Samsung Electronics has announced the mass production of its PM9E1, a PCIe 5.0 SSD that boasts the highest performance and largest capacity in the industry. Built on a 5nm controller and eighth-generation V-NAND technology, the PM9E1 offers enhanced power efficiency and powerful performance, making it an ideal choice for on-device AI PCs. Compared to its predecessor, the PM9A1, key attributes like speed, storage capacity, and security have all seen significant improvements.
The new SSD features an eight-channel PCIe 5.0 interface, enabling sequential read speeds of up to 14.5 gigabytes per second (GB/s) and write speeds of 13GB/s, more than doubling the capabilities of the previous generation. This impressive performance facilitates rapid data transfer for demanding AI applications, allowing large models to be transferred from the SSD to DRAM in less than a second.
Available in multiple storage options—512GB, 1 terabyte (TB), 2TB, and a market-leading 4TB—the PM9E1 is particularly suited for users needing high-capacity storage for large files, including AI-generated content and high-resolution videos. Its improved power efficiency, exceeding 50%, also supports longer battery life for on-device applications.
To enhance security, Samsung has implemented Security Protocol and Data Model (SPDM) v1.2, which includes features like secure channels and device authentication to prevent data manipulation during production or distribution. With the PM9E1, Samsung aims to expand its advanced SSD offerings to global PC manufacturers and plans to introduce additional PCIe 5.0-based consumer products to strengthen its position in the on-device AI market.
Global semiconductor sales reached a record $53.1 billion in August, marking a significant 20.6% increase from the previous year, driven primarily by surging demand related to AI, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA). This figure also reflects a 3.5% rise from July’s sales of $51.3 billion, indicating continued momentum in the semiconductor sector.
SIA President and CEO John Neuffer highlighted that August marked the highest sales total ever for that month and noted that sales have increased month-to-month for five consecutive months. The Americas led the growth with a remarkable 43.9% year-on-year increase, while China saw a 19.2% rise, and the Asia-Pacific region reported a 17.1% boost. Japan’s sales grew modestly by 2%, but Europe was the only region to experience a decline, falling by 9%.
The World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) recently upgraded its global semiconductor sales forecast for 2024 to $611 billion, reflecting a 16% increase from last year. Strong demand in computing markets is driving this growth, particularly in the Americas and Asia-Pacific, which are expected to see increases of 25.1% and 17.5%, respectively. In contrast, Europe is projected to grow by just 0.5%, while Japan may experience a slight decline of 1.1%.
Looking ahead to 2024, WSTS predicts global semiconductor sales will rise to $687 billion, although growth will slow to 12.5%. Positive growth is expected across all regions, signalling a robust future for the semiconductor industry despite regional disparities.
Visa has introduced a blockchain-based platform designed to help financial institutions integrate fiat-backed tokens. The Visa Tokenized Asset Platform (VTAP) will allow banks to mint, transfer, and redeem tokens on public blockchain networks, such as Ethereum. BBVA, a leading Spanish bank, is set to pilot this platform by 2025, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional banking and blockchain technology.
The platform is designed to integrate with existing banking systems using APIs, allowing banks to explore tokenisation use cases. It also offers programmable features to automate complex credit lines and release payments based on smart contract conditions.
Despite Visa’s cautious approach to stablecoin adoption, citing concerns over automated transactions, the platform marks a significant step toward blending blockchain technology with traditional financial services.
Japan’s Fair Trade Commission has launched an investigation into the rapidly expanding generative AI market. Concerns have been raised about the dominance of US tech companies, particularly in semiconductors and the specialist workforce needed for AI development.
The commission has invited businesses and users to provide input on antitrust risks, with a first report expected next spring. The study aims to identify challenges for new companies entering the AI market, which often depends on advanced semiconductors and vast data resources.
Nvidia’s dominance in the semiconductor market, controlling 80% of chips used for AI, is highlighted as a potential barrier to competition. The commission also noted risks related to monopolisation of specialists by large IT companies and prioritising their own AI products.
Other nations, including the US, European Union, and South Korea, are conducting similar investigations. Study in Japan intends to balance AI’s benefits with ensuring fair market access and competition.
Captions, an AI-powered video editing app, has introduced a new tool that manages content publishing schedules for websites and generates videos on relevant topics. This tool analyses a site to collect content, keywords, service offerings, and key selling points, creating a customised content plan. Currently, the emphasis is on producing videos for social media platforms such as Instagram Reels and TikTok, with plans to explore additional formats in the future.
The tool is designed to support small businesses like cafes and dental clinics by showcasing their offerings and seasonal trends. In June, Captions launched a feature that enables users to automatically create and edit videos using 12 AI characters. This new tool utilises a business’s existing content and relevant trends to generate video prompts, allowing sellers to create a digital twin and incorporate their brand identity, including custom colours, logos, and fonts.
Captions CEO Gaurav Misra highlighted that the tool assists businesses lacking resources to create high-quality content, enabling them to build an online presence without requiring advanced video production skills. He envisions a future where businesses can incorporate more of their web pages into the AI content planning process. Recently, Captions secured $60 million in Series C funding, which will be used to enhance its AI capabilities. The company offers paid plans, including Max at $25 per month and Scale at $70 per month.
Several rival web browsers, including Vivaldi, Waterfox, and Wavebox, along with a web development advocacy group, have called on the European Commission to impose stricter antitrust regulations on Microsoft’s Edge browser. In a letter dated 17 September, the group argued that Edge, pre-installed on all Windows devices, is given an unfair distribution advantage, limiting competition. This follows a recent lawsuit by Opera, a Norwegian browser company, which challenged the Commission’s decision to exempt Edge from the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
DMA aims to stop dominant online platforms from restricting consumer choices by setting guidelines for ‘gatekeeper’ services. Rival browsers argue that Microsoft’s practice of making Edge the default browser on Windows undermines the spirit of the law. They contend that Edge’s pre-installed presence gives it an unfair advantage, making it harder for independent browsers to compete, especially as many users rely on Edge to download alternatives.
Neither Microsoft nor the European Commission has commented on the issue, but critics have pointed out that Edge’s pop-up messages often misrepresent the features of rival browsers. Despite these allegations, Microsoft Edge holds only a small portion of the global browser market, with just over 5%, while Google Chrome dominates with 66%.
A recent pilot program using AI software has significantly reduced the time social workers spend on administrative tasks by more than 60%, according to Swindon Borough Council. The AI tool, Magic Notes, developed by UK-based Beam, was tested by 19 social workers and received ‘overwhelmingly positive’ feedback. By automating the recording of conversations and generating assessments, the software allowed social workers to focus more on meaningful interactions with the people they support.
The trial, held from April to June, revealed a significant reduction in assessment times, decreasing from an average of 90 minutes to just 35 minutes. Additionally, the time needed to write reports was slashed from four hours to 90 minutes. Social workers facing challenges such as visual impairments or dyslexia reported that the tool fostered a more inclusive work environment, enhancing their confidence in their roles.
Councillor Ray Ballman, the cabinet member for adult social care, described Magic Notes as a ‘game changer.’ He mentioned that the council is now looking into additional ways to integrate the technology to enhance care quality and provide better staff support.
Croatian startup AEOS, formerly known as AdScanner, has secured €10 million in a Series B investment round led by Taiwania Capital, with additional backing from existing investors. This funding follows significant revenue growth and product innovations that aim to redefine how advertisers reach audiences across both traditional television and streaming platforms.
Founded in 2012, AEOS has become a key player in the European TV advertising market, using data-driven technology to enhance campaign planning and audience measurement. Operating in Croatia, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, and Serbia, the company plans to use the new investment to accelerate growth and develop its product offerings, particularly in the AI space.
The funding will support the development of AI-driven tools that help advertisers optimise their campaigns across platforms. AEOS has already gained recognition for its Cockpit solution, offering near real-time analytics and bridging the gap between traditional broadcast media and digital streaming services.
In 2024, AEOS will launch its second-generation AI-based planning tool, designed to unify TV and streaming campaigns into one seamless ecosystem. The tool allows advertisers to plan, measure, and optimise their campaigns across multiple devices with greater accuracy than ever before.
Stablecoins are now a crucial part of Sub-Saharan Africa’s crypto economy, representing 43% of the region’s total transaction volume, according to a report from Chainalysis. In nations struggling with unstable currencies and limited access to US dollars, dollar-pegged tokens like Tether and USDC are helping businesses and individuals manage value and carry out international trade.
Due to foreign exchange shortages, with 70% of African countries affected, many are turning to stablecoins as an alternative to traditional financial systems. Ethiopia, which recently devalued its currency by 30%, has experienced a 180% rise in stablecoin transfers, signalling growing reliance on this digital solution.
Experts believe stablecoins will continue to shape the region’s financial future. Rob Downes, head of digital assets at ABSA Bank, expects these tokens to be the primary crypto use case in South Africa within the next few years, as the need for dollar equivalents rises.
Global financial messaging service SWIFT will trial live transactions of tokenised assets and digital currencies in 2024, aiming to accelerate their integration into the financial system. Tokenisation, which transforms traditional assets like bonds into digital units, promises faster, cheaper, and more efficient trading by cutting out intermediaries.
Despite high expectations, tokenisation and digital currencies have yet to achieve widespread adoption. Around 90% of central banks are experimenting with digital currencies, hoping to modernise trade and payments in the evolving cryptocurrency landscape. SWIFT has already tested Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and plans to connect them with existing financial infrastructure.
SWIFT’s head of innovation, Nick Kerigan, stated that demand is growing for real-world digital asset transactions where payment in real money happens simultaneously. However, market fragmentation has limited progress, with most initiatives still confined to banks’ internal systems.
The latest SWIFT trials will involve trading various digital assets across multiple platforms. Kerigan emphasised the need for both delivery and payment in tokenised transactions, highlighting the role of wholesale CBDCs and tokenised deposits in making this possible.
