Quantum leap: Cisco opens lab and introduces entanglement chip

Cisco has introduced a prototype chip designed to connect quantum computers and has opened a new laboratory in California to drive its ambitions in the emerging field.

The company revealed in a blog post that its quantum network entanglement chip produces pairs of entangled photons, allowing for instantaneous connections across any distance through quantum teleportation.

One of the chip’s key features is its compatibility with existing telecommunications infrastructure. By operating at standard telecom wavelengths, it can utilise current fibre networks, simplifying its potential integration.

Vijoy Pandey, SVP of Cisco’s Outshift innovation incubator, explained that while current quantum processors offer only hundreds of qubits, applications will require millions.

Cisco’s solution is to network smaller quantum computers together, forming larger, distributed systems rather than attempting to build a single large-scale processor.

‘Scaled-out quantum data centres, where processors work together through specialised networking, will be the practical and achievable path forward,’ Pandey said.

Although the chip remains a prototype, Cisco believes quantum processor makers will soon benefit from its networking technologies, which are intended to help scale quantum systems.

The formal launch of the Cisco Quantum Labs facility took place on 6 May. Pandey noted that the company has been working on the core elements of quantum networking for years.

Alongside the entanglement chip, the lab will research other critical components, including distribution protocols, a distributed computing compiler, and a network development kit.

Cisco joins major players such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft in advancing quantum computing technologies, while Telefonica is building its own research centre to explore the future of the sector.

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Motorola reveals new Razr phones with AI power

Motorola has unveiled its latest Razr flip phones, packed with AI features from a mix of tech giants including Google, Microsoft, Meta and Perplexity. The Ultra, Plus and standard Razr models will debut on 15 May, with tools that suggest actions, summarise notifications and even respond to the user’s gaze.

Perplexity’s AI app will come preinstalled, marking a rare shift towards diversifying AI search tools on Android devices. Unlike rivals Apple and Samsung, Motorola’s strategy integrates multiple AI systems, avoiding reliance on a single provider.

Notably absent is OpenAI’s technology, with Motorola instead selecting partners based on their expertise in research, productivity and user engagement. Meta’s Llama model, Microsoft’s Copilot and Google’s Gemini assistant will all feature in the new phones.

The launch comes as Google faces legal scrutiny over its search engine dominance, raising questions about future control of the AI market. Despite trade tensions and potential tariff impacts, Motorola has kept prices steady, crediting its parent company Lenovo’s adaptable supply chain.

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Microsoft retires Skype, urges switch to Teams

Microsoft has officially retired Skype as of 5 May 2025, closing a chapter in the history of digital communication. The change affects both free and paid users, although “Skype for Business” users will not be impacted.

Users are now encouraged to switch to the free version of Microsoft Teams. By signing in with their Skype credentials, they can automatically transfer their contacts and chat history.

Those who prefer not to continue with Teams have the option to export their Skype data.

Launched in 2003, Skype revolutionised online communication and, by 2008, was the largest provider of international voice calls, holding an 8% share of global call volume.

At its peak in 2011, Skype boasted 140 million monthly users worldwide.

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Some iPhones lose WhatsApp support

WhatsApp has officially ceased support for older iPhone models starting 5 May 2025. Devices running iOS versions earlier than 15.1, including the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus, will no longer be able to use the messaging platform. These models are limited to iOS 12.5.7 and cannot receive further updates.

The move comes as part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to bolster user security and keep pace with advancing technology.

By discontinuing support for devices that no longer receive security patches from Apple, the company aims to reduce vulnerabilities and provide a safer user experience.

While newer models like the iPhone 8 and iPhone X remain compatible for now, users are advised that these devices may also lose support soon as Apple has stopped issuing software updates for them. Apple has already classified the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus as obsolete.

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5G Advanced is now live nationwide with T-Mobile

T-Mobile has officially become the first network provider in the United States to offer nationwide 5G Advanced coverage. Built from the ground up with future-ready infrastructure, T-Mobile’s network is now fully equipped to deliver cutting-edge experiences, leaving competitors struggling to catch up.

The 5G Advanced rollout introduces a new era of technology, blending high-speed connectivity, lower latency, and AI-driven enhancements.

Users can expect seamless cloud gaming, immersive extended reality (XR) experiences, enhanced smart home integrations, and much more.

By integrating features from both Release 17 and Release 18 of the 3GPP global standards, T-Mobile has crafted a unique platform that boosts performance, energy efficiency, and innovation.

Through developments such as network slicing and Reduced Capability (RedCap) technology, T-Mobile enables highly consistent connections for specialised services and billions of new connected devices.

The network’s dynamic use of AI and machine learning is also setting a new benchmark, offering optimised resource management and improved responsiveness to real-time demands.

T-Mobile’s ambition does not stop with 5G Advanced. The company plans to build on these innovations, combining global standards with in-house solutions to drive the transition towards 6G and shape the future of wireless communication.

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Fibocom’s AI mobile hotspot promises faster, smarter connectivity

Fibocom has launched its new 5G AI Mobile Hotspot Solution, combining next-generation 5G connectivity with advanced AI-driven voice interaction.

The intelligent mobile hotspot, powered by Fibocom’s customised AI app, supports multilingual voice control, real-time document retrieval, and an AI translation engine covering more than 20 languages with up to 95% accuracy, making it an ideal tool for international communication and travel.

The solution is built on Qualcomm’s QCM4490 platform, featuring an 8-core 4nm CPU with speeds up to 2.4GHz. It supports dual SIM standby, USB 3.1, Ethernet, and boasts 15W fast and reverse charging capabilities.

Fully compliant with 3GPP Release 16, the device achieves downlink speeds up to 2.33Gbps on Sub-6GHz bands and supports Android and Linux operating systems, external cameras, and 1080P displays for broad application use.

Significantly, the mobile hotspot integrates Qualcomm’s next-generation Wi-Fi 7 chipset, offering concurrent dual-band modes and speeds up to BE5800.

Ralph Zhao, Vice President of Fibocom’s MC Product Management Department, said the launch transforms mobile hotspots into intelligent companions, driving forward the integration of 5G, AI, and edge computing technologies.

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Fibocom launches AI-powered 5G hotspot

Fibocom has introduced a next-generation 5G AI Mobile Hotspot, combining ultra-fast 5G connectivity with intelligent voice interaction features.

Designed to serve both individual users and business environments, the device marks a shift from conventional mobile hotspots to smart, AI-enabled communication hubs.

The hotspot is powered by a custom-built AI app that offers voice-activated multilingual control, allowing users to manage services hands-free.

With real-time content access and an AI translation engine supporting over 20 languages at up to 95% accuracy, the device is particularly suited to international settings, such as global meetings and travel.

Built on the Qualcomm QCM4490 platform, the device uses an 8-core 4nm CPU running up to 2.4 GHz. It supports behavioural analytics, dual SIM standby, USB 3.1 and Ethernet, and offers 15-W fast and reverse charging.

Compatible with both Android and Linux systems, it also accommodates external cameras and 1080P displays.

Incorporating Qualcomm’s advanced Wi-Fi 7 chipset, the hotspot supports concurrent dual-band modes, enabling download speeds up to BE5800.

With full 3GPP Release 16 compliance and support for Sub-6-GHz frequencies, it promises reliable, high-performance wireless access for long-term and future-ready use.

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South Korea’s $23B chip industry boost in response to global trade war

South Korea announced a $23 billion support package for its semiconductor industry, increasing from last year’s $19 billion to protect giants like Samsung and SK Hynix from US tariff uncertainties and China’s growing competition

The plan allocates 20 trillion won in financial aid, up from 17 trillion, to drive innovation and production, addressing a 31.8% drop in chip exports to China due to US trade restrictions.

The package responds to US policies under President Trump, including export curbs on high-bandwidth chips to China, which have disrupted global demand. 

At the same time, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will negotiate with the US to mitigate potential national security probes on chip trade. 

South Korea’s strategy aims to safeguard a critical economic sector that powers everything from smartphones to AI, especially as its auto industry faces US tariff challenges. 

Analysts view this as a preemptive effort to shield the chip industry from escalating global trade tensions.

Why does it matter?

For South Koreans, the semiconductor sector is a national lifeline, tied to jobs and economic stability, with the government betting big to preserve its global tech dominance. As China’s tech ambitions grow and US policies remain unpredictable, Seoul’s $23 billion investment speaks out about the cost of staying competitive in a tech-driven world.

Trump eyes tariffs on semiconductors in push to boost US tech manufacturing

US President Donald Trump is preparing to introduce new tariffs on semiconductor imports, aiming to shift more chip production back to the United States.

Semiconductors, or microchips, are essential components in everything from smartphones and laptops to medical devices and renewable energy systems.

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said new tariff rates would be announced soon as part of a broader effort to end American reliance on foreign-made chips and strengthen national security.

The global semiconductor supply chain is heavily concentrated in Asia, with Taiwan’s TSMC producing over half of the world’s chips and supplying major companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia.

Trump’s move signals a more aggressive stance in the ongoing ‘chip wars’ with China, as his administration warns of the dangers of the US being dependent on overseas production for such a critical technology.

Although the US has already taken steps to boost domestic chip production—like the $6.6 billion awarded to TSMC to build a factory in Arizona—progress has been slow due to a shortage of skilled workers.

The plant faced delays, and TSMC ultimately flew in thousands of workers from Taiwan to meet demands, underscoring the challenge of building a self-reliant semiconductor industry on American soil.

Why does it matter?

Trump’s proposed tariffs are expected to form part of a wider investigation into the electronics supply chain, aimed at shielding the US from foreign control and ensuring long-term technological independence. As markets await the announcement, the global tech industry is bracing for potential disruptions and new tensions in the international trade landscape.

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Nvidia expands AI chip production in the US amid political pressure and global shifts

Nvidia is significantly ramping up its presence in the United States by commissioning over a million square feet of manufacturing space in Arizona and Texas to build and test its powerful AI chips. The tech giant has begun producing its Blackwell chips at TSMC facilities in Phoenix and is developing large-scale ‘supercomputer’ manufacturing plants in partnership with Foxconn in Houston and Wistron in Dallas.

The company projects mass production to begin within the next 12 to 15 months, with ambitions to manufacture up to half a trillion dollars’ worth of AI infrastructure in the US over the next four years. CEO Jensen Huang emphasised that this move marks the first time the core components of global AI infrastructure are being built domestically.

He cited growing global demand, supply chain resilience, and national security as key reasons for the shift. Nvidia’s decision follows an agreement with the Trump administration that helped the company avoid export restrictions on its H20 chip, a top-tier processor still eligible for export to China.

Nvidia joins a broader wave of AI industry leaders aligning with the Trump administration’s ‘America-first’ strategy. Companies like OpenAI and Microsoft have pledged massive investments in US-based AI infrastructure, hoping to secure political goodwill and avoid regulatory hurdles.

Trump has also reportedly pressured key suppliers like TSMC to expand American operations, threatening tariffs as high as 100% if they fail to comply. Despite the enthusiasm, Nvidia’s expansion faces headwinds.

A shortage of skilled workers and potential retaliation from China—particularly over raw material access—pose serious risks. Meanwhile, Trump’s recent moves to undermine the Chips Act, which provides critical funding for domestic chipmaking, have raised concerns about the long-term viability of US semiconductor investment.

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