Samsung has revealed the new Galaxy S24 FE, expanding its flagship series. The fan edition boasts the same Galaxy AI capabilities seen in earlier models, allowing users to utilise features like search, translate, and note assistance.
The smartphone is equipped with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering a refresh rate of 60-120 Hz. Photography is enhanced with a 50 MP main camera, supported by a 12 MP ultrawide lens and an 8 MP telephoto sensor. A 10 MP selfie camera completes the lineup.
Running on the Exynos 2400e processor, the Galaxy S24 FE comes with 8 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of storage. It operates on One UI 6.1 based on Android 14, powered by a 4,700 mAh battery supporting both wired and wireless charging.
Pre-orders for the Galaxy S24 FE are available now in Blue, Graphite, and Mint, with prices starting at £585 for the base model and £645 for the higher storage variant.
China and Africa cooperate to enhance digital infrastructure, which has emerged as a cornerstone of their evolving economic partnership. Over the past decade, substantial investments from Chinese enterprises have facilitated the construction of essential digital frameworks across Africa.
That includes initiatives such as laying extensive fibre optic cables, establishing robust 5G networks and creating data centres that ensure high-speed connectivity. As a direct consequence of this collaboration, millions of people are now connected, and local economies are being transformed through expanded e-commerce opportunities. Notably, the surge in digital trade has opened new avenues for economic growth in African nations, attracting vital investments and fostering entrepreneurship.
Moreover, Chinese companies have played a crucial role in this transformative process by offering technical support, financial backing, and infrastructure development. Consequently, these efforts have contributed to a vibrant marketplace where an increasing number of online shoppers can access a diverse range of goods and services. Additionally, efforts to promote sustainable development are evident in the improvements to service trade and the establishment of resilient financial infrastructures. By leveraging advancements in digital technology, the partnership optimises sectors such as transport and tourism, enhancing operational efficiency and user experiences.
Why does this matter?
Furthermore, as financial technology (fintech) rapidly evolves, there is a focus on bolstering the stability of financial systems in African countries. By harnessing technologies like blockchain, IoT, and AI, Chinese financial institutions collaborate with local partners to create innovative service models, addressing financial risks and fostering an investment-friendly environment. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, both regions are committed to advancing digital transformation while ensuring economic growth aligns with sustainable practices that benefit future generations.
Nvidia has strengthened its AI strategy with the acquisition of OctoAI, marking its fifth deal this year. Founded in 2019, OctoAI specialises in developing software aimed at improving the performance of machine learning models. The startup’s focus has been on making AI hardware more accessible to developers, regardless of the technology provider.
Luis Ceze, CEO of OctoAI, has taken on the role of Vice President of AI systems software at Nvidia while maintaining his academic position at the University of Washington. Ceze praised Nvidia’s commitment to advancing AI, citing its leadership in the machine learning sector. OctoAI had already worked with Nvidia, AMD, and AWS prior to the acquisition, enhancing its machine learning infrastructure.
Concerns have been raised by regulators about Nvidia’s growing dominance in AI, particularly following its aggressive acquisition strategy this year. OctoAI’s investors believe the acquisition will maximise the startup’s impact in AI infrastructure, but critics worry that consolidation could limit competition in the rapidly growing AI industry.
OctoAI will shut down its commercial cloud service by the end of October, as part of its integration into Nvidia. Despite the transition, the startup has continued to attract attention, having raised $130 million in funding and achieved a $900 million valuation as of 2021.
A political consultant has been fined $7.7 million by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for using AI to generate robocalls mimicking President Biden’s voice. The calls, aimed at New Hampshire voters, urged them not to vote in the Democratic primary, sparking significant controversy.
Steven Kramer, the consultant behind the scheme, worked for a challenger to Biden in the primaries. He admitted to paying $500 for the calls to highlight the dangers of AI in political campaigns. Kramer’s actions violated FCC regulations prohibiting misleading caller ID information.
The FCC has given Kramer 30 days to pay the fine, warning that further legal action will follow if he fails to comply. The commission continues to raise concerns over AI’s potential misuse in elections, pushing for stricter regulations to prevent fraud.
AstraZeneca has struck an $18 million deal with biotechnology firm Immunai Inc. to use its AI model of the immune system, which is intended to improve the efficiency of specific cancer drug trials. This collaboration aligns with AstraZeneca’s broader strategy to harness artificial AI for drug discovery and development, building on a previous $247 million agreement with US-based Absci to create cancer-fighting antibodies.
Founded in 2018, Immunai utilises single-cell genomics and machine learning to decode the immune system and enhance the development of new therapeutics. This collaboration will concentrate on optimising clinical decision-making processes, including dose selection and biomarker identification, by leveraging Immunai’s advanced platform.
AstraZeneca will initially gain access to Immunai’s AI tools to support its cancer research efforts, with the option to extend the collaboration down the line. This flexibility allows AstraZeneca to evaluate the effectiveness of Immunai’s technology in enhancing drug trial efficiency and potentially integrate additional capabilities as the partnership progresses. According to Iker Huerga, AstraZeneca’s chief data scientist for oncology R&D, this collaboration is expected to provide valuable insights into the immune system and improve clinical decision-making processes, such as dose selection and biomarker identification. The partnership underscores AstraZeneca’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to advance cancer treatment and drug development.
Google has introduced a major update to its AI-powered note-taking platform, NotebookLM. Users will soon be able to upload YouTube URLs and audio files, such as mp3 and wav formats, for analysis by the Gemini AI.
Previously, NotebookLM allowed users to interact with documents like Google Docs, PDFs, and web pages. Now, a new sharing feature enables public URL generation for Audio Overviews, enhancing collaboration.
NotebookLM’s latest features position it as a strong rival to Microsoft OneNote’s Copilot and Notion AI. Gemini is also integrated into Google Workspace, offering business customers enterprise-grade data protection.
Microsoft has committed $2.7 billion to enhance cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Brazil. The investment, to be rolled out over three years, aims to strengthen datacentres and train 5 million people in AI skills. Brazil’s economy is expected to benefit from this, with projections that AI could add 4.2 percentage points to the nation’s growth by 2030.
This initiative is part of Microsoft’s ongoing ‘Mais Brasil’ program, which was introduced in 2020. The program reflects the company’s long-term commitment to the South American region, with a particular focus on technology innovation and workforce development.
CEO Satya Nadella highlighted the importance of ensuring AI benefits all sectors of Brazilian society, while Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin praised the move, noting the country’s potential as a global leader in AI. Alckmin also pointed to Brazil’s renewable energy supply, which will help power the new datacentres.
Microsoft’s decision underscores the growing importance of Latin America and Brazil in global technology expansion. The focus on cloud computing and AI infrastructure aligns with the global trend of integrating advanced tech solutions to drive economic growth.
The integration of AI into banking is gaining momentum, with 72% of finance leaders already using it in their operations. Applications range from fraud detection to automating customer onboarding processes. Banking executives are recognising the strategic importance of approving initiatives across the sector to boost efficiency and improve customer experiences.
Despite the clear benefits, banks face significant challenges in adopting AI. Consumer scepticism poses a key hurdle, with 20% of US consumers viewing AI as a security risk. Additionally, 37% of banks are concerned about potential cyber vulnerabilities, while data management and regulatory compliance add complexity to the integration process.
To successfully implement AI, banks must build consumer trust through hyper-personalised services and AI-enhanced authentication methods. Addressing security concerns with predictive risk management can strengthen customer confidence. Moreover, forming partnerships with FinTech firms is crucial for addressing underinvestment in AI infrastructure and ensuring smooth implementation.
While the road to AI integration is complex, its potential to revolutionise the financial sector is immense. With careful planning, collaboration, and innovation, banks have the opportunity to transform customer experiences and remain competitive in a rapidly digitising world.
Dell has launched the Dell AI for Telecom Program, a strategic initiative to streamline the integration of AI solutions for communications service providers (CSPs). The program addresses the rising demand for advanced technologies in the telecommunications sector, empowering CSPs to optimise operations and meet evolving customer needs.
A cornerstone of this initiative is the expanded partnership with NVIDIA, which focuses on co-developing customised AI solutions through the Dell AI Factory. The program aims to enhance network performance and customer service, offering solutions such as advanced customer care platforms, operational automation, and robust network troubleshooting capabilities.
Dell is forging strategic partnerships with key industry players to drive innovation and expedite AI adoption. For example, its collaboration with Lintasarta, an Indonesian ICT solutions provider, aims to offer GPU-as-a-Service to national businesses, granting them access to high-performance AI infrastructure.
Furthermore, Dell is working with SK Telecom to develop an AI chat agent and the Mobile Network Operator (MNO) AI Platform, seamlessly integrating AI into existing business support systems to streamline telecom operations. To bolster these initiatives, Dell Professional Services will assist CSPs in strategising, implementing, and managing AI solutions tailored explicitly for the telecommunications sector. Overall, these concerted efforts position Dell’s initiatives as pivotal in driving network cloud transformation, reducing operational costs, and unlocking new revenue streams through innovative AI applications.
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has cracked down on five companies for deceptive use of AI. Three cases involved businesses falsely claiming to help consumers generate passive income through e-commerce. The FTC also reached settlements with DoNotPay and Rytr, two companies accused of misleading consumers with their AI tools. DoNotPay, which marketed automated legal services, agreed to a $193,000 settlement and will notify customers of the tool’s limitations, while Rytr faced criticism for allowing users to create fake product reviews through its AI writing feature.
FTC Chair Lina M. Khan stressed that AI tools must comply with existing laws, making it clear that deceiving or misleading consumers with AI is illegal. Despite not admitting wrongdoing, both Rytr and DoNotPay settled with the FTC. Rytr agreed to discontinue its review-generating feature, used to create fake product reviews, while DoNotPay accepted a settlement without admitting fault.
The FTC’s actions have sparked internal debate on how to regulate AI. While all five commissioners supported cracking down on false AI claims, the two Republican commissioners raised concerns about the agency’s authority in the Rytr case. This division highlights differing views within the FTC on the scope of its regulatory powers when addressing AI-related issues.
