Two years ago, OpenAI’s ChatGPT launched a new wave of AI disruption that left the tech industry reassessing its future. Now within the space of a week a small Chinese startup called DeepSeek appears to have pulled off a similar coup, this time at OpenAI’s expense.

Nevertheless, DeepSeek’s sudden success — the company’s free chatbot mobile app quickly surpassed even ChatGPT for downloads on Apple’s App Store — has prompted questions. Is the DeepSeek story too good to be true? And should businesses in the US and allied countries allow employees to use an app when the company’s Chinese background and operation are so opaque?

What happened

The DeepSeek storm hit on January 20 when DeepSeek launched its R1 LLM model to the public, complete with big claims around performance.

Using smaller “distilled” LLM models, which require significantly less processing power while replicating the capability of larger models, DeepSeek’s R1 matched or exceeded OpenAI’s equivalent, o1-mini, in important math and reasoning tests.

That performance generated a surge of interest. By Monday the DeepSeek app had overtaken ChatGPT and Temu to become the iPhone App Store’s top free download — and DeepSeek was reporting delays in new registrations to use the app due to what it described as “large-scale malicious attacks” on its services.

Nobody saw this coming. Somehow, R1 was doing this with less hardware. Moreover, DeepSeek-R1 is available through an open-source MIT license, which allows for unrestricted commercial use, including modification and distribution.

With AI sector share prices unsettled by all of this, the implication is that perhaps usable models don’t need the huge chip clusters deployed by the established players and organizations shouldn’t be paying high prices to access them.

Furthermore, if a tiny startup can get by on more limited hardware while training LLMs for a fraction of the cost, perhaps strenuous US attempts to limit the export of the most powerful AI chips to most of the world including China, are already obsolete before they’ve been fully implemented.

Zero day AI

The speed of DeepSeek’s rise is a case of ‘zero-day disruption.’ Organizations have no time to react, and not just because developers across the world have piled in to test DeepSeek-R1 via its API by the thousand. Releasing a free app gives this capability to everyone, including employees who might enter sensitive data into it. By now, DeepSeek is everywhere, which makes it difficult to control.

“The app has raced to the top of the app charts, but I would advise anyone considering installing it and using it to exercise some caution,” warned tech commentator, Graham Cluley, who also hosts the AI Fix podcast.

That said, organizations should already be used to coping with this issue. “Human nature being what it is, there will surely be just as much sensitive data entered into DeepSeek as we’ve seen entered into every other AI out there,” said Cluley. Organizations should probably hold back until it has been more thoroughly audited in the same way they would with any new app.

Or perhaps focusing on the risks is too negative. DeepSeek will ignite more competition in the sector, potentially turning powerful LLMs from an expensive service for the deep pocketed into a cheap utility anyone can access. Rather than dumping existing AI services, organizations should demand a better deal while avoiding becoming too locked into one LLM as new innovations appear.

Censored language model

A lurking possibility is that DeepSeek isn’t as good as it seems, with some skepticism already appearing around its price-performance claims. Stacy Rasgon, a senior analyst at Bernstein Research, questioned DeepSeek’s underlying costs.

“Did DeepSeek really build OpenAI for $5M? Of course not,” he wrote in a client note. “The oft quoted $5M number is calculated by assuming a $2/GPU-hour rental price for this infrastructure, which is fine, but not really what they did, and does not include all the other costs associated with prior research and experiments on architectures, algorithms, or data.”

In use, DeepSeek makes elementary errors, not dissimilar to the ones that afflicted ChatGPT in its early days. Some of its responses also underline that the app imposes guard rails when run from a Chinese host. A good example is this report of its refusal to acknowledge the Tiananmen Square massacre, something the Chinese Government goes to extreme lengths to hide.

In the short term, DeepSeek’s appearance underlines the unstable nature of AI itself. Tech is used to periodic disruptions. AI suggests that these might become more routine, including of its own capabilities. It is unlikely to be the last such breakthrough in a sector that will prove harder to dominate than has been assumed.

Investors and government regulators trying to control AI development won’t like this but if it offers cheaper and earlier AI access across the economy it could still work as a net positive. According to Cluley, DeepSeek should be something for Silicon Valley to worry about.

“If it’s accurate that the Chinese have been able to develop a competitive AI that massively undercuts the US-based giants in terms of development cost and with a fraction of the hardware commitment then that is clearly going to upset the applecart and have a tech billionaire or two crying into their Cheerios this morning,” he said.

Source:: Computer World

By Thomas Macaulay Stunning AI advances from Chinese startup DeepSeek have sent tech stocks tumbling across the US and Europe. DeepSeek released a free chatbot and new open-source AI models last week. Within days, the chatbot had overtaken ChatGPT to reach the top spot on the Apple App Store’s free app rankings. The new R1 models sent further shockwaves through the AI world. R1 promised performance to rival OpenAI top’s reasoning model — at just a fraction of the cost. Marc Andreessen, one of the world’s most powerful VCs, called the release “AI’s Sputnik moment.” The markets were also astounded. Shaken by the…This story continues at The Next Web

Source:: The Next Web

Though there are a variety of cool extensions for the Chrome browser, there are also malicious extensions that pose a security threat. To increase security, Google has now launched the Chrome Web Store for Enterprises, a new store specifically designed for business users.

For example, businesses can create a list of approved extensions to ensure employees do not install malicious extensions on their own. Companies can also add their own logos and images to the store if they wish, making it clear to users what applies.

And, according to Bleeping Computer, it will soon also be possible for IT administrators to remotely remove add-ons, if necessary.

Source:: Computer World

By Nick Godt A surge in sales of electric vehicles in the final months of last year could continue well into 2025, as consumers continue to take advantage of federal tax incentives while they last.,

Source:: Digital Trends

Not to be outdone by its close rival OpenAI, Meta has announced its plans to spend $60 to $65 billion on AI infrastructure this year, and is building a data center almost as big as Manhattan.

In a Facebook post, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced his company’s intent to build a 2GW data center, bring roughly 1GW of compute online in 2025, and end the year with more than 1.3 million GPUs.

Included in his post was a blueprint of the planned “Richland Parish Center Data Center” superimposed on a map of Manhattan (the data center will actually be in northeast Louisiana).

Source:: Computer World

The US Department of Justice this week announced that it had indicted two North Korean nationals and three other men, accusing them of participating in a conspiracy designed to trick US companies into funding the North Korean regime.

According to the indictment, which was filed in federal court in Miami, the scheme leveraged stolen identity documents and paid henchmen in the US to direct well-paid IT work and company computers to two North Korean men, Jin Sung-Il and Pak Jin-Song. The idea, the Justice Department said, was to funnel money back to the North Korean regime, which has limited opportunities to generate cash through legal means thanks to heavy international sanctions.

The conspiracy, according to the indictment, centers on North Korean nationals posing as foreign workers in other nations, or as US nationals, and gaining employment via online platforms that allow companies to advertise for contract IT workers. Using fake or altered identity documents, the North Koreans took on contracts for several US companies, which were not identified by name in the indictment. Those businesses then shipped company laptops to three US-based co-conspirators, Pedro Ernesto Alonso De Los Reyes, Erick Ntekereze Prince, and Emanuel Ashtor, who, the Justice Department said, installed remote access software on them so that they could be operated by Jin and Pak.

The US-based members of the group also used their own companies as fronts for the conspiracy, invoicing several of the victim firms and funneling payments to the North Koreans. The indictment stated that at least 64 US companies were victimized, and payments from ten of them generated at least $866,255 in revenue over the duration of the scheme, which ran for more than six years.

All five defendants are charged with conspiracy to damage a protected computer, mail and wire fraud, money laundering, and transferring false identification documents. The two North Koreans are additionally charged with violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Each could face up to 20 years in prison.

Highlights risk from North Korea

“The indictments announced today should highlight to all American companies the risk posed by the North Korean government,” said Assistant Director of the FBI’s Cyber Division, Bryan Vorndran, in a statement.

While the indictments announced Thursday characterized this conspiracy as largely focused on diverting money to the heavily embargoed North Korean government, similar efforts by that country have been aimed at compromising corporate secrets and sensitive information. The “laptop farm” — where a US-based associate such as Prince and Ashtor hosted the provided company laptops in their own homes to conceal the North Korean involvement — has been a known technique for North Korean cyberwarfare since at least 2022, and has been used not just to collect a salary, but to steal data, explore sensitive parts of strategically significant infrastructure, and attempt to extort victimized firms.

The operations are growing in both numbers and sophistication, according to security firms who spoke to CSO in November. One recent case saw a bad actor use deepfake video technology and automated voice translation in a video interview, though this didn’t work particularly well and the interviewers were easily able to tell that something was wrong.

“Her eyes weren’t moving, the lips weren’t in sync, and the voice was mechanical,” Kirkwood told CSO. “It was like something from a 1970s Japanese Godzilla movie.”

Google-owned threat intelligence provider Mandiant told CSO that the number of North Korean IT workers looking to gain valuable freelance positions number in the thousands, and although not all are engaged in purely nefarious activity, the number of intrusion incidents linked to North Korean workers is high.

Source:: Computer World

President Donald Trump’s executive order removing Biden-Administration rules governing AI development is being cast as an opening of AI development flood gates, which could fast track advances in the still-new technology, but could also pose risks.

Signed on Thursday, the executive order (EO) overturns former President Joe Biden’s 2023 policy, which mandated that AI developers conduct safety testing and share results with the government before releasing systems that could pose risks to national security, public health, or the economy.

The revocation of the 2023 Eo shifts federal oversight from mandates to voluntary commitments, reducing requirements such as safety training submissions and large-scale computer acquisition notices, enabling less regulated innovation.

“This means some states may continue to follow the regulatory guidance in the 2023 EO, while others may not,” said Lydia Clougherty Jones Sr., a director analyst at Gartner Research.

Trump’s policy states its purpose is to “sustain and enhance America’s dominance in AI,” and promote national security. The EO directs the creation of an “AI Action Plan” within 180 days, led by the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, the White House AI and Crypto Czar, and the National Security Advisor. Michael Kritsios (former US CTO under the Trump administration), David Sacks (venture capitalist and former PayPal executive), and US Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL), have been nominated or appointed, respectively, to these positions.

The EO states part of its purpose is to “enhance America’s global AI dominance in order to promote human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security.”

Mark Brennan, who leads the global technology and telecommunications industry sector group for the Washington-based law firm of Hogan Lovel, said setting a 180-day deadline to develop a new AI action plan means the group drafting the plan will need to quickly “gather input and start writing.”

The mention of “human flourishing” is also “sure to spark diverse interpretations,” Brennan said.

A public-private partnership on AI

Along with the order, Trump also unveiled the Stargate initiative, a public-private venture that would create a new company to build out the nation’s AI infrastructure, including new data centers and new power plants to feed them. Initially, Stargate will team up the US government with OpenAI, Oracle, and Softbank. The companies will initially invest $100 billion in the project, with plans to reach $500 billion. Trump said the move would create 100,000 US jobs.

Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, for example, said 10 new AI data centers are already under construction. He linked the project to the use of AI for digital health records, noting the technology could help develop customized cancer vaccines and improve disease treatment.

Not everyone is, however, upbeat about the loosening of government oversight of AI development and partnerships with the private sector.

The Stargate announcement, along with the Trump Administration’s reversal of the earlier AI safety order, could replace many federal workers in key public service roles, according to Cliff Jurkiewicz, vice president of global strategy at Phenom, a company specializing in AI-enabled human resources.

 “While it’s impressive to see such a significant investment by the federal government and private businesses into the nation’s AI infrastructure, the downside is that it has the potential to disenfranchise federal workers who are not properly trained and ready to use AI,” Jurkiewicz said. “Federal employees need training to use AI effectively; it can’t just be imposed on them.”

Stargate will speed up what Jurkiewcz called “the Great Recalibration” — a shift in how work is performed through an human-AI partnership. Over the next 12 to 18 months, businesses will realize they can’t fully replace human knowledge and experience with technology, “since machines don’t perceive the world as we do,” he said.

The move could put smaller AI companies at a competitive disadvantage by stifling innovation, Jurkiewicz said. “Stargate could also deepen inequities, as those who know how to use AI will have a significant advantage over those who don’t.”

Removing AI regulations, however, won’t inherently lead to a completely unbridled technology that can mimic human intelligence in areas such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving.

Commercial risk will drive responsible AI, with investment and success shaped by the private market and state regulations, according to Gartner. Industry commitments and consortia will advance AI safety and development to meet societal needs, independent of federal or state policies.

AI unleashed to become Skynet?

Some predict AI will become as ubiquitous as electricity or the internet, in that it will eventually be operating behind the scenes and woven into everyday life, silently powering countless systems and services without drawing much attention.

“I’m sure the whole Terminator thing could happen. I don’t consider it likely,” said John Veitch, dean of the School of Business and Management at Notre Dame de Namur in Belmont, CA. “I see lots of positive things with AI and taking the guardrails off of it.”

Regulating something as transformative as AI is challenging, much like the early internet. “If we had foreseen social media’s impact in 1999, would we have done things differently? I don’t know,” Veitch said.

Given AI’s complexity, less regulation might be better than more, at least for now, he said.

AI is valuable as the US faces an aging population and a shrinking labor force, Veitch said. With skilled workers harder to find and expensive to hire, AI can replace call centers or assist admissions teams, offering cost-effective solutions. For example, Notre Dame de Namur’s admissions team uses generative AI to follow up on enrollment requests.

Trump’s executive order prioritizes “sovereign AI” affecting the private market, while shifting most regulatory oversight to state and local governments. For example, New York plans to restrict government use of AI for automated decisions without human monitoring, while Colorado’s new AI law, effective in 2026, will require businesses to inform consumers when they’re interacting with AI, Gartner’s Jones said.

The revocation of Biden’s 2023 order reduces federal oversight of model development, removing requirements such as submitting safety training results or sending notifications about large-scale computer cluster acquisitions, which could encourage faster innovation, according to Jones. “Thus, it was not a surprise to see the Stargate announcement and the related public-private commitments,” she said.

Strengthening sovereign AI, Jones said, will boost public-private partnerships like Stargate to maintain US competitiveness and tech leadership.

What enterprises should focus on

Now that the regulatory buck has been passed to states, so to speak, organizations should monitor US state AI executive orders, laws, and pending legislation, focusing on mandates that differentiate genAI from other AI techniques and apply to government use, according to a Gartner report.

“We have already seen diverse concerns unique to individual state goals across the nearly 700 pieces of state-level AI-proposed legislation in 2024 alone,” Gartner said.

According to Gartner:

By 2029, 10% of corporate boards globally are expected to use AI to challenge key executive decisions.

By 2027, Fortune 500 companies will redirect $500 billion from energy operating expenses to microgrids to address energy risks and AI demands.

By 2027, 15% of new applications will be fully generated by AI, up from 0% today.

Executives should identify patterns in new laws, especially those addressing AI biases or errors, and align responsible AI with company goals. Companies are also being urged to document AI decision-making and manage high-risk use cases to ensure compliance and reduce harm.

Organizations should also assess opportunities and risks from federal investments in AI and IT modernization. For global operations, companies will need to monitor AI initiatives in regions like the EU, UK, China, and India, Gartner said.

“Striking a balance between AI innovation and safety will be challenging, as it will be essential to apply the appropriate level of regulation,” the researcher said. “Until the new administration determines this balance, state governments will continue to lead the way in issuing regulations focusing on AI innovation and safety-centric measures that impact US enterprises.”

Source:: Computer World

OpenAI is releasing a preview version of its first AI agent, Operator, which is specifically designed to use a web browser and can, for example, book a table at a restaurant for the user on its own. (An AI agent is a system that can be given a task and then work on it independently.)

In the meantime, the user can either watch the Operator work on the web or do something completely different. In some cases, the Operator will wait for the user — for example, if it needs to log in somewhere or confirm that an email should be sent.

OpenAI says its Operator will not be able to perform malicious tasks. The company also notes that the tool currently has problems with more complex user interfaces, such as managing a calendar or creating a slideshow for a presentation.

Operator will initially be available to ChatGPT Pro users, which is the most expensive variant of Chat GPT at $200 a month. But ChatGPT Plus users will also have access to the agent in the coming months.

The AI agent will first be available in the US, followed by other countries. More details are available here.

Source:: Computer World

By Siôn Geschwindt Right now, there’s at least one nuclear-power, nuclear-armed submarine stealthily patrolling the waters off the UK. The sub is powered by a nuclear reactor, so it can cruise undetected for over 20 years without refuelling. Oh, and it’s also armed with eight nuclear warheads — each six times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.  Since 1969, the Royal Navy has kept at least one of these fission-powered submarines in the water at all times. The vessels are the backbone of Britain’s nuclear deterrent and send a giant warning to other nations who might get funny ideas.  Rolls-Royce…This story continues at The Next Web

Source:: The Next Web

By Hisan Kidwai We all know MacBooks are productivity powerhouses, and gaming has never been their strong suit, largely…
The post How to Download Steam on Mac in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on Fossbytes.

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Source:: Fossbytes

Having reliable internet access is essential for businesses. When connectivity is lost, it can lead to decreased productivity, lost revenue, and even harm to your reputation. To avoid these challenges, a backup internet connection is a practical solution that ensures business continuity and peace of mind.

In this guide, we’ll explain why a backup connection is so important and provide clear, actionable advice on choosing the right option for your business needs. With the proper setup, you can stay connected and keep your critical operations running smoothly, no matter what.

What is connection backup?

A backup internet connection for business is a secondary internet service designed to step in automatically if your primary connection goes down. This ensures you maintain continuous internet access, allowing critical business operations to run smoothly. It’s a simple yet effective way to safeguard your business against unexpected connectivity issues.

Why do businesses need backup internet connection for business?

Downtime can be a significant challenge for any business. Beyond lost revenue, it can lead to reputational damage, frustrated customers, and missed deadlines. Outages can have even more serious consequences for industries like healthcare and finance.

A backup business internet connection is a practical solution beyond addressing major disasters. It can also help mitigate minor disruptions. If your primary connection faces frequent issues, a secondary connection ensures operations run smoothly while a long-term fix is arranged. This consistency keeps your critical workflows on track and boosts team morale and productivity by reducing interruptions.

By planning ahead with a backup connection, you can safeguard your business against unexpected challenges and maintain reliable connectivity—keeping your team focused and your customers satisfied.

How does a backup internet connection for business actually work?

Several technologies can provide backup internet connectivity. Here are some popular options:

Wireless Backup (4G/5G)

Wireless backup relies on cellular networks to provide internet connectivity when your primary connection goes down. When this happens, a wireless modem automatically activates to ensure uninterrupted access to the internet. This setup is often quicker to implement and may involve lower upfront costs, especially if you already have a business account with a service provider.

Typically, wireless backup operates over LTE networks, which use wireless data. However, speeds can vary depending on your carrier, network congestion, and the time of day. To ensure the best performance, consider consulting with your service provider to discuss coverage and network reliability in your area.

Satellite

Satellite internet can be a reliable backup when other connectivity options are unavailable, especially in remote locations with limited access. Still, its latency can pose challenges for real-time activities, such as video conferencing. Understanding these limitations can help you plan accordingly and explore solutions to minimize potential disruptions.

Backup internet connection for business benefits

A backup business internet connection is essential for maintaining reliability and minimizing financial losses during unexpected outages. It also helps protect your brand’s reputation and supports employee morale by ensuring uninterrupted critical workflows. To help you stay prepared, we’ve outlined some backup internet features to consider:

BenefitDescriptionCost savingsReduces lost revenue during outages.ProductivityEnables continued work despite primary connection loss.Customer SatisfactionProvides uninterrupted service, building customer trust.Brand ReputationMinimizes damage from connectivity issues.

Who should invest in a backup internet connection for business?

While all businesses can benefit from reliable internet connectivity, some industries depend on it to ensure seamless operations. For these organizations, a fixed wireless internet backup or similar solution is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity. Their needs go beyond the capabilities of a standard internet plan. Here’s why backup connectivity is critical for these key sectors:

Healthcare: Hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers rely on real-time data and uninterrupted communication to deliver effective patient care. A backup internet connection is essential to avoid disruptions impacting critical services.

Financial Institutions: Banks and other financial organizations depend on consistent internet access to process transactions and maintain market operations. Downtime can halt these activities, leading to significant disruptions. A secondary connection ensures critical operations continue smoothly.

Online Retailers: E-commerce businesses require constant connectivity to process orders, manage inventory, secure payments, and coordinate shipping. Backup internet ensures operations are not interrupted, protecting revenue and customer trust. Additionally, POS systems depend on a stable internet to function effectively.

Government Agencies: Whether managing routine workflows or responding to emergencies, government agencies require reliable communication and access to real-time information. Backup internet solutions are vital to maintain public safety and operational efficiency, particularly for emergency and security services.

By implementing a reliable backup internet solution, businesses in these industries can safeguard critical operations, maintain productivity, and ensure they’re prepared to overcome unexpected connectivity challenges.

Choosing the right backup solution

Understanding your business needs is the first step to making informed decisions about backup internet. Analyze how daily operations rely on internet access and identify the speed required to maintain critical functions during an outage. Consider how disruptions affect employee productivity and ensure clear communication to minimize internal challenges and maintain team cohesion.

Key considerations for backup internet:

Budget: Balance cost and reliability. Avoid overspending while ensuring your business has the necessary level of protection.

Speed: Select a backup internet service with speeds that support essential operations during outages. Ensure the service can handle your critical online needs without disruption.

Reliability: Research providers’ uptime records to choose one with a consistent track record. Look into their service plans to ensure they meet your reliability requirements.

Scalability: Plan for growth by selecting a solution that can adapt to your business’s evolution. As businesses increasingly rely on online services, a scalable backup internet solution is crucial to staying ahead of future demands.

Carrier Diversity: Opt for a backup connection using a technology different from your primary service. This ensures redundant connectivity, creating resilience against single points of failure. A diverse setup can also help prevent disruptions to systems like VoIP phone services, ensuring seamless communication even during outages.

Stay connected, stay productive with optimum business

At Optimum Business, we understand that uninterrupted connectivity is vital to your success. A backup internet solution isn’t just a safeguard—it’s a business necessity. From protecting revenue and ensuring smooth operations to supporting your team’s productivity and maintaining customer satisfaction, a reliable connection backup makes all the difference.

Let us help you implement the right backup solution tailored to your needs. With Optimum Business, you can trust our expertise, reliable technology, and commitment to your success. Stay connected, stay productive, and stay ahead with Optimum Business.

Are you getting everything you need from your business Internet? Explore all of Optimum’s Business Internet plans.

FAQs

What are the key differences between connection backup and other redundancy measures?

Connection backup refers to having an alternate internet connection ready in case of service disruptions. Other redundancy measures include hardware and power sources, which can help prevent downtime during system failures.

How much does a connection backup system cost, and what factors influence the cost?

The cost of a connection backup system can vary depending on several factors, such as the type and size of your business, the location of your business, and the level of redundancy required. It’s best to consult with our experts at Optimum Business for a personalized quote tailored to your specific needs. Our team can also provide recommendations on cost-effective solutions that meet your budget while ensuring reliable connectivity.

What should businesses consider when choosing a connection backup provider?

When choosing a connection backup provider, businesses should consider factors such as the reliability and availability of their network, the level of customer support provided, and any additional features, resources, or services offered. Choosing a provider with a proven track record of delivering reliable connectivity solutions and excellent customer service is essential.

How can Optimum Business help organizations implement and maintain connection backup systems?

Optimum Business offers a range of connection backup solutions, including redundant internet connections and failover systems. Our team of experts can work with businesses to assess their needs and recommend the most suitable solution for their specific requirements. We also offer ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure that your connection backup system always remains functional and up-to-date.

To learn more, visit us here.

Source:: Computer World

Apple and Google now face regulatory probes in the ailing UK market, where the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed it intends to investigate both company’s mobile ecosystems under new digital market laws. This is separate from an ongoing UK probe into mobile browsers and cloud gaming that also affects the two companies.

The CMA intends to look into the operating systems, app stores, and web browsers of Apple and Google to see whether they should be given ‘Strategic Market Status.” If they meet that grade, they will be subject to rules dictated by the CMA. Those dictates could extend further even than European demands have gone under the Digital Markets Act, with huge fines for any non-compliance.

For example, the UK regulator might be able to force Apple and Google to open up access to key functionality for use by app developers or force Apple to open up app distribution to third-party services on its platforms.

What will the investigation explore?

The CMA plans to look at:

The extent of competition between and within mobile ecosystems and what barriers prevent rivals from offering products and services on Apple’s and Google’s platforms.

Possible leveraging of Apple’s and Google’s market power to favor their own apps and services.

Potential exploitative conduct, such as forcing “unfair” terms and conditions on developers.

The concern is that Apple and Google together dominate the mobile industry, which means they “exert considerable influence over much of the content, services and technological development provided on a mobile device,” the CMA said.

That’s true, of course, as the big US tech success stories build the operating systems developers use to provide apps and services on the platforms. Given the extensive quantity of personal data gathered by mobile devices, the privacy argument both companies will use in their defense is a viable one.

What the CMA wants

Newly appointed CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell said: “The operating systems, apps and browsers installed on our phones and tablet devices act as our gateway into the digital world, whether that is communicating with our friends and loved ones, buying from businesses or accessing creative content. More competitive mobile ecosystems could foster new innovations and new opportunities across a range of services that millions of people use, be they app stores, browsers or operating systems.”

In the fantasy economics at play here, the CMA argues that better competition could “boost growth” in the UK, enabling UK businesses to offer “new and innovative types of product and services on Apple’s and Google’s platforms” and introduce innovative new products and services.

Saying the quiet part out loud, the regulator suggests these amazing innovations could include AI products and services and new types of “super apps” accessed through a mobile browser. The latter is likely music to the ears of Elon Musk, who has long dreamed of turning X into such a service. It must also be noted that AI is certainly part of the intention here; this likely ends with a full-front battle regarding user data privacy.

What Apple said

Apple, of course, doesn’t agree that the ecosystem it created from scratch, armed with nothing but a handful of iMacs and a Unix-based operating system is anti-competitive. “Apple believes in thriving and dynamic markets where innovation can flourish,” the company said. 

Not for the first time, Apple also argued (correctly) that it faces, “competition in every segment and jurisdiction where we operate, and our focus is always the trust of our users.” 

It took pains to note that its platform-based ecosystem delivers big benefits to the UK’s anemic economy. “In the UK alone, the iOS app economy supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and makes it possible for developers big and small to reach users on a trusted platform,” the company said.

Apple CEO Tim Cook made similar arguments when he visited the UK to meet King Charles and speak to the incumbent Prime Minister. The implication, of course, is that regulations that damage the trust between consumers and the brand will threaten existing digital business and further harm consumers and the UK economy. Some might see this as a warning against deep state interference in something as complex as OS development. 

Perhaps dialog will help? “We will continue to engage constructively with the CMA as their work on this matter progresses,” the Apple statement said.

We’ll see how it goes.

What happens next?

The CMA now intends to speak with a range of stakeholders, including device manufacturers, software developers and user groups. It also intends to gather evidence from Apple and Google before reaching a decision by the end of October 2025. “Anyone with an interest in these investigations is invited to comment until Wednesday 12 February,” the CMA said.

If that’s you, you can provide your own insights to the UK regulator via this website.

With investigations extending across its business in almost every key market, Apple will certainly hope for support from the home nation it has delivered so much economic benefit to, as the alternative will be fundamental changes in its business. The latter, I feel, has become inevitable at this point, and I’d argue that the company should switch to establish new business models that it can control before it is forced to adapt to business structures over which it has none.

It’s noteworthy that newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump s already pushing back on European efforts to regulate US tech firms. “These are American companies whether you like it or not,” Trump said at the World Economic Forum in Davos. “They shouldn’t be doing that. That’s, as far as I’m concerned, a form of taxation. We have some very big complaints with the EU.”

I expect the UK should anticipate slaps with the same stick.

You can follow me on social media! Join me on BlueSky,  LinkedIn, Mastodon, and MeWe. 

Source:: Computer World

By Thomas Macaulay Donald Trump’s big AI announcement has turned heads on both sides of the Atlantic. Trump revealed this week that OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle have formed a joint venture — called Stargate — that will invest $500bn in AI infrastructure. The companies said $100bn of the funding was available immediately. The rest would be deployed over the next four years. Trump billed Stargate as “the largest AI infrastructure project by far in history.” He added that the project would ensure “the future of technology” is in the US. Masayoshi Son, the CEO of SoftBank, had another bold prediction. He said the…This story continues at The Next Web

Source:: The Next Web

By Deepti Pathak Have you ever encountered “TB” in a text and wondered what it means?  Abbreviations like these…
The post TB Meaning in Text Explained: Use Cases & Examples appeared first on Fossbytes.

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By Deepti Pathak Have you ever encountered “OPT” on social media and wondered what it means? You’re not alone!…
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By Amanda Kavanagh Every two years for the last decade, the World Economic Forum has released a comprehensive, and oft cited report proffering insights into the changing nature of the jobs economy. The latest Future of Jobs Report, which covers 2025–2030, combines the viewpoints of more than 1,000 prominent international businesses, who together account for over 14 million workers in 22 sector clusters and 55 economies worldwide. Here are a few key takeaways: Gen AI & robots According to the report, by 2030, 60% of employers anticipate that broadening digital access will revolutionise their industry. 5 jobs to discover this week Software Engineer,…This story continues at The Next Web

Source:: The Next Web

By Siôn Geschwindt Ah, quantum computing… that moonshot technology full of potential, full of promise — and jam-packed with enough jargon to make the average person cry.  Qubits, entanglement, superposition, trapped-ions, Schrödinger’s cat. These terms sound strange because the world of quantum mechanics — where things can exist in multiple states at once — is strange.  And that’s why I want you to bear with me while I relay this latest piece of news from the buzzing quantum computing startup scene.  ZuriQ, a spin-out from ETH Zurich in Switzerland, has raised $4.2mn to commercialise a new chip architecture that could dramatically increase the…This story continues at The Next Web

Source:: The Next Web

Apple’s innovative self-branded credit card, Apple Card, was expected to overturn the existing retail banking industry and transform relationships between bankers and customers. Equipped with generous benefits and unique integration between Apple’s ecosystem and a user’s financial relationships, the card quickly generated many thousands of US users after its 2019 introduction.

With such a great start, how could it fail? And yet, somehow it found a way. 

To be fair, the six-year-old card hasn’t really failed. It still exists and many enjoy its perks and benefits, including cash-back deals and a savings account offering some of the best interest your money can buy. They enjoy it very much. In fact, the Apple Card ranks highest in customer satisfaction among co-brand credit cards, according to JD Power.

But all is not well

Burned by its foray into retail banking during a period of global instability and pandemic, Apple Card partner Goldman Sachs wants out, and while it and Apple will continue working together for the duration of the existing contract, the open secret is that the iPhone maker is seeking a new card partner. That the two partners got fined $89 million for negligence and mismanagement by the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau didn’t help. As recently as last week, Goldman Sachs’ CEO warned that the arrangement between the two firms could end early, so it looks as if that company is eyeing a rapid exit from the deal.

Right now, Apple is reportedly in conversation with Barclays on the matter, Reuters claims. Barclays is no stranger to taking on existing credit card services; it recently replaced Goldman Sachs as credit card partner for General Motors. Talks between Apple and JP Morgan Chase and Synchrony Financial have also been alleged in recent months.

Despite these chats, nothing has been announced, which suggests Apple is encountering challenges finding a new partner. 

What’s in the way?

Holiday season speculation told us potential retail banking partners just don’t want to deliver on the features and benefits Apple Card currently provides. 

I think Apple is at a disadvantage here. It’s important when thinking about the nature of those closed-door negotiations to ponder the power balance in these chats. After all, while Apple drives legendarily hard bargains, when it comes to negotiation, banks are banks, and they know that when it comes to real unearned wealth creation, the financial system they own always works in their favor.

After all, when it doesn’t, we bail them out.

Look at it this way, while Apple has to sell and invent real products and services to make its money, banks just need to increase property values to charge interest on mortgage money they notionally lend which doesn’t actually exist. A little like artificially manipulated crypto value spikes, it’s a lot easier to create scarcity than to meet it with what people need. In this scenario, the banks have the upper hand.

There’s a certain irony to that. When it was introduced, Apple Card posed a titan’s challenge to the industry. 

Eating with the enemy

The features, including app-driven features, were second to none. The business proposition tilted hard toward customer convenience, and Apple’s foray into the financial system (in conjunction with even deeper stabs at retail banking’s most profitable markets by other challenge banks) arguably helped force established financial institutions to get their act together and improve their customer offerings. 

(If that proposition were correct, you’d see evidence of it — and you can find that evidence in all the new features suddenly added to banking apps and services after Apple Card arrived.)

Most people deeply resent the banking industry. Many millions continue to experience hardships following the 2008 crash. The idea that Apple Card and other challenge banks would somehow undermine the status quo remains quite attractive.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be happening. Instead, established banking services (such as Barclays) will now do the Big Fish, Little Fish predator tango and assimilate the competitor, neutralizing the threat.

Was Apple Card too good? It was so good an established vendor may yet buy it, you might say.

If that happens, Apple Card customers will be OK. (They’ll also be OK if the card fades away as their interests will be protected.) Apple will still make a profit. But the challenge will be defanged, and the industry will carry on its own sweet way — while occasionally raising arguments about competition when vendors like Apple invent something they want to extract wealth from, such as Apple Pay.

“Everybody knows that the dice are loaded,” as Leonard Cohen once sang. “That’s how it goes.”

Even at Apple.

You can follow me on social media! Join me on BlueSky,  LinkedIn, Mastodon, and MeWe. 

Source:: Computer World

By Thomas Macaulay A new season of the “Champions League of Tech” has begun with the return of TECH5 — Europe’s hottest scaleup contest. Over the next five months, TECH5 will showcase the continent’s future stars. The competition comes to a climax on June 19-20, when the 2025 winners are announced on the main stage of TNW Conference. Applications for the tournament opened this week. Promising scaleups from across the continent have been invited to submit their entries here. A range of prizes are at stake, from media coverage to VIP passes to TNW Conference. Companies need to act fast though — the…This story continues at The Next Web

Source:: The Next Web