set to be discussed during a meeting between Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens later this week.
The company has announced a new $60 billion share buyback program, approved by its board, alongside a quarterly dividend increase to $0.83 per share, reflecting a 10% rise. The Tech Giant will host its yearly shareholders’ meeting on December 10th.
Amid growing AI investments, Microsoft revealed a significant 77.6% increase in capital spending in the quarter ending 30 June, largely attributed to AI infrastructure. Although its Azure cloud business has exhibited slower growth recently, the company anticipates an acceleration in the second half of fiscal 2025.
Big tech firms like Microsoft and Google are under pressure to justify their AI investments. Microsoft is one of the few companies that has reported AI’s contributions in its earnings. Its stock has risen about 15% this year and saw a slight increase in aftermarket trading following the news.
Italy is testing AI-assisted learning tools in selected schools to close the nation’s significant digital skills gap. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has introduced the initiative in 15 classrooms across four regions, aimed at supporting both students and teachers through virtual assistants.
The AI tools are designed to tailor education to individual needs, providing an improved learning environment. Though few details have been provided, officials remain optimistic that the experiment will offer insights into a potential wider rollout. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara emphasised the importance of these digital advancements for future generations.
Italy currently lags behind most EU countries in basic digital skills, ranking near the bottom of the bloc. The government has also introduced a ban on mobile phones in classrooms, a move aimed at reducing distractions and promoting focus.
The trial will be carefully monitored throughout the year to assess its effectiveness and inclusiveness, with the hope of addressing past struggles to digitalise Italy’s education system.
Apple’s ‘Visual Intelligence’ feature is exciting and seems to set the stage for future AR glasses. Allowing users to scan and identify objects, copy text, and gather information on the go gives them a glimpse into what could be an integral part of AR glasses.
The idea of using AR glasses to receive real-time information about your surroundings without taking out your phone is very appealing. It could be a significant advantage if Apple successfully integrates Visual Intelligence into future AR glasses.
Given that Apple is known for refining technology before launching it, the Visual Intelligence feature on the iPhone could be an essential part of a broader strategy for AR. It’s a smart move to build and perfect this technology now so that when AR glasses do arrive, they can offer a seamless and polished experience.
The potential for AR glasses is enormous. Other companies like Meta and Google have already invested in this space, so Apple will need to ensure they can compete with a standout product. Hopefully, by the time those glasses are ready, Visual Intelligence will be a well-developed feature that enhances the overall user experience.
The European Commission has approved Poland’s plan to provide Intel with more than 7.4 billion zlotys ($1.91 billion) in state aid to support the development of a new chip assembly and testing plant. This significant investment aligns with the EU’s Chips Act, which aims to increase Europe’s share of the global chip market to 20% by 2030. Intel intends to invest up to $4.6 billion in the facility near Wroclaw, Poland, and it is expected to boost economic growth and technological advancement in the region.
Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski confirmed that the aid package would span 2024-2026, while additional legislation is required before finalising the deal. The government expects the process to be completed by the end of this year, enabling construction to begin soon after. This investment represents the largest of its kind in Poland in decades, promising to strengthen its economy and technological sector.
Meanwhile, Intel is also pursuing a $33 billion chip manufacturing project in Germany, but this venture has faced delays. Despite Intel’s ongoing cost-cutting efforts, Polish officials remain confident that their country’s investment plans with Intel will proceed as scheduled. This partnership is seen as a critical step toward securing Poland’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain and attracting further high-tech investments.
Bureau Veritas seeks to drive digital innovation within the maritime sector through its recent Smart Maritime Network (SMN) membership. The partnership is designed to enhance integration, standardisation, and data sharing among industry stakeholders, positioning Bureau Veritas as a leader in digital advancement.
The strategic focus of the company headquartered in France encompasses digital efficiency, applications, classification, and digitalised assets (Maritime 4.0), all aimed at facilitating the sector’s digital transformation. By addressing evolving industry needs and improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability in maritime operations, Bureau Veritas is dedicated to developing solutions that enhance industry practices and foster progress.
Bureau Veritas is also committed to advancing the industry through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives. Their collaboration with OrbitMI highlights their dedication to leveraging data-driven insights to minimise the carbon footprint of maritime operations.
Furthermore, the launch of ‘MOVE by Bureau Veritas,’ a smart hub integrating various maritime digital applications, marks a significant step forward in streamlining operations. This hub simplifies asset compliance and performance management, enabling faster, more informed decision-making and driving further progress within the maritime sector.
Taiwan is now using AI to track and predict the path of tropical storms, including the approaching storm Bebinca. AI-powered models, such as those from Nvidia and other tech companies, are outperforming traditional methods. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has found these tools especially useful, providing more accurate forecasts that give forecasters greater confidence in predicting storm paths.
In July, AI models helped Taiwan predict Typhoon Gaemi’s path and impact, delivering early warnings eight days before landfall. Technology like this one significantly outperformed conventional methods, accurately forecasting record rainfall and giving authorities more time to prepare. The AI-based system allowed Taiwan to anticipate a rare loop in Gaemi’s path, which prolonged its effects on the island.
While AI weather forecasting models have delivered impressive results, experts say more time is needed for the technology to fully surpass traditional methods in predicting typhoon strength and wind speeds. AI has already proven its worth in predicting storm tracks and could revolutionise weather forecasting globally.
Despite some limitations, AI’s increasing role in weather prediction is promising. Taiwan’s weather service forecasters hope ongoing partnerships with companies like Nvidia will enhance these tools, potentially leading to even more accurate predictions in the future.
WhatsApp is set to enhance its AI features with a two-way voice chat option. Users will soon interact with the Meta AI chatbot using voices of public figures, including well-known celebrities. The update will allow for more personalised and engaging communication experiences.
A recent beta update revealed that the voice feature will offer a range of options, including different accents and pitches. Users can select from various voices, possibly from both UK and US accents, though exact details remain unclear. The feature is designed to add a custom touch to AI interactions.
Meta previously introduced AI personalities on Messenger that mirrored celebrities and influencers. The new voice chat feature on WhatsApp builds on those efforts, bringing further AI-driven experiences to its user base.
Upon launch, the feature will display a simple interface with a prominent ‘Meta AI’ label, providing easy access to the voice options. Lastly, this marks another step forward for WhatsApp in delivering innovative AI solutions for users.
