Telecommunications infrastructure Archives | Page 9 of 124

Claws become the new trend in local agentic AI

A new expression has entered the AI vocabulary, with ‘claws’ becoming the latest term to capture the industry’s imagination.

The term refers to a growing family of open-source personal assistants designed to run locally on consumer hardware, often on Apple’s compact Mac mini rather than on cloud-based servers.

These assistants can access calendars, email accounts, coding tools, browsers and external model APIs, enabling them to carry out complex digital tasks autonomously.

Interest increased after AI researcher Andrej Karpathy described his experiments with claws, prompting broader attention across online communities.

Many users have begun adopting the tools as lightweight agentic systems capable of handling real work, from scheduling meetings to writing software overnight by linking to models from providers such as OpenAI.

The name originated with Clawdbot, which was recently rebranded as OpenClaw and became a prominent example in Silicon Valley.

A wave of variants, including NanoClaw, ZeroClaw and IronClaw, has followed, marking a surge in locally run assistants that appeal to users seeking greater autonomy, privacy and experimentation.

Growing enthusiasm for claws highlights a wider shift towards agentic AI running directly on personal devices.

Whether these systems become mainstream or remain a niche developer trend, they show how quickly the AI landscape can evolve and how new concepts often spread long before they fully mature.

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Quantum-safe security upgrades SIM and eSIM cards

Thales has successfully demonstrated a world-first capability that prepares 5G networks for the era of quantum computing. The test proved that SIM and eSIM cards can be remotely upgraded to support post-quantum cryptography, boosting security without disrupting services or user experience.

The breakthrough highlights the potential of crypto-agile networks to evolve securely as quantum threats emerge.

Replacing millions of devices is impractical, so Thales enables operators to deploy quantum-safe algorithms directly to existing devices. Remote upgrades preserve data and connectivity while instantly boosting security, keeping 5G networks resilient and trusted.

The demonstration reinforces Thales’ leadership in post-quantum cryptography, with dedicated research teams developing quantum-resistant methods and contributing to international standards, including NIST initiatives.

Operators can now protect long-term investments, secure critical services, and prepare for the next generation of quantum computing without operational disruptions.

Thales’ approach offers a practical roadmap for telecoms to adopt quantum-safe security today, ensuring continuity, trust, and resilience across mobile networks as digital threats evolve.

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Cloud-native networks drive AI connectivity

Mobility is emerging as the digital economy’s backbone, with Cisco outlining its latest strategy at Mobile World Congress. Cloud-native, programmable networks are being framed as platforms that enable new revenue models while reducing operational complexity across industries and cities.

Recent updates focus on the Cisco Mobility Services Platform, plus IoT-as-a-service and a programmable core built to scale global networks.

Partnerships with operators such as AT&T, Tele2 IoT, and Wind Tre Group aim to speed up enterprise connectivity and reduce deployment times for industrial use cases.

Preparation for the AI era remains a core theme. Collaboration with NVIDIA focuses on embedding intelligence into wireless infrastructure while ensuring networks can support distributed AI workloads with low latency and predictable performance.

Ecosystem expansion includes joining the Linux Foundation initiative, while industry rankings signal momentum as operators move toward 5G Advanced and AI-native networks.

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Reddit surges as AI search drives a new era of online discovery

AI-generated search summaries are reshaping online discovery and pushing Reddit to the forefront of global information flows.

The rise of Google’s AI Overview feature places curated AI summaries above traditional search results, encouraging users to rely on machine-generated syntheses instead of browsing lists of websites.

Reddit’s visibility surged after the platform agreed to data access partnerships with Google and OpenAI, enabling large language models to train on its vast archive of human conversations.

The platform’s user-generated discussions are increasingly prioritised because they provide commentary viewed as more neutral and less commercially influenced.

Research from Profound identifies Reddit as the most cited source across major AI platforms. Reddit’s rapid expansion reflects such a shift.

It has overtaken TikTok in the UK, according to Ofcom and now reports 116 million daily active users and more than one billion monthly users.

Communities built around niche interests, combined with voting systems and karma-driven credibility, create a structure that appeals to AI systems searching for grounded, human-authored content.

The platform’s design, centred on subreddits run by volunteer moderators, reinforces trust signals that large models can evaluate when generating AI Overview results.

As AI-powered search becomes the dominant interface for navigating the internet, Reddit’s role as a primary corpus for training and citation continues to expand, reshaping how people discover and verify information.

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Singapore and South Korea expand AI partnership

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung used the opening day of his state visit to Singapore to set out plans for deeper cooperation in emerging technologies and renewable energy.

He framed the partnership as a chance to build a future-oriented agenda shaped by a shared reliance on human capital rather than natural resources.

The visit precedes a summit with Lawrence Wong, their second meeting in four months following the upgrade of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. Both governments want to broaden collaboration across AI, energy, the green transition and defence while maintaining strong trade and investment links.

Lee told Korean residents in Singapore that the strengthened partnership could guide relations for the next fifty years by opening new routes for collaboration across strategic sectors. He added that expanding cooperation would support wider regional stability and long-term technological development.

The programme also includes a meeting with Tharman Shanmugaratnam and attendance at AI Connect. This forum connects business leaders and entrepreneurs from both countries seeking opportunities in AI research and commercial innovation.

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OpenAI and Microsoft strengthen their long-term AI collaboration

Microsoft and OpenAI have reaffirmed their long-standing collaboration after new funding and partnerships raised speculation about their relationship.

Both firms stressed that recent announcements leave their original agreements intact, preserving a framework built on technical integration, trust and shared ambitions for AI development.

Microsoft’s exclusive licence to OpenAI’s intellectual property remains untouched, as does its position as the sole cloud provider for stateless APIs powering OpenAI models.

These APIs can be accessed through either company. Yet all such calls, including those arising from third-party partnerships such as OpenAI’s work with Amazon, continue to run on Azure rather than on alternative clouds. OpenAI’s own products, including Frontier, also stay hosted on Azure.

Revenue-sharing arrangements are unchanged, alongside the contractual definition and evaluation process for artificial general intelligence.

Both companies emphasised that the partnership was designed to allow independent initiatives while preserving deep cooperation across research, engineering and product innovation.

OpenAI retains the freedom to secure additional compute capacity elsewhere, supported by large-scale initiatives such as the Stargate project.

Even with broader collaborations emerging across the industry, both firms present their alliance as central to advancing responsible AI and expanding access to powerful tools worldwide.

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OpenAI expands London research hub

OpenAI is turning its London office into its largest research hub outside the US, marking a strategic shift towards deeper engagement with the UK’s rapidly developing AI landscape. The move places the company in direct competition with Google DeepMind for scientific talent.

An expansion that strengthens OpenAI’s long-term presence in Europe by building a substantial research base rather than relying on satellite operations. The firm aims to attract researchers seeking strong academic links, regulatory clarity and access to the UK’s growing AI ecosystem.

The enlarged London team is expected to support frontier model development and experimental work that aligns with OpenAI’s international ambitions. Senior leadership framed the decision as a vote of confidence in the UK’s capacity to become one of the most influential centres for advanced AI research.

The announcement intensifies debate over global competition for expertise, as major labs seek locations that balance research freedom with responsible oversight.

OpenAI’s investment signals a belief that the UK can offer such conditions while positioning itself as a key player in shaping the next generation of AI capabilities.

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Agentic AI network slicing launches in 5G Advanced with Nokia and AWS

Nokia and Amazon Web Services have introduced what they describe as the first agentic AI-powered network slicing solution operating in commercial 5G-Advanced networks. Early pilot projects with du and Orange are already underway, marking the transition from laboratory testing to commercial deployment.

For an extended period, network slicing has been presented as a way to tailor connectivity to the needs of enterprises and end users, yet static configurations have until now limited its commercial impact. A more autonomous approach is now being tested, designed to convert operational intent directly into concrete network actions.

The joint system combines Nokia’s network slicing portfolio with AI services delivered via the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Bedrock platform. Software agents analyse real-time data, including traffic levels, location information, and significant events, and automatically adjust radio access network policies. However, this enables capacity to be prioritised in response to congestion, emergencies, or large gatherings.

Enterprise use is central to the deployment. Campuses, factories, and urban areas can receive connectivity aligned with predefined service level targets (SLAs), while public safety teams can activate dedicated network slices during critical incidents. Premium consumer services, such as gaming and streaming, may also benefit from more stable performance during peak demand periods.

The solution spans the radio, transport, and core networks and will be showcased at the Mobile World Congress 2026. Commercial success will depend on whether intent-based slicing can transform what has long been a promised feature into a sustainable and scalable revenue source for operators.

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Galaxy S26 series brings powerful AI and privacy features

Samsung Electronics has unveiled the Galaxy S26 series, featuring advanced AI experiences, powerful performance, and an industry-leading camera system designed to simplify everyday smartphone tasks.

The series, which includes the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, handles complex processes in the background, allowing users to focus on results rather than device operations.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces the world’s first built-in Privacy Display, a redesigned chipset, and improved thermal management. Together, these upgrades enhance AI performance, graphics, and CPU efficiency, while ensuring faster, cooler, and more reliable operation throughout the day.

Photography and videography are also upgraded with wider apertures, Nightography Video, Super Steady video, and AI-powered editing tools that make professional-quality content accessible to all users.

Galaxy AI streamlines daily experiences by proactively suggesting actions, organising information, and automating tasks. Features such as Now Nudge, Now Brief, Circle to Search, and upgraded Bixby allow users to interact naturally with their devices.

Integrated AI agents, including Gemini and Perplexity, support multi-step tasks across apps, from booking services to advanced searches, all with minimal input.

Samsung has embedded multiple layers of security and privacy in the Galaxy S26 series. From AI-powered Call Screening and Privacy Alerts to Knox Vault, Knox Matrix, and post-quantum cryptography, users can control data access and protect personal information.

With long-term security updates, seamless software, and Galaxy Buds4 integration, the S26 series aims to combine performance, convenience, and safety in a single, intuitive device.

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Microsoft backs Australia’s next phase of digital government with new AI and cloud agreement

Australia’s rise to second place in the OECD Digital Government Index signals renewed momentum for national digital transformation.

A shift that comes as Microsoft signs a new five-year Volume Sourcing Arrangement with the Federal Government, designed to underpin modernisation across public services and create a secure, future-ready foundation for responsible AI adoption.

The agreement led by the Digital Transformation Agency gives agencies access to Microsoft Copilot, Azure, Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365 and a strengthened security and compliance framework instead of continuing reliance on ageing systems.

The arrangement sets clearer strategic pathways for innovation, procurement and skills development through an enhanced governance structure.

It recommits both sides to national security requirements, including the Security of Critical Infrastructure legislation, the Cloud Hosting Certification Framework and IRAP.

These measures allow agencies to expand AI use while retaining control of data and meeting the expectations placed on government institutions.

A successful Copilot trial in 2024 already demonstrated personal productivity gains of around one hour per day for participating staff.

Microsoft is also establishing a $1.55 million training fund for the Australian Public Service to support capability building in ethical AI use and modern cloud operations.

The company emphasises that Australia’s partner ecosystem will gain new opportunities because the agreement simplifies how local firms engage with government agencies. Such an approach forms an important part of the wider public sector reform agenda announced last year.

The new deal aligns with national priorities set out in the Whole-of-Government Cloud Computing Policy and the National AI Plan.

Australia now enters a pivotal period in which digital transformation is guided not only by technological capacity but by the frameworks of trust, resilience and public benefit that shape how government services evolve.

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