The cancellation of SXSW EDU in Austin due to the COVID-19 outbreak may have affected its launch but Slido did not want to let the introduction of Slido for Education slide. Instead of a physical launch, it has announced online Slide Education, which aims to help lecturers stay connected with their students by powering two-way interaction during live and virtual classes.
Zendesk Singapore team spearheads chat product development
Zendesk has added to its chat product new features that were developed by its Singapore team. The Singapore office, which is Zendesk’s Asia Pacific Commercial Headquarters, has led the end-to-end development of Zendesk Chat since April 2014.
GTC goes online, Google IO and GDC scratched
It’s been a month of event cancellations due to COVID-19. NVIDIA has pulled the plug on the annual GPU Technology Conference (GTC) in San Jose and taking the show online. Just how much of the event will be held online is yet to be known but the definite go ahead is the keynote address by NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang.
Ear-worn devices drive India wearables market to record growth
Apple AirPods are hot in India.In a country that is known for loud road traffic, it is not surprising that ear-worn devices are in hot demand. According to IDC, earwear led the wearables market with 443.6 percent growth to 8.5 million units in 2019.
Cancelled MWC Barcelona dishes out awards
Mobile World Congress Barcelona may have been canned but the organiser has decided that the awards must still be handed out. It has announced the winners of its Global Mobile (Glomo) Awards.
HP strikes back, touts value creation
HP is not taking the Xerox takeover bid lying down. Backed by strong Q1 results, it is striking back, even teasing a reverse takeover of Xerox instead.
80% of businesses: 5G will have significant impact
5G will have a significant impact, according to 79 percent of respondents to an Accenture study. However, security concerns remain as countries explore the implementation of the next generation mobile technology.
2 Singapore IT events shelved, Computex Taipei to go on
COVID-19 is leaving a trail of cancelled events in its footpath. Two IT events scheduled this week in Singapore have been canned.
GSMA pulls the plug on MWC Barcelona 2020
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, MWC Barcelona 2020 organiser GSMA has announced the official cancellation of this year’s event. Due to take place from 24 to 27 February 2020, the event showed signs of scale […]
Coronavirus situation shifts IT Show
The popular IT Show in Singapore, scheduled to take place in March, has been postponed until further notice because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Arm launches AI chip for IoT devices
Source: ArmArm has launched the Cortex-M55, an artificial intelligence (AI) processor based on the Armv8.1-M architecture with Arm Helium vector processing technology for significantly enhanced, energy-efficient digital signal processing and machine learning (ML).
Xerox ups HP offer
Xerox is pressing ahead with its HP takeover by launching a tender offer of US$24 per share for all outstanding common stock — that’s US$2 more than its original proposal — on March 2, 2020.
MWC Barcelona hit by string of withdrawals
The list is growing. Amazon has joined Ericsson, LG and NVIDIA in pulling out from MWC Barcelona. Held from February 24 to 27, the leading mobile event is expected to see fewer participants this year because of the novel coronavirus situation.
IBM selects new Chief
IBM has chosen Arvind Krishna to be its new Chief Executive Officer from April 6. The current Senior Vice President for Cloud and Cognitive Software will take over the reign from Virginia Rometty, who will remain as Executive Chairman of the Board and serve until her retirement at the end of the year.
EyeTech launches EyeOn gaze tablet
EyeTech Digital Systems has launched EyeOn, an all-in-one, ultra-slim eye gaze tablet that enables people with mobility and motor impairments to use eye movement to select, type, and speak.
ForgeRock names David Hope as SVP of APAC and Japan
Digital identity solution provider ForgeRock has appointed David Hope as Senior Vice President for Asia-Pacific and Japan.
Microsoft plots hijack of Google search engine for Office 365 users
Netscape used to be the king of browsers in the 1990s until Microsoft came along and bundled Internet Explorer from Windows 95. This swayed many PC users to the Microsoft browser and marked the demise of Netscape.
Strong demand for 5G to drive APAC smartphone sale in 2020
5G is expected to boost smartphone sale, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, in 2020. Greater China and emerging Asia-Pacific will retain the top two positions globally with respective sales of 432.3 million and 376.8 million smartphones this year, according to Gartner.
Huawei turns to TomTom for maps
Source: HuaweiSlowly but surely, Huawei is putting together the pieces for its Google alternative in the light of the US ban. The latest is a tie-up with TomTom for maps to replace Google Maps.
Intel regains top spot as semiconductor market dips in 2019
Despite a 0.7 percent drop in revenue, Intel climbed to the top of the global semiconductor market in 2019, according to Gartner.
Juniper Systems rolls out Mesa 3 rugged tablet
Juniper Systems has released the Mesa 3 rugged tablet for use in rugged handheld computing and data collection.
End of Windows 7
Today marks the end of Windows 7. Microsoft is stopping support and updates for this highly-popular operating system.
Zini Mobiles launches “world’s smallest mobile phone”
Zini Mobiles has launched the Zanco tiny t2, dubbed “the world’s smallest mobile phone” at just a tad over 6cm long. The 31g miniature phone is intended for those who need an ultra-lightweight mobile device that can handle essential daily tasks, including taking photos with it’s 2.4cm display.
Sim Lim Square fails again in en bloc sale
Sim Lim Square may be the go-to place for tech stuff in Singapore but the building has failed in its second attempt at an en bloc sale. According to The Straits Times, the tender closed on December 30 without receiving any bid.
Fuji Xerox to become Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp
Fuji Xerox is changing its corporate name to Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp on April 1, 2021. All Fuji Xerox affiliates and sales companies in and outside Japan will also change their names respectively on that date but their new names will be announced later.
Beyond makes it three for digital full bank licence in Singapore
The Beyond consortium led by V3 Group and EZ-Link has become the third player vying for a digital full bank licence in Singapore. It follows submissions by a Singtel-Grab team and another by Razer, Sheng Siong and four other partners.
China to lead in global robotics systems and drones spending in 2020
China will lead in drones and robotics systems (US$46.9 billion) in 2020, according to IDC. Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan and China) (APeJC) will be the second largest region with US$25.1 billion in spending, followed by the US (US$17.5 billion) and Western Europe (US$14.4 billion).
Singtel and Grab team up for digital banking licence in Singapore
Singtel and Grab have joined hands to apply for a digital full banking licence in Singapore. In a joint statement, the companies announced that they will form a consortium with Grab taking a 60 percent stake and Singtel 40 percent.
Xerox targets HP shareholders
Having been rebuffed by HP Inc, Xerox is taking its bid for HP shareholders with a presentation entitled “Xerox + HP: A value-creating combination”.
Snow Software snaps up Embotics
Sweden-headquartered Snow Software has acquired Embotics will enable CIOs to understand and manage their full technology stack from software and hardware to infrastructure and applications, regardless of environment.
Certis harnesses technologies, operationalises AI
Chua: Combining operations and technologyOperations and technology must work hand in hand in order for organisations to gain better leverage and improve services.
Sleeprate and Garmin aim to help consumers sleep better
Japan, India and Singapore are the top threee most sleep deprived nations in the world, according to a study. Thankfully, help is on its way for those who want to sleep better. Sleep platform Sleeprate is collaborating with Garmin on a mobile self-help sleep assessment and improvement program that aims to help consumers sleep better, track their recovery, and optimise workouts.
LG Electronics appoints Kwon as new CEO
LG Electronics has reshuffled its top leadership with the appointment of Brian Kwon as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Bespoke launches AI chatbot for Ginza subway line
Nearly one million riders on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line will now be able to tap on the capabilities of Bebot, an AI chatbot.They will be able to access naviation and useful train information all along the line using the app
Huawei grows while smartphone market slumps in Q3
The Honor Pro has helped Huawei grow in Q3.Amid a 0.4 percent contraction in the global smartphone market in Q3 compared to the corresponding quarter last year, Huawei continued to stride ahead with 26 percent growth. It has narrowed the gap with Samsung at the top while pulling away from Apple in third spot.
Panasonic exits semiconductor business
Panasonic has totally moved out of the semiconductor business by selling its last plant to Taiwan firm Nuvoton Technology.
Oculus buys Beat Saber maker
The award-winning Beat Saber is an easy to learn and addictive VR game.Oculus has acquired Beat Games, maker of the highly popular VR game Beat Saber, for an undisclosed sum.
AI Innovation Day to focus on IVA
From enhancing public safety to improving customer experience, intelligent video analytics (IVA) is shaping the way videos are used for more informed decision-making. The technology is the focus of AI Innovation Day, which will be held at Kent Ridge Guild House in Singapore on December 4.
HP rebuffs Xerox again
Just days after Xerox threatened to make its takeover bid hostile by approaching HP Inc’s shareholders, HP Inc has issued a strongly worded statement, “We will not let aggressive tactics or hostile gestures distract us from our responsibility to pursue the most value-creating path.”
Huawei opens 5G-powered AI lab in Singapore
Singapore will have 100 more artificial intelligence (AI) architects and 1,000 more AI developers over the next three years — thanks to the newly-launched Huawei AI lab.
TerraMaster unleashes high capacity D8 Thunderbolt 3 storage drive for professionals
The D8 Thunderbolt 3 is compact and easy to carry around.
TerraMaster has unveiled the D8 Thunderbolt 3 high capacity storage drive for professionals working in mission critical productions.
HP: No go to Xerox bid
HP board of directors halts Xerox bid.HP Inc has rejected a proposed acquisition by Xerox. In a letter sent to John Visentin, Vice Chairman and CEO of Xerox, HP board of directors unanimously concluded that the bid “significantly undervalues HP and is not in the best interests of HP shareholders”.
NVIDIA hold hands with Arm and tech leaders on GPU-accelerated servers
NVIDIA’s new reference design platform enables companies to build GPU-accelerated Arm servers for running a broad range of applications, from hyperscale-cloud to exascale supercomputing and beyond.NVIDIA has teamed up with Arm and a host of tech leaders to introduce a reference design platform for enterprises to quickly build GPU-accelerated Arm-based servers.
Lenovo retains pole position in India PC market in Q3
India’s PC market shipped 3.1 million units, rising 15.8 percent year-on-year in Q3, according to IDC. The key growth driver was the second phase of shipment to the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) under its ongoing initiative of free distribution of laptops in the state. The coming end of life of Windows 7 in early 2020 also contributed to the growth as corporate and enterprise users accelerated their upgrades to Windows 10.
Singapore unveils National AI Strategy
Singapore has upped its stake in artificial intelligence (AI) with the unveiling of a National AI Strategy.
Fintech startup ABC Technology makes Singapore its international HQ
Singapore’s vibrant fintech community has scored another first with Beijing-headquartered strtup ABC Technology making Singapore its international base.
HP mulls over Xerox offer
At one corner is a company that made cyclostying machines (above) history and whose name became a verb for photocopying. At the other corner is an IT giant that spewed dots per inch and made printing easy at home and in the office. From speculations this week, it looks like the two may become one.
5G: US$13.2t sales and 22.3m jobs by 2035
5G is expected to have more impact that originally predicted. According to the IHS Markit 5G Economy Study, the new mobile technology will generate US$13.2 trillion is sales enablement by 2035 — that’s a near US$1 trillion increase from the estimate in 2017.
Huawei narrows gap with Samsung at top of smartphone market
Huawei achieves strong domestic performanceDespite the challenges of US sanctions, Huawei has steamrolled ahead and narrowed the gap with Samsung for global smartphone supremacy in Q3.
Singapore hotels pilot face recognition check in
Grand Park City Hall is one of three hotels taking part in the pilot.Three Singapore hotels — Ascott Orchard, Grand Park City Hall and Swissotel The Stamford — are piloting a system that uses face recognition technology to expedite the check-in process.
NVIDIA unveils Jetson Xavier NX for AI supercomputing at the edge
NVIDIA has introduced the Jetson Xavier NX, which it dubbed as “the world’s smallest, most powerful AI supercomputer for robotic and embedded computing devices at the edge”.
IBM rolls out first financial services-ready public cloud
IBM has developed the world’s first financial services-ready public cloud with Bank of America (BoA) as its first collaborator. Under the arrangement, the bank will host key applications and workloads to support the requirements and privacy and safety expectations of its 66 million banking customers.
Smartisan reveals flagship Jianguo Pro 3 smartphone
Smartisan may not ring a bell to those in the region but what about TikTok? Smartisan and TikTok are both owned by ByteDance. The China-based technology company has launched the Jianguo Pro 3, its flagship smartphone that’s packed with leading features, including dual-video.
NTU scientists develop 1000x smaller quantum chip
The tiny chip uses quantum communication algorithms for better security than existing industry standards.
Scientists at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have developed a quantum communication chip that is an incredible 1,000 times smaller than current quantum setups yet offers equally superior security quantum technology is known for.
Google acquires Fitbit for US$2.1b
The Fitbit Versa 2 was launched in Septermber.The rumours have come true. After days of speculation, Google has confirmed that its is acquiring Fitbit for US$2.1 billion.
Computer and machine vision market to hit US$26b in 2024
Expanding range of applications and more powerful hardware are expected to drive growth in the computer vision and machine vision market in the next five years, according to BCC Research.
China steps up to 5G
The Huawei Mate X is one of the devices that’s ready for 5G.5G mobile phone services will be available across China from tomorrow (November 1, 2019). China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom have announced on their 5G plans which from 128 yuans a month.
Snow Software enhances Risk Monitor to strengthen cybersecurity and compliance programs
Snow Software has enhanced its Risk Monitor product to help organisations strengthen cybersecurity and compliance programs with insight across their technology landscape.
AI certification initiative launched in Singapore
AI Singapore (AISG) has announced the AISG AI Certification, a structure learning pathway to enable Singaporeans to reskill, upskill and deep skill in artifical intelligence (AI).
NVIDIA touts 2 new Shield models
NVIDIA has rolled out the Shield TV and Shield TV Pro media streamers to deliver new visual and sound experiences to the gogglebox.
Entelechy Asia 