Meta has started rolling out AI capabilities for its Ray-Ban Meta AR glasses in France, Italy, and Spain. Users in these countries can now access Meta AI, the company’s voice-activated assistant, which supports French, Italian, and Spanish alongside English.
The rollout follows months of efforts to align the glasses with Europe’s regulatory requirements. Meta expressed excitement about bringing its innovative features to the region and plans further expansion. However, certain features available in other regions, such as multimodal capabilities using the glasses’ cameras, remain unavailable in Europe for now.
Meta has faced challenges complying with Europe’s AI regulations, including the EU’s AI Act and GDPR privacy laws. These rules govern AI training practices, particularly regarding data sourced from Instagram and Facebook users. Earlier this year, EU regulators temporarily restricted Meta from training AI models on European user data.
After making adjustments to its opt-out processes, Meta resumed training on UK data and introduced AI features in several countries. The company has yet to disclose broader compliance measures for the rest of the EU, though it remains committed to addressing regulatory feedback.
FPT Vietnam and Ericsson have partnered to accelerate the adoption of 5G technology in Vietnam and drive advancements in AI and digital transformation. The collaboration will focus on developing applications that highlight the potential of 5G in key sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, especially through augmented and virtual reality.
By leveraging Ericsson’s 5G expertise, FPT aims to enhance its AI capabilities and create more sophisticated, data-driven solutions. That partnership is designed to speed up 5G deployment and unlock new opportunities for consumer and enterprise markets, ultimately boosting Vietnam’s digital infrastructure. It also marks a significant milestone as Vietnam becomes a key market for 5G technology, laying the foundation for broader international collaboration.
The partnership was officially announced during FPT Techday 2024, a major technology forum that brings together industry leaders, businesses, and technology enthusiasts. This event showcased the strategic importance of the collaboration and its potential to foster innovation and business growth in Vietnam. FPT and Ericsson are advancing 5G adoption through this initiative and enabling local businesses to maximise the benefits of next-generation connectivity.
President Joe Biden and China’s President Xi Jinping held a two-hour meeting on the sidelines of the APEC summit on Saturday. Both leaders reached a significant agreement to prevent AI from controlling nuclear weapons systems and made progress on securing the release of two US citizens wrongfully detained in China. Biden also pressured Xi to reduce North Korea’s support for Russia in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
The breakthrough in nuclear safety, particularly the commitment to maintain human control over nuclear decisions, was reported as an achievement for Biden’s foreign policy. Xi, in contrast, called for greater dialogue and cooperation with the US and cautioned against efforts to contain China. His remarks also acknowledged rising geopolitical challenges, hinting at the difficulties that may arise under a Trump presidency. The meeting showcased a shift in tone from their previous encounter in 2023, reflecting a more constructive dialogue despite underlying tensions.
Reuters reported that it remains uncertain whether the statement will result in additional talks or concrete actions on the issue. The US has long held the position that AI should assist and enhance military capabilities, but not replace human decision-making in high-stakes areas such as nuclear weapons control. Last year, the Biden-Harris administration announced the Political declaration on responsible military use of AI and autonomy, and more than 20 countries endorsed the declaration. The declaration specifically underlines that “military use of AI capabilities needs to be accountable, including through such use during military operations within a responsible human chain of command and control”.
François Chollet, a prominent AI figure and creator of the popular Keras API, announced his departure from Google after nearly ten years. In a post on X, Chollet shared that he will be starting a new venture with a friend, but details remain undisclosed. Reflecting on his time at Google, he highlighted the transformation of deep learning from a niche academic interest to a global industry.
Keras, developed by Chollet, has become a widely used tool in AI, with over two million users. It powers advanced technologies like Waymo’s autonomous vehicles and the recommendation engines of platforms such as YouTube and Netflix. Beyond Keras, Chollet’s work on the Abstraction and Reasoning Corpus (ARC) benchmark and the ongoing $1 million ARC Prize reflects his innovative contributions to AI research.
Chollet has consistently voiced concerns about the dominant approaches in AI development, advocating for models that reason more like humans, rather than simply relying on vast amounts of data. Even after his departure, he will continue contributing to Keras, while Jeff Carpenter will take over as the team lead. Chollet’s vision remains focused on developing AI as a tool to advance human knowledge.
A US congressional commission has proposed a bold initiative modeled on the Manhattan Project to accelerate the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI) that could rival or surpass human intelligence. The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships to drive technological innovation as competition with China intensifies. However, the panel provided no specific funding plans in its annual report.
Commissioner Jacob Helberg highlighted China’s rapid advancements in AGI, warning of potential shifts in global power dynamics. Addressing infrastructure bottlenecks, he suggested streamlining regulations for data centres as a step to accelerate AI progress. Tech leaders like OpenAI have also advocated for increased government investment in AI to maintain global competitiveness.
Beyond AI, the USCC report included recommendations to tighten trade regulations, particularly by ending the “de minimis” exemption that allows duty-free imports under $800. Commissioner Kimberly Glas underscored the challenge of inspecting the overwhelming volume of such shipments, which she claimed serve as a channel for unregulated Chinese goods, including dangerous materials. Proposals to curb this exemption have sparked bipartisan debate, though legislative progress has been hampered by industry opposition and political gridlock.
The Korea Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has announced its intention to closely monitor mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the rapidly growing AI semiconductor sector to assess potential anti-competitive effects. With the increasing pace of technological advancements and the rising demand for AI technologies, the FTC recognises that M&As could significantly impact market competition, particularly by reducing the number of players in the industry.
Given the sector’s dynamic nature and the challenges posed by factors like the US-China tech rivalry, the FTC’s role is crucial in ensuring that these business combinations do not result in unfair market practices, such as price increases or the exclusion of competitors. Therefore, through careful scrutiny of M&As, the FTC aims to preserve healthy competition, support technological innovation, and protect the overall market ecosystem.
In addition, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (FTC) is reviewing several significant mergers, including combining Synopsys and Ansys and acquiring ZT Systems by AMD. These deals could profoundly impact the AI semiconductor market, especially regarding access to essential design software and hardware technologies.
To enhance its understanding of the potential anti-competitive effects of these M&As, the FTC is gathering input from industry experts and academic leaders. This collaborative approach, including forums like the ‘AI Semiconductor-Related Business Combination Forum,’ helps the FTC stay informed about emerging trends and refine its strategies for safeguarding fair competition in the rapidly evolving AI semiconductor sector.
AI is becoming a central feature in widely used technologies, with major firms embedding AI into familiar products. Meta’s AI chatbot now enhances platforms like Facebook and Instagram, while Apple’s new Apple Intelligence introduces advanced features for iPhones. Google has unveiled AI-powered search summaries and its chatbot Gemini, while Amazon is upgrading Alexa with enhanced AI capabilities. These efforts aim to seamlessly incorporate AI into daily life.
Experts view familiar platforms as key to driving consumer adoption of AI. Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT have introduced many to the technology, building awareness and readiness. Analysts predict that existing devices like smartphones will play a pivotal role in what is being called the ‘consumer AI revolution.’ Apple’s reach alone could soon enable 20% of the global population to access AI-driven features.
The road to widespread integration is not without obstacles. Apple’s AI features have faced criticism over delays, and Amazon’s AI-enhanced Alexa faces strong competition from Google Nest. However, investment in AI infrastructure remains robust, with companies aiming to transform industries, including smart homes and financial services, through more intelligent systems.
As AI becomes embedded in everyday technology, future innovations promise deeper integration and enhanced user experiences. Anticipated advancements include more intuitive interactions and a shift in how people engage with technology, potentially reshaping daily routines and consumer expectations.
Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s new Commissioner for Human Rights, warned that failing to defend Ukraine would be an ‘existential loss’ for Europe. Speaking at the Web Summit in Lisbon, O’Flaherty emphasised the critical need for Europe to stand firm in supporting Ukraine amid growing authoritarianism and human rights abuses. He also highlighted the risks posed by emerging technologies, particularly AI, and stressed the importance of human rights safeguards in tech regulation.
O’Flaherty, in his first year as commissioner, underscored the enormous potential of AI to improve lives but also warned of its dangers, such as discrimination and misuse in warfare. He called for stronger regulations to ensure AI advancements align with human rights commitments. His focus on Ukraine comes at a time when the country’s challenges and human rights violations continue to dominate global discussions, with high-profile figures like Yulia Navalnaya and Olena Zelenska also speaking out on human rights issues at the summit.
As technology continues to evolve rapidly, O’Flaherty stressed the need for better communication between the tech sector and human rights advocates, aiming to create a more unified approach to solving global challenges. He also advocated for holding perpetrators of atrocities, like those in Ukraine, criminally accountable, reinforcing the preventive role of justice.
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has announced it will lay off approximately 1,000 employees, or 4% of its global workforce, as part of a strategic focus on the booming AI chip market. The company, which is competing with Nvidia in the rapidly growing sector, plans to prioritise investments in AI graphics processors. AMD’s data centre business has experienced impressive growth, with a significant revenue boost in the September quarter, while other segments, such as gaming, have seen declines.
AMD is preparing for the mass production of its next-generation AI chip, the MI325X, set to launch in the fourth quarter. The company’s research and development efforts have escalated, with rising costs reflecting the high demand for AI chips from major customers like Microsoft. Despite this, AMD’s stock has faced challenges in 2024 after a surge last year, as investor expectations remain high.
The company’s data centre unit is projected to grow significantly in 2024, outperforming total revenue growth. However, rising production costs and an expensive ramp-up in chip manufacturing have impacted its financial performance.
Pony AI, a Chinese self-driving technology firm backed by Toyota, is pursuing a US listing on Nasdaq with a target valuation of up to $4.48 billion. The company plans to offer 15 million American Depositary Shares priced between $11 and $13, aiming to raise as much as $195 million. Additional private placements are expected to generate $153.4 million, with key investors like BAIC committing to $74.9 million.
Founded in 2016, Pony AI operates a fleet of over 250 robotaxis and 190 robot trucks, competing in a market poised for rapid growth but facing significant challenges. The IPO represents a major step after its valuation dropped from $8.5 billion in 2022 due to reduced investor expectations and changing market dynamics. However, this follows an earlier failed attempt at a public offering in 2021 during Beijing’s crackdown on technology companies.
The move reflects a cautious reopening of US markets for Chinese companies, which have been wary since Didi Global’s delisting. Analysts highlight the immense potential of autonomous driving while noting hurdles such as safety concerns, profitability issues, and regulatory challenges. Despite slower adoption in the US, Chinese regulators have embraced trials, offering Pony AI an edge in development.
National security concerns are casting a shadow, with potential bans on vehicles using China-developed systems in the US. Pony AI’s IPO is supported by key financial backers, including Saudi Arabia’s NEOM, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, and HongShan. The shares will trade under the ticker symbol ‘PONY,’ with Goldman Sachs, BofA Securities, and others managing the offering.
