Technology

Blockchain lender Figure valued at $7.6 billion as shares jump in Nasdaq debut

(Reuters) - Figure Technology was valued at $7.62 billion after its shares jumped 44% in their Nasdaq debut on Thursday, adding to a run of strong first-day performances by crypto-linked firms as the digital-assets industry edges closer to the mainstream.

Technology

FDA panel to weigh in on AI mental health devices

(Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will hold an advisory panel meeting in November to examine the fast-emerging class of AI-enabled digital mental health devices.

Technology

Alibaba, Baidu begin using their own chips for training AI models, The Information reports

(Reuters) -Chinese tech giants Alibaba and Baidu have started using internally designed chips to train their AI models, partially replacing AI chips made by Nvidia, according to a report by The Information on Thursday, citing four people with direct knowledge of the matter.

Technology

FTC launches inquiry into AI chatbots of Alphabet, Meta and others

(Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Trade Commission on Thursday said it is seeking information from several companies including Alphabet, Meta Platforms and OpenAI that provide consumer-facing AI-powered chatbots, on how these firms measure, test and monitor potentially negative impacts of the technology.

Technology

M&S digital chief exits months after damaging hack

(Reuters) - Marks & Spencer's chief digital and technology officer is stepping down from her role, months after a cyberattack crippled its online operations, the British retailer said on Thursday.

Technology

Apple draws Hollywood talent, Emmy recognition with creative risks

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -Nearly six years after technology giant Apple made its Hollywood debut with the launch of Apple TV+, the iPhone maker is positioned for primetime glory at Sunday's Emmy Awards.

Technology

Oracle takes a breather after AI-powered record run toward $1 trillion club

(Reuters) - Oracle shares retreated on Thursday after a record AI-driven surge in the previous session that put the company closer to the trillion-dollar mark and co-founder Larry Ellison within striking distance of the world's richest person title.

TECH

US Senator says Microsoft flaws led to hack of US hospital system

US Senator Ron Wyden says glaring cybersecurity flaws by Microsoft Corp enabled a ransomware attack on a US hospital system and has called on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate.

TECH

Jack Ma-backed Ant’s first humanoid robot sheds light on its AI ambitions

Jack Ma-backed Ant Group Co showcased its first humanoid robot on Sept 11, formally joining an intensifying effort by Chinese companies to compete with the US in commercialising a frontier technology.

Social media

French lawmakers urge 'digital curfew' for teens

Children under 15 in France should be banned entirely from using social media, and those aged between 15 and 18 should face a nighttime "digital curfew", a French parliamentary committee urged on Sept 11.

Technology

India's IT sector nervous as US proposes outsourcing tax

BENGALURU (Reuters) -India's massive IT sector faces a lengthy period of uncertainty with customers delaying or re-negotiating contracts while the U.S. debates a proposed 25% tax on American firms using foreign outsourcing services, analysts and lawyers said.

Technology

In AI-simulated Fed meeting, political pressure polarises board

TOKYO (Reuters) -A simulated Federal Reserve meeting that used artificial intelligence agents modeled on real-life policymakers showed political pressure polarised members of the board in their rate-setting deliberations.

Social media

China says imposed punishment on Xiaohongshu over content

China's Internet regulator said on Sept 11 it had ordered "warnings and strict punishment" to bosses at popular social media app Xiaohongshu over its online content, slamming "trivial" and "negative" posts.

AI

‘Brain-like’ AI uses Chinese chips to run 100 times faster on ultra-long tasks

SpikingBrain 1.0 mimics how the human brain fires only the neurons it needs, saving power and speeding up the response time, researchers say.

Technology

Blockchain lender Figure raises $787.5 million in US IPO

(Reuters) - Stablecoin issuer Figure Technology, along with some of its existing investors, raised $787.5 million in a U.S. initial public offering on Wednesday, becoming the latest crypto firm to tap public markets as digital assets gain mainstream acceptance.

Smartphones

Apple starts getting customers used to the Idea of US$2,000 iPhones

When Apple Inc launched the iPhone X in 2017, the company did more than usher in facial recognition and a sleek edge-to-edge screen. It also helped establish a new category: the US$1,000 (RM4,220) smartphone.

Mobile apps

Climate tracking apps measure your carbon footprint. Here's how they work

Researchers have found that people often misjudge how their actions contribute to climate change, but can do better with more information. Apps are one way to learn more about emissions and build better habits.

AI

Remember when things were better in the ’90s? AI does, too

Dubious videos about the glory of bygone eras are creating nostalgia for those too young to fact check them.

Technology

Perplexity finalizes $20 billion valuation round, the Information reports

(Reuters) - AI startup Perplexity has secured commitments from investors for $200 million in new funding at a $20 billion valuation, the Information reported on Wednesday, citing a person with knowledge of the matter.

Technology

Netflix's chief product officer Eunice Kim to leave

(Reuters) - Netflix said on Wednesday that Eunice Kim, its chief product officer since 2023, will leave the company.