Sustainable development

3D-printed ion traps could accelerate quantum computer scaling

Quantum computers may soon grow more powerful through 3D printing, with researchers building miniaturised ion traps to improve scalability and performance.

Ion traps, which confine ions and control their quantum states, play a central role in ion-based qubits. Researchers at UC Berkeley created 3D-printed traps just a few hundred microns wide, which captured ions up to ten times more efficiently than conventional versions.

The new traps also reduced waiting times, allowing ions to be usable more quickly once the system is activated. Hartmut Häffner, who led the study, said the approach could enable scaling to far larger numbers of qubits while boosting speed.

3D printing offers flexibility not possible with chip-style manufacturing, allowing for more complex shapes and designs. Team members say they are already working on new iterations, with future versions expected to integrate optical components such as miniaturised lasers.

Experts argue that this method could address the challenges of low yield, high costs, and poor reproducibility in current ion-trap manufacturing, paving the way for scalable quantum computing and applications in other fields, including mass spectrometry.

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ITU warns global Internet access by 2030 could cost nearly USD 2.8 trillion

Universal Internet connectivity by 2030 could cost up to $2.8 trillion, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space, and Technology (CST) Commission. The blueprint urges global cooperation to connect the one-third of humanity still offline.

The largest share, up to $1.7 trillion, would be allocated to expanding broadband through fibre, wireless, and satellite networks. Nearly $1 trillion is needed for affordability measures, alongside $152 billion for digital skills programmes.

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasised that connectivity is essential for access to education, employment, and vital services. She noted the stark divide between high-income countries, where 93% of people are online, and low-income states, where only 27% use the Internet.

The study shows costs have risen fivefold since ITU’s 2020 Connecting Humanity report, reflecting both higher demand and widening divides. Haytham Al-Ohali from Saudi Arabia said the figures underscore the urgency of investment and knowledge sharing to achieve meaningful connectivity.

The report recommends new business models and stronger cooperation between governments, industry, and civil society. Proposed measures include using schools as Internet gateways, boosting Africa’s energy infrastructure, and improving localised data collection to accelerate digital inclusion.

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Google Cloud study shows AI agents driving global business growth

A new Google Cloud study indicates that more than half of global enterprises are already using AI agents, with many reporting consistent revenue growth and faster return on investment.

The research, based on a survey of 3,466 executives across 24 countries, suggests agentic AI is moving from trial projects to large-scale deployment.

The findings by Google Cloud reveal that 52% of executives said their organisations actively use AI agents, while 39% reported launching more than ten. A group of early adopters, representing 13% of respondents, have gone further by dedicating at least half of their future AI budgets to agentic AI.

These companies are embedding agents across operations and are more likely to report returns in customer service, marketing, cybersecurity and software development.

The report also highlights how industries are tailoring adoption. Financial services focus on fraud detection, retail uses agents for quality control, and telecom operators apply them for network automation.

Regional variations are notable: European companies prioritise tech support, Latin American firms lean on marketing, while Asia-Pacific enterprises emphasise customer service.

Although enthusiasm is strong, challenges remain. Executives cited data privacy, security and integration with existing systems as key concerns.

Google Cloud executives said that early adopters are not only automating tasks but also reshaping business processes, with 2025 expected to mark a shift towards embedding AI intelligence directly into operations.

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Perplexity AI teams up with PayPal for fintech expansion

PayPal has partnered with Perplexity AI to provide PayPal and Venmo users in the US and select international markets with a free 12-month Perplexity Pro subscription and early access to the AI-powered Comet browser.

The $200 subscription allows unlimited queries, file uploads and advanced search features, while Comet offers natural language browsing to simplify complex tasks.

Industry analysts see the initiative as a way for PayPal to strengthen its position in fintech by integrating AI into everyday digital payments.

By linking accounts, users gain access to AI tools and cash back incentives and subscription management features, signalling a push toward what some describe as agentic commerce, where AI assistants guide financial and shopping decisions.

The deal also benefits Perplexity AI, a rising search and browser market challenger. Exposure to millions of PayPal customers could accelerate the adoption of its technology and provide valuable data for refining models.

Analysts suggest the partnership reflects a broader trend of payment platforms evolving into service hubs that combine transactions with AI-driven experiences.

While enthusiasm is high among early users, concerns remain about data privacy and regulatory scrutiny over AI integration in finance.

Market reaction has been positive, with PayPal shares edging upward following the announcement. Observers believe such alliances will shape the next phase of digital commerce, where payments, browsing, and AI capabilities converge.

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Hollywood’s Warner Bros. Discovery challenge an AI firm over copyright claims

Warner Bros. Discovery has filed a lawsuit against AI company Midjourney, accusing it of large-scale infringement of its intellectual property. The move follows similar actions by Disney and Universal, signalling growing pressure from major studios on AI image and video generators.

The filing includes examples of Midjourney-produced images featuring DC Comics, Looney Tunes and Rick and Morty characters. Warner Bros. Discovery argues that such output undermines its business model, which relies heavily on licensed images and merchandise.

The studio also claims Midjourney profits from copyright-protected works through its subscription services and the ‘Midjourney TV’ platform.

A central question in the case is whether AI-generated material reproducing copyrighted characters constitutes infringement under US law. The courts have not decided on this issue, making the outcome uncertain.

Warner Bros. Discovery is also challenging how Midjourney trains its models, pointing to past statements from company executives suggesting vast quantities of material were indiscriminately collected to build its systems.

With three major Hollywood studios now pursuing lawsuits, the outcome of these cases could establish a precedent for how courts treat AI-generated content.

Warner Bros. Discovery seeks damages that could reach $150,000 per infringed work, or Midjourney’s profits linked to the alleged violations.

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DeepSeek prepares new AI agent model to rival US competitors

According to people familiar with the plans, Chinese startup DeepSeek is developing an AI model with enhanced agent features to compete with US firms such as OpenAI.

The Hangzhou-based company intends for the system to perform multi-step tasks with limited input and adapt from its previous actions.

Founder Liang Wenfeng has urged his team to prepare the release before the end of 2025. The project follows DeepSeek’s earlier success with R1, a reasoning-focused model launched in January that attracted attention for its low development costs.

Since then, DeepSeek has delivered only incremental updates while rivals in China and the US have accelerated new product launches.

The shift towards AI agents reflects a broader industry move to develop tools capable of managing complex real-world tasks, from research to coding, with less reliance on users. OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, and Manus AI have already introduced similar projects.

Most systems still require significant oversight, highlighting the challenges of building fully autonomous agents.

DeepSeek declined to comment on the development.

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AI-powered home cinema and smart appliances unveiled by Hisense at IFA 2025

Hisense will debut AI-powered innovations at IFA 2025 under the theme ‘AI Your Life,’ showcasing entertainment, smart homes, and climate-friendly technologies. The company aims to make AI seamless and personal.

Entertainment highlights include the 116-inch RGB-MiniLED UX TV with 8,000 nits brightness, plus new laser projectors offering IMAX-level clarity and portability for home cinema and gaming.

Appliances get smarter with the PureFlat refrigerator, featuring a 21-inch screen for cooking, streaming, and AI art. ConnectLife agents will optimise chores and energy use in daily routines.

The U8 S Pro Air Conditioner brings presence detection, AI voice controls, and air purification, while Hisense expands into smart buildings, energy systems, and automotive climate solutions.

Combining advanced display technologies with next-gen appliances, Hisense says its innovations will empower people to live more freely and confidently across global markets.

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China and India adopt contrasting approaches to AI governance

As AI becomes central to business strategy, questions of corporate governance and regulation are gaining prominence. The study by Akshaya Kamalnath and Lin Lin examines how China and India are addressing these issues through law, policy, and corporate practice.

The paper focuses on three questions: how regulations are shaping AI and data protection in corporate governance, how companies are embedding technological expertise into governance structures, and how institutional differences influence each country’s response.

Findings suggest a degree of convergence in governance practices. Both countries have seen companies create chief technology officer roles, establish committees to manage technological risks, and disclose information about their use of AI.

In China, these measures are largely guided by central and provincial authorities, while in India, they reflect market-driven demand.

China’s approach is characterised by a state-led model that combines laws, regulations, and soft-law tools such as guidelines and strategic plans. The system is designed to encourage innovation while addressing risks in an adaptive manner.

India, by contrast, has fewer binding regulations and relies on a more flexible, principles-based model shaped by judicial interpretation and self-regulation.

Broader themes also emerge. In China, state-owned enterprises are using AI to support environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, while India has framed its AI strategy under the principle of ‘AI for All’ with a focus on the role of public sector organisations.

Together, these approaches underline how national traditions and developmental priorities are shaping AI governance in two of the world’s largest economies.

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SCO Tianjin Summit underscores economic cooperation and security dialogue

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin closed with leaders adopting the Tianjin Declaration, highlighting member states’ commitment to multilateralism, sovereignty, and shared security.

The discussions emphasised economic resilience, financial cooperation, and collective responses to security challenges.

Proposals included exploring joint financial mechanisms, such as common bonds and payment systems, to shield member economies from external disruptions.

Leaders also underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, with China pledging additional funding and infrastructure support across the bloc. Observers noted that these measures reflect growing interest in alternative global finance and economic governance approaches.

Security issues are prominently featured, with agreements to enhance counter-terrorism initiatives and expand existing structures such as the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure. Delegates also called for greater collaboration against cross-border crime, drug trafficking, and emerging security risks.

At the same time, they stressed the need for political solutions to ongoing regional conflicts, including those in Ukraine, Gaza, and Afghanistan.

With its expanding membership and combined economic weight, the SCO continues to position itself as a platform for cooperation beyond traditional regional security concerns.

While challenges remain, including diverging interests among key members, the Tianjin summit indicated the bloc’s growing role in discussions on multipolar governance and collective stability.

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Key AI researchers depart Apple for rivals Meta and OpenAI

Apple is confronting a significant exodus of AI talent, with key researchers departing for rival firms instead of advancing projects in-house.

The company lost its lead robotics researcher, Jian Zhang, to Meta’s Robotics Studio, alongside several core Foundation Models team members responsible for the Apple Intelligence platform. The brain drain has triggered internal concerns about Apple’s strategic direction and declining staff morale.

Instead of relying entirely on its own systems, Apple is reportedly considering a shift towards using external AI models. The departures include experts like Ruoming Pang, who accepted a multi-year package from Meta reportedly worth $200 million.

Other AI researchers are set to join leading firms like OpenAI and Anthropic, highlighting a fierce industry-wide battle for specialised expertise.

At the centre of the talent war is Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, offering lucrative packages worth up to $100 million to secure leading researchers for Meta’s ambitious AI and robotics initiatives.

The aggressive recruitment strategy is strengthening Meta’s capabilities while simultaneously weakening the internal development efforts of competitors like Apple.

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