OpenAI and Microsoft have reportedly agreed on a financial benchmark to define AGI. According to ‘The Information’, AGI will be achieved only when OpenAI’s AI systems generate profits exceeding $100 billion. This definition departs from traditional technical interpretations of AGI and suggests the milestone is many years away.
Despite growing speculation about the progress of models like OpenAI’s o3, the company is currently unprofitable. It expects significant losses this year and predicts profitability only by 2029. The high computational costs associated with advanced AI models pose additional challenges to meeting the ambitious profit target.
Microsoft’s access to OpenAI’s technology hinges on this definition. Under their agreement, Microsoft retains access to OpenAI’s models until AGI is achieved. This provision has sparked discussions, as some believe OpenAI could prematurely declare AGI to gain strategic advantage, though the profit-centric definition may delay such claims.
Experts remain divided on whether the o3 model represents meaningful progress toward AGI. Its performance gains are tempered by substantial expenses, underscoring the tension between innovation and commercial viability in AI development.
Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) and Amazon collaborate to enhance cultural and technical engagement, focusing on enriching visitor experiences at Diriyah’s historical sites. That initiative integrates Amazon’s innovative technologies, including Alexa, to provide accessible and comprehensive cultural and historical content.
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the collaboration aims to establish Diriyah as a global destination for culture and heritage while contributing to the tourism, cultural, and historical sectors. Additionally, the partnership supports community and economic growth by highlighting regional products, enabling local sellers to reach wider audiences through Amazon.sa, and fostering local content development.
Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) and Amazon are committed to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia. By connecting the Kingdom’s traditions and history with cutting-edge technology, they aim to create transformative experiences that resonate with visitors and strengthen Diriyah’s significance as a cultural hub on the global stage.
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.
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.
As Germany prepares for national elections on February 23, political parties are outlining their tech policy priorities, including digitalisation, AI, and platform regulation. Here’s where the leading parties stand as they finalise their programs ahead of the vote.
The centre-right CDU, currently leading in polls with 33%, proposes creating a dedicated Digital Ministry to streamline responsibilities under the Ministry of Transport. The party envisions broader use of AI and cloud technology in German industry while simplifying citizen interactions with authorities through digital accounts.
Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD, polling at 15%, focuses on reducing dependence on US and Chinese tech platforms by promoting European alternatives. The party also prioritises faster digitalisation of public administration and equitable rules for regulating AI and digital platforms, echoing EU-wide goals of tech sovereignty and security.
The Greens, with 14% support, highlight the role of AI in reducing administrative workloads amid labour shortages. They stress the need for greater interoperability across IT systems and call for an open-source strategy to modernise Germany’s digital infrastructure, warning that the country lags behind EU digitalisation targets.
The far-right AfD, projected to secure 17%, opposes EU platform regulations like the Digital Services Act and seeks to reverse Germany’s adoption of the NetzDG law. The party argues these measures infringe on free speech and calls for transparency in funding non-state actors and NGOs involved in shaping public opinion.
The parties’ contrasting visions set the stage for significant debates on the future of technology policy in Germany.
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has reopened five years after a devastating fire left the iconic landmark in ruins. Painstakingly restored to its original grandeur, the reconstruction relied on technologies, including lasers and 3D modelling, to recreate the historic structure.
The restoration effort was supported by data from art historian Andrew Tallon’s 2015 laser scans, which captured billions of precise points across the cathedral. These scans were combined with post-fire drone footage and modern technology to create a detailed 3D model that guided the process. Companies such as Autodesk and AGP donated their expertise to ensure accuracy.
The newly restored cathedral now includes updated features such as fire suppression systems, optimised lighting, and a modernised plaza, designed with the help of 3D visualisations. Experts believe these advancements set a precedent for using technology to preserve cultural heritage and assist in disaster recovery.
Looking ahead, the detailed 3D model will help maintain Notre Dame and safeguard its legacy for generations. This project serves as a testament to the power of innovation in protecting the world’s most treasured monuments.
Researchers have achieved a milestone in AI, teaching it to predict the complex aromas of whiskies and even identify their origins. The study, conducted in Germany, utilised AI to analyse the molecular makeup of 16 American and Scottish whiskies. It then predicted the five strongest aroma notes and distinguished between the two countries of origin with remarkable accuracy.
The AI surpassed human experts in consistency and precision, identifying aromas like menthol and citronellol for US whiskies and smoky, medicinal notes for Scotch. This innovation could ensure flavour consistency in whisky production, detect counterfeit goods, and even find applications in blending recycled materials to reduce odours.
While promising, the study was limited to a small selection of whiskies, raising questions about its performance on broader varieties or aged batches. Experts also noted that flavour perception depends on external factors, highlighting room for further exploration in this emotive domain. Nonetheless, this blend of technology and tradition signals a new step for the whisky industry.
Microsoft is taking steps to diversify the AI powering its flagship product, Microsoft 365 Copilot. While OpenAI’s GPT-4 model has been a cornerstone of the AI assistant since its launch in March 2023, Microsoft is now integrating internal and third-party AI models, including its proprietary Phi-4, to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This move reflects Microsoft’s broader strategy to lessen reliance on OpenAI, its long-time partner, as it looks to offer faster, more cost-effective solutions to enterprise customers.
The shift is driven by concerns over the high costs and slower speeds associated with OpenAI’s technology for enterprise users. A company spokesperson confirmed that OpenAI remains a partner for advanced models but emphasised that Microsoft customises and incorporates a range of AI models depending on the product. Beyond its collaboration with OpenAI, Microsoft is also customising open-weight models to make its services more accessible and affordable, with potential cost savings for customers.
Microsoft’s approach mirrors similar changes in its other business units. For example, GitHub, acquired by Microsoft in 2018, has started incorporating AI models from Anthropic and Google as alternatives to OpenAI’s offerings. These efforts align with Microsoft’s goal of demonstrating the return on investment for its AI tools, particularly as some enterprises remain cautious about adopting 365 Copilot due to concerns over pricing and utility.
Despite these challenges, Microsoft reports growing adoption of 365 Copilot. The company states that 70% of Fortune 500 companies are using the AI assistant, and analysts predict that more than 10 million users will adopt it this year. As Microsoft continues refining its AI technology, leaders like CEO Satya Nadella are keeping a close watch, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation in enterprise AI.
Stc Bahrain has partnered with Huawei to launch the fourth edition of its successful Technical Capacity Program, aligning with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 to foster digital innovation and talent development. The program aims to advance Bahrain’s digital economy by providing extensive training in critical ICT sectors, including networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, AI, and emerging technologies.
Participants will gain hands-on experience through technology showcases, engaging with the latest industry advancements and best practices. This year, the program will expand across stc Bahrain’s entire technology divisions, including Digital, Business, Wholesale, Consumer, and Customer Experience, reflecting the company’s commitment to empowering its workforce and driving the country’s digital transformation.
The initiative plays a key role in stc Bahrain’s broader digital transformation strategy by equipping employees with the skills necessary to innovate and lead in the telecommunications sector. The program is vital for nurturing a culture of continuous learning and talent development.
Through this collaboration, stc Bahrain is contributing to developing a highly skilled ICT workforce in Bahrain and supporting the kingdom’s goal of achieving sustainable economic growth and leadership in the digital space.
Data analytics firm Palantir Technologies and defence tech company Anduril Industries are leading efforts to form a consortium of technology companies to bid jointly for US government contracts, according to a report from the Financial Times. The group is expected to include SpaceX, OpenAI, Scale AI, autonomous shipbuilder Saronic, and other key players, with formal agreements anticipated as early as January.
The consortium aims to reshape the defence contracting landscape by combining cutting-edge technologies from some of Silicon Valley’s most innovative firms. A member involved in the initiative described it as a move toward creating “a new generation of defence contractors.” This collective effort seeks to enhance the efficiency of supplying advanced defence systems, leveraging technologies like AI, autonomous vehicles, and other innovations.
The initiative aligns with President-elect Donald Trump’s push for greater government efficiency, spearheaded in part by Elon Musk, who has been outspoken about reforming Pentagon spending priorities. Musk and others have criticised traditional defence programs, such as Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jet, advocating instead for the development of cost-effective, AI-driven drones, missiles, and submarines.
With these partnerships, the consortium hopes to challenge the dominance of established defence contractors like Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin, offering a modernised approach to defence technology and procurement in the US.
