Sandhya Gupta

TCS Seeks to Use Microsoft AI Partnership to Improve Margins

Leave a Comment / Artificial Intellegence, Microsoft, Story, Tech Story / By Sandhya Gupta

In a strategic move aimed at fostering growth, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS), Asia’s largest outsourcing company, is intensifying its collaboration with Microsoft Corp to develop cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI)-based software services.

The partnership involves leveraging Azure OpenAI, a collaboration between Microsoft and OpenAI led by Sam Altman, as well as utilizing the cloud-based AI tool GitHub Copilot. The goal is to offer bespoke solutions, such as fraud detection for financial services clients and personalized customer services for retailers.

K Krithivasan, the Chief Executive Officer of TCS, highlighted the potential of these services to enhance margins in an interview with Bloomberg News. He emphasized that the company is working closely with Microsoft to build industry-specific solutions that can be jointly brought to market. However, Krithivasan acknowledged that it might take a couple of quarters before these initiatives reach a critical mass to significantly impact the overall market.

With over 100,000 generative AI-ready employees, TCS is integrating AI technology into various software offerings, a move that has reportedly contributed to the success of securing large deals. The company’s strategy aligns with a broader industry trend among Indian IT firms, including smaller rivals like Infosys, to shift focus from traditional outsourcing to high-value services encompassing big data, machine learning, analytics, cloud computing, and AI.

Krithivasan, who assumed the role of CEO in June, has undertaken structural changes within the company to tap into the business expertise of senior executives and enhance client connections. While expressing optimism about the partnership with Microsoft, he emphasized the need for sustained growth and the removal of organizational frictions.

Also Read: X Faces European Union Investigation for Israel-Palestine Content

The move towards advanced technologies is crucial for Indian IT firms as they face margin pressures due to global economic uncertainties and geopolitical events. Traditionally, these companies provided cost-effective back-office operations, but they are now positioning themselves as partners in digital transformation for global enterprises.

“We should be participating more where the customers are investing for the future,” Krithivasan stated, underscoring the firm’s commitment to enhancing capabilities in areas crucial for clients’ future investments. As the partnership with Microsoft evolves, TCS aims to navigate the dynamic landscape of the IT industry, adapting to emerging technologies to stay at the forefront of innovation and client satisfaction.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

X Faces European Union Investigation for Israel-Palestine Content

Leave a Comment / News, Tech News, twitter / By Sandhya Gupta

The European Commission has initiated a thorough investigation into social media giant X amid escalating concerns over the proliferation of misinformation and illegal content related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. This move comes despite executives from the platform, previously known as Twitter, asserting their commitment to cracking down on such content following the recent attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel.

Linda Yaccarino, the CEO of the platform, revealed in a post on X that the company had taken substantial measures to combat the surge in propaganda and depictions of violence on its platform. Yaccarino stated that hundreds of Hamas-linked accounts had been removed, showcasing the platform’s purported dedication to eradicating content that violates community standards.

Moreover, Yaccarino claimed that thousands of pieces of content had either been labeled or removed since the outbreak of the conflict around the Gaza Strip. This assertion aligns with the platform’s insistence that it is actively working to address the concerns raised by the European Union regarding the moderation of illicit posts, photos, and videos depicting the ongoing carnage.

In response to inquiries from a top European Union official regarding the steps X was taking to moderate the content, Yaccarino shared a letter on the platform. In the letter, she detailed the company’s intensified efforts, explaining, “In response to the recent terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas, we’ve redistributed resources and refocused internal teams who are working around the clock to address this rapidly evolving situation.”

Also Read: Microsoft’s $69 Billion Activision Blizzard Deal Cleared by Britain

Despite these assurances, the European Commission remains steadfast in its investigation, highlighting the growing pressure on social media platforms to adopt more stringent content moderation measures. The 27-nation bloc’s scrutiny reflects a broader international concern over the role of social media in disseminating potentially harmful content during times of conflict and crisis.

As the investigation unfolds, X faces the challenge of proving the effectiveness of its content moderation policies and responding adequately to the European Union’s apprehensions. The outcome of this inquiry could have significant implications not only for the platform but also for the broader debate surrounding the responsibilities of social media companies in the face of global conflicts.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

Google’s Pichai Decried Bad ‘Optics’ of Search Engine Deal With Apple

Leave a Comment / Google, News, Tech News / By Sandhya Gupta

In a revealing twist in the ongoing Justice Department’s antitrust case against Alphabet Inc.’s Google, emails from 2007 have emerged, featuring concerns raised by Google’s current CEO Sundar Pichai about the company’s deal with Apple Inc.

The emails, submitted as evidence in the case, showcase Pichai’s apprehensions about the lack of choice for users in selecting a search engine in Apple’s Safari browser. At the time of the emails, Pichai was overseeing Google’s Chrome browser, and he expressed discomfort with the agreement to pay Apple for being the pre-selected search option. “I know we are insisting on default, but at the same time I think we should encourage them to have Yahoo as a choice in the pull-down or some other easy option,” Pichai wrote.

The crux of the Justice Department’s case is the allegation that Google has been paying substantial amounts to Apple and other smartphone makers, including Samsung, in revenue-sharing agreements to stifle competition from rival search engines. The agreements ensure that Google remains the default search option on browsers and smartphones.

The Justice Department claims that Google pays over $10 billion annually for these contracts, though the exact figures are confidential. Google, however, denies that these agreements impede competition, asserting that users can easily opt for alternatives.

Key negotiator Joan Braddi, Google’s vice president for product partnerships, testified on Tuesday about the agreement with Apple. During questioning, the prosecutor raised concerns about the benefits of Google search compared to the cost of supporting Apple, its major competitor in mobile operating systems. Braddi, who negotiated the initial deal in 2002, stated that the agreement between Google and Apple had no limits on how Apple utilized the money received.

The 2002 deal, which started without any monetary exchange, evolved into a revenue-sharing arrangement in 2005. It subsequently expanded to include the iPhone in 2007 and the iPad in 2010. Braddi disclosed that amendments were proposed by Apple in 2007, 2009, and 2012, seeking more flexibility on the search default. In 2014, an amendment was signed allowing Apple to use other search engines in some countries.

Also Read: US Space Force Pauses Generative AI Use Based on Security Concerns

Interestingly, the 2014 amendment took 17 months to negotiate, emphasizing concerns about potential diversions of queries to other companies. Braddi clarified that the intention was not to obstruct Apple’s services but to ensure that the search engine was used in a “substantially similar” manner.

As the case unfolds, questions linger about the financial impact of the revenue-sharing on Apple’s operating income. Google has been monitoring Apple’s earnings calls since 2018 to gauge the significance of the revenue share, but exact figures remain undisclosed. The trial continues, shedding light on the intricacies of these behind-the-scenes dealings between tech giants.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

US Space Force Pauses Generative AI Use Based on Security Concerns

Leave a Comment / Artificial Intellegence, News, Tech News / By Sandhya Gupta

In a move reflecting growing concerns over data security, the US Space Force has issued a temporary ban on the use of web-based generative artificial intelligence tools and large language models (LLMs).

The ban, detailed in a September 29 memo seen by Bloomberg News, applies to the Guardian Workforce, the term for Space Force members, and restricts the use of government data on web-based generative AI tools unless specifically approved.

Generative AI tools, including chatbots and platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, have gained immense popularity for their ability to create text, images, or other media from simple prompts. Lisa Costa, Space Force’s chief technology and innovation officer, acknowledged the transformative potential of generative AI in the workforce but expressed concerns over cybersecurity, data handling, and procurement requirements in the memo. The adoption of AI and LLMs, she stressed, must be conducted responsibly.

While the memo did not provide specific details, experts have raised alarms about potential risks associated with handling voluminous and potentially non-public data. There are fears that such data, used to train models and generate content, could be vulnerable to leaks or hacking.

The decision has already impacted users of generative AI platforms, including at least 500 individuals relying on Ask Sage, a secure generative AI platform. Nicolas Chaillan, the founder of Ask Sage and former chief software officer for the Air Force and Space Force, criticized the decision as short-sighted, especially given the Defense Department’s push for accelerated AI adoption. In August, the Pentagon established a generative AI task force to explore use cases for LLMs across the department.

Chaillan argued that his platform already meets security requirements and has been “whitelisted” and approved for use by the Air Force. He raised concerns in a September email, expressing that the decision would set the US back in the AI race, particularly against China.

Also Read: Adobe Releases New AI Models Aimed at Improved Graphic Design

The impact of the Space Force’s decision extends beyond national defense, affecting over 10,000 customers in the Defense Department, including 6,500 in the Air Force, who utilize Ask Sage for tasks such as report writing. The CIA has already developed a generative AI tool for use within the intelligence community, indicating the broader interest in leveraging AI capabilities across various government agencies.

As the Space Force plans to release new guidance within 30 days, the decision to pause generative AI use reflects a delicate balancing act between embracing cutting-edge technologies and addressing pressing security concerns in an era where data vulnerability is a growing global challenge.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

BlackRock Invests in German Fintech Firm Targeting New Investors

Leave a Comment / Story, Tech Story / By Sandhya Gupta

In a strategic move to expand its reach to first-time investors in Europe, BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has acquired a minority stake in Upvest, a Berlin-based digital wealth management fintech.

BlackRock led a successful 30 million euro funding round for Upvest, demonstrating the asset manager’s commitment to tapping into the growing market of new investors in the region. Upvest specializes in providing settlement and custody infrastructure for digital wealth management. The recent investment, which saw participation from existing backers such as Bessemer Venture Partners, HV Capital, Earlybird, Notion, ABN Amro Ventures, and 10x Capital, is poised to accelerate Upvest’s growth in the evolving fintech landscape.

BlackRock, overseeing an impressive $9.4 trillion, aims to leverage Upvest’s software platform. This platform enables investors, regardless of the size of their investment, to access a diverse range of products across various asset classes, including popular investment vehicles like exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The move aligns with the trend where ETF savings plans have played a pivotal role in attracting a new generation of first-time investors.

The investment comes at a critical juncture as BlackRock anticipates a significant surge in the number of first-time investors in Europe. According to BlackRock’s projections, the number is expected to reach approximately 20 million by 2026, a substantial increase from 4.9 million just two years ago. Germany stands out as a focal point for BlackRock’s expansion strategy in the continent.

This strategic alliance underscores BlackRock’s broader transformation into a comprehensive solution provider for investors, aiming to offer a one-stop-shop experience across various asset classes. The company is not only concentrating on managing assets but is also focusing on delivering technology solutions, data analytics, and financial markets advice to its clientele.

Also Read: China Plans Big AI and Computing Buildup in Boon for Local Firms

The partnership between BlackRock and Upvest not only signifies a vote of confidence in the potential of the German fintech but also signals a commitment to facilitating financial inclusion for a growing number of new investors. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, collaborations between traditional giants like BlackRock and innovative fintechs like Upvest are poised to reshape the investment landscape, providing more accessible and diverse opportunities for investors across Europe and beyond.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

Apple’s Challenge for the Next Vision Pro: Making It Easier to Wear

Leave a Comment / apple, Augmented Reality, News, Tech News / By Sandhya Gupta

In a recent report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, it has been revealed that Apple is diligently working on enhancing the wearability of its upcoming Vision Pro headset.

The current iteration of the Vision Pro, a mixed-reality headset combining augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), has received acclaim for its performance and features. However, a significant concern arises due to its perceived bulkiness and discomfort during prolonged usage.

Gurman’s report indicates that Apple is addressing these concerns through a focus on a “smaller and lighter design” for the next Vision Pro. The current model, weighing approximately a pound, has been deemed too heavy for some users even in short durations. While an over-the-head strap is considered for the initial model, the long-term solution rests in making the hardware itself lighter, possibly incorporating lighter materials. The anticipated launch for this improved headset is speculated to be next year.

One of the prominent issues faced by users of the current Vision Pro is its lack of accommodation for prescription eyeglasses. Apple’s attempt to address this by partnering with Zeiss for special lenses has posed challenges in dealing with various combinations of these lenses. As a potential solution, Apple is reportedly contemplating manufacturing headsets with prescription lenses pre-installed in the factory.

However, this solution is not without its complications. Gurman highlights concerns that Apple might be perceived as a healthcare provider, a role the tech giant may not want to assume. Additionally, the inclusion of built-in prescription lenses may limit the sharing or resale of headsets, and with people’s vision prescriptions changing over time, this approach might not be universally effective in the long run.

Also Read: Japan to Propose Rules for Generative AI to G7 Leaders: Yomiuri

Apple’s commitment to improving the wearability of the Vision Pro signals a strategic move towards making mixed reality a mainstream computing platform. If Apple can successfully create a headset that is comfortable for extended use, it could revolutionize the landscape of AR and VR applications, ushering in a new era of immersive and user-friendly experiences. As technology enthusiasts eagerly await the release, Apple’s pursuit of comfort in the next Vision Pro may indeed mark a significant milestone in the evolution of mixed reality devices.

Sandhya Gupta

I am a law graduate from NLU Lucknow. I have a flair for creative writing and hence in my free time work as a freelance content writer.

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