In his second inauguration, President Donald Trump showcased a new alliance with Silicon Valley’s elite, seating tech titans like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos more prominently than governors. A golden era dawns, blurring lines between politics, innovation, and global power. All eyes watch closely now!!!
Mr Donald Trump was sworn in on January 20, 2025, as the 47th U.S. President amid talk of sweeping policy shifts. Global markets breathed a sigh of relief at his trade probes in lieu of immediate tariffs, while billionaire oligarchs stood front and center at the scaled-down ceremony.
Stunned creators and small businesses saw TikTok vanish from U.S. app stores, reeling from a Supreme Court’s ban order—until President-elect Donald Trump vowed to 'SAVE TIKTOK.' In a single day, the platform roared back, revealing just how powerful a viral app and a presidential promise can be. Wow.
The Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, scheduled for June 10-14, marks a significant moment for Apple as it reveals its strategic turn towards artificial intelligence (AI) and its expansive goals across Asia and Europe.
The excitement centres on Apple's anticipated disclosure of its AI strategy and new consumer functionalities. Marketing head Greg Joswiak playfully hints at the event's potential impact, emphasising AI's role.
Tim Cook has publicly stated the company's deep investment in AI, promising groundbreaking announcements. This shift towards AI underscores Apple's commitment to leading in technological innovation and sustainability.
In China, Tim Cook underscored the importance of AI in Apple's sustainability efforts, particularly in enhancing material recovery and recycling processes.
His statements at the Carbon Neutrality and Global Climate Governance conference highlight how AI is woven into Apple's operational fabric, reflecting a broader commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.
Strengthening Ties: Apple's Partnership with Baidu
Apple's alliance with Baidu to embed generative AI technology in its devices for the Chinese market represents a critical move in Apple's globalisation strategy.
This partnership not only ensures adherence to China's stringent regulations but also deepens AI integration for one of the world's most competitive markets.
Baidu's engagement is expected to significantly boost its AI-generated revenue, with CEO Robin Li predicting a substantial increase in 2024.
This collaboration underscores the evolving dynamics in global tech, where compliance and innovation intersect to unlock new markets.
Expanding Horizons: Beyond AI
WWDC 2024 is set to unveil more than just AI advancements, with Apple hinting at major updates for Vision Pro, marking its venture into virtual reality.
This move showcases Apple's ambition to lead in emerging technological fields, reinforcing its position as an industry pioneer.
At this year’s WWDC, starting with a keynote on June 10 and concluding on June 14, Apple is expected to catch up in the AI realm.
The event will primarily focus on upcoming software releases slated for fall and is likely to introduce new hardware.
“We’re so excited to connect with developers from around the world for an extraordinary week of technology and community at WWDC24,” - said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations.
“WWDC is all about sharing new ideas and providing our amazing developers with innovative tools and resources to help them make something even more wonderful.”
The intrigue this year revolves around Apple's strategy towards generative AI, with the company rumoured to be investing heavily in training its models and exploring partnerships for content to enhance these efforts.
Speculation is rife about potential collaborations with giants like Google, OpenAI, or Anthropic, alongside rumours of a partnership with Baidu for the Chinese market, to incorporate cloud-based AI features while maintaining proprietary generative capabilities on its devices.
Apple is also reportedly considering a more inclusive approach to AI development, potentially allowing greater integration of AI technologies by third-party developers, as suggested by Bloomberg.
Additionally, Apple is planning significant expansions, including a new headquarters in Asia and an Apple Store in Europe, underlining its commitment to broadening its global footprint and influence.
These developments are part of Apple's overarching strategy to affirm its dominance in the tech industry, with WWDC 2024 poised to highlight the company's vision for a future driven by AI and sustainable technologies. These initiatives are aimed at not just maintaining Apple's competitive edge but propelling it to the forefront of the global tech race, driven by a commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and strategic partnerships.
Biden’s sweeping AI export curbs, unveiled just before he leaves office, split the global market into ‘tier-one’ allies with unrestrained access and adversaries facing strict embargoes. Tech giants warn of global disruption, while US officials claim it defends US leadership from China’s AI surge.
As 2025 begins, 2024’s AI breakthroughs stand out, but so do the cyber threats that accompanied them. From AI-powered phishing to deepfakes and cloud breaches, the year highlighted the delicate balance between innovation and security risks.
As we close the book on 2024, we welcome you to our Holiday Edition, where we unwrap the biggest stories that defined a whirlwind year in AI and cyber affairs—a celebration of relentless innovation, jaw-dropping rivalries, and high-stakes power plays that kept us captivated all year round.
Cisco faces fallout from a massive data leak exposing critical files, while China accuses the U.S. of cyber espionage amid rising tech tensions. AI governance sparks debate as Europe enforces strict rules, and ASIC sues HSBC for $23M scam failures. Global cyber affairs take center stage this week.