One NZ has become the first telecommunications company globally to offer a nationwide satellite text messaging service, thanks to a partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink. This service enables customers with eligible phones and plans to send and receive text messages in areas beyond traditional cell tower coverage, provided they have a clear line of sight to the sky.
Initially, the service supports four specific phone models, with plans to expand compatibility to more devices next year. During the rollout phase, text message delivery times are expected to be within three minutes, though some may take up to ten minutes or longer. The service is available at no extra cost to existing customers on paid monthly plans, with future enhancements potentially including voice calling and data services.
This initiative follows successful tests of Starlink’s satellite text service during hurricane relief efforts in the United States. One NZ’s collaboration with Starlink marks a significant advancement in ensuring connectivity across New Zealand‘s diverse landscapes, particularly in the 40% of the country not covered by cell towers.
OpenAI has introduced a new way to access its popular ChatGPT AI by phone. Users in the United States can now call 1-800-CHATGPT to speak with ChatGPT for up to 15 minutes per month at no cost. This innovative feature is powered by OpenAI’s Realtime API and marks a move towards making AI more approachable for everyday users.
For those outside the US, OpenAI has expanded access via WhatsApp, allowing global users to interact with ChatGPT through text. The initiative is part of OpenAI’s effort to offer a simplified version of ChatGPT, providing a ‘low-cost way’ to try the service through familiar communication channels.
OpenAI has reassured users that calls will not be used to train its models, distinguishing its approach from similar past services like Google’s now-defunct GOOG-411. With this launch, OpenAI continues to bridge the gap between technology and accessibility, making conversational AI more reachable than ever.
The world of online dating is set for a significant shake-up as companies turn to AI to enhance user experiences. Major platforms like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble are introducing AI-powered features aimed at improving matchmaking, personalising user journeys, and offering support for daters.
Hinge, part of the Match Group, plans to launch an AI-driven dating coach next year, helping users refine profiles and navigate conversations. Similarly, Bumble’s AI safety tools and enhanced matchmaking algorithms are already shaping the dating experience. These innovations aim to move dating apps from self-service platforms to guided experiences tailored to individual needs.
Experts believe AI could reduce the frustrations of early-stage communication by identifying more compatible matches and even offering tools like AI concierges to assist with planning dates. While the integration of AI into online dating is still in its early stages, the industry is poised for transformative changes that could redefine how people connect online.
Despite the incoming administration of Donald Trump, the US shift towards renewable energy is expected to continue, according to Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group’s (MUFG) Americas CEO, Kevin Cronin. While Trump’s policies may favour fossil fuels, Cronin emphasised that renewable energy projects, which take years to plan and build, remain integral to the bank’s strategy regardless of political changes. MUFG, Japan’s largest banking group, remains committed to financing these long-term projects.
The bank’s position has been bolstered by President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which supports infrastructure and renewable investments. However, the real growth opportunity now lies in the booming demand for energy from data centres, driven by AI. Data centre capacity is expected to double by 2030, making reliable energy — both renewable and fossil-based — critical for future expansion.
MUFG has maintained its lead in project finance for 14 consecutive years and is adapting to state-level variations in energy policy. Since selling its retail banking arm in 2022, MUFG has focused on wholesale banking and technology-related sectors, even hiring talent from the collapsed Silicon Valley Bank to strengthen its position. The US market remains a cornerstone of MUFG’s global profits, contributing nearly 30% of its earnings in the last fiscal year.
Democratic Senator Ed Markey and Republican Senator Rand Paul are urging President Joe Biden to extend the January 19 deadline for ByteDance, the China-based owner of TikTok, to sell the app’s US assets or face a nationwide ban. The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on January 10 regarding ByteDance’s legal challenge, which claims the law mandating the sale violates First Amendment free speech rights. In their letter to Biden, the senators highlighted the potential consequences for free expression and the uncertain future of the law.
The controversial legislation, signed by Biden in April, was passed due to national security concerns. The Justice Department asserts that TikTok’s vast data on 170 million American users poses significant risks, including potential manipulation of content. TikTok, however, denies posing any threat to US security.
The debate has split lawmakers. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell supports enforcing the deadline, while President-elect Donald Trump has softened his stance, expressing support for TikTok and suggesting he would review the situation. The deadline falls just a day before Trump is set to take office on January 20, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the app’s fate.
Geothermal energy is gaining momentum as Big Tech companies like Meta and Google turn to it to power their energy-hungry AI data centres. Startups such as Fervo Energy and Sage Geosystems are partnering with these firms to harness geothermal’s promise of carbon-free, reliable electricity. Unlike wind and solar, geothermal energy offers consistent power, though it faces challenges like high drilling costs and long approval timelines.
Oil and gas companies are also showing interest. Devon Energy and other mid-sized producers are investing in geothermal to meet their own energy needs. However, major oil players like Chevron and Exxon Mobil remain focused on natural gas, promoting it alongside carbon capture technology to reduce emissions.
Interest in geothermal is expanding, particularly in Texas, where abundant resources and streamlined regulations attract new projects. More than 60 geothermal startups have emerged in recent years, supported by improving investment conditions and bipartisan government initiatives like the CLEAN Act and HEATS Act. If these laws pass, they could further boost the sector by simplifying project approvals.
With geothermal’s competitive costs—averaging $64 per megawatt-hour—it may become a key part of a diverse energy mix. As AI-driven data centres grow, the demand for clean and consistent power is driving geothermal’s rise, offering a potential alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
AI-powered logistics startup Boon has raised $20.5 million to revolutionise fleet and logistics operations. The funding, led by Marathon and Redpoint, includes $15.5 million from a Series A round and a previously undisclosed $5 million seed investment. The platform aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency by unifying data from diverse applications.
Boon targets inefficiencies in the logistics industry, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises managing over 60 million fleet vehicles globally. Current tools, often fragmented across 15 to 20 applications, create administrative burdens. Boon’s AI agent addresses these challenges by automating processes, optimising workflows, and providing actionable insights.
Founder Deepti Yenireddy drew on her experience at fleet operations giant Samsara to design Boon. She assembled a team of experts from Apple, DoorDash, Google, and other leading firms to develop the platform. Boon plans to use the funding to expand its offerings, covering areas like container loading and staffing optimisation.
Early results have been promising. With paying customers representing 35,000 drivers and 10,000 vehicles, Boon reached an annual revenue run rate of $1 million within nine months. The company is hiring to accelerate growth and broaden its impact on the logistics sector.
The US Department of Commerce has asked Nvidia to investigate how its AI chips ended up in China despite ongoing export restrictions, The Information reported. In response, Nvidia has called on major distributors like Super Micro and Dell to conduct customer inspections in Southeast Asia. Nvidia chips, embedded in server products, have allegedly been smuggled to Chinese entities through various schemes, including duplicating or altering serial numbers.
Super Micro and Dell stated they strictly enforce export regulations and will terminate relationships with partners who violate these controls. Super Micro also confirmed it investigates unauthorised exports and complies with all US export laws.
These developments come as the Biden administration intensifies its crackdown on chip sales to China. Despite the broadened restrictions on high-end AI chips in 2023, Chinese institutions reportedly acquired Nvidia chips through resellers. Earlier this month, the US further limited semiconductor exports to 140 additional companies, underscoring efforts to control the flow of advanced technology to China.
AI poses both opportunities and risks for businesses, creating a demand for specialised AI security solutions. Mindgard, a British university spinoff, is addressing these challenges with innovative approaches to safeguard companies against vulnerabilities like prompt injection and adversarial attacks.
Founded by Professor Peter Garraghan, Mindgard employs Dynamic Application Security Testing for AI (DAST-AI), a system designed to detect vulnerabilities during runtime. Its automated red-teaming simulations leverage an extensive threat library to test the resilience of AI systems, including image classifiers. However, this cutting-edge technology stems from Garraghan’s academic expertise in AI security, reinforced by ongoing collaborations with Lancaster University.
Recent developments have bolstered Mindgard’s growth. A new $8 million funding round, led by Boston-based .406 Ventures, will support team expansion, product development, and entry into the US market. Despite its global aspirations, the company plans to retain its R&D and engineering operations in London.
With a lean team of 15 aiming to grow modestly, Mindgard’s focus remains on creating a safer AI landscape. The platform serves a diverse clientele, from enterprises and penetration testers to AI startups keen on showcasing their risk prevention capabilities. Garraghan envisions a future where AI adoption is both secure and trusted.
The US Supreme Court has agreed to review a case involving TikTok and its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, in a challenge against a law requiring the app’s sale or a ban in the US by January 19. The court will hear arguments on 10 January but has not yet decided on TikTok’s request to block the law, which it claims violates free speech rights under the First Amendment. TikTok, used by 170 million Americans, argues the law would harm its operations and user base, while US officials cite national security concerns over data access and content manipulation.
The Justice Department has labelled TikTok a significant security risk due to its Chinese ownership, while TikTok denies posing any threat and accuses lawmakers of speculation. The law, passed in April and signed by President Biden, would ban the app unless ByteDance divests its ownership. The company warns that even a temporary shutdown could damage its US market share, advertising revenue, and ability to recruit creators and staff.
The case also reflects heightened tensions between the US and China over technology and trade policies. TikTok’s fate could set a precedent for the treatment of other foreign-owned apps, raising questions about free speech and digital commerce. The Supreme Court’s decision may have far-reaching implications for the platform’s future and US-China relations.
