Apple has released eight new AI models, known as OpenELMs, designed for local on-device use. These models, which are fully open-source and available on the Hugging Face Hub, demonstrate Apple's commitment to both cloud-based and on-device AI. Four of the models were pre-trained on CoreNet, while the other four were 'instruction-tuned' by Apple. Apple's move to release open-source software is seen as an unusual move for the company, as it aims to "empower and enrich" public AI research.
Apple is focusing on AI in its on-device models, hoping developers will help improve the software. This is in response to fierce competition in the phone and laptop markets. Apple already has AI capabilities on its A- and M-series chips, such as Face ID and Animoji. The upcoming M4 chip for Mac systems also features AI-related processing capabilities.
India's Reliance Jio has become the world's largest mobile operator in terms of data traffic, surpassing China Mobile. As of March 2024, Jio has a subscriber base of 481.8 million, with 108 million on its True5G Standalone network. The total traffic on the Jio network has reached 40.9 Exabytes, a 35.2% year-on-year increase. 28% of the traffic comes from 5G subscribers, attributed to the growing adoption of 5G and Home services. Jio's Fixed Wireless Access services have contributed significantly to data traffic, with annual data traffic increasing by 2.4x after the COVID-19 pandemic. Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh D Ambani expressed satisfaction with the company's performance and contribution to the Indian economy.
Bharti Airtel has denied discussions with the UK's Vodafone Group to acquire an additional stake in Indus Towers. The company clarified that it has no desire to raise its stake beyond what is required for financial consolidation within the company. The news item stated that Airtel is in talks to buy the UK-based Vodafone Group's 21.05 percent stake in Indus Towers, potentially giving India's second-ranked telco a controlling interest. However, talks are stuck over valuation, with Airtel wanting a valuation of Rs 210-212 a share, or the level at which US private equity fund KKR and Canadian pension fund CPPIB had sold stock in Indus in February 2024.
SoftBank has acquired a majority stake in Dublin-based Cubic Telecom, a provider of software-defined connected vehicle (SDCV) solutions. The acquisition, valued at over 900 million EUR, follows SoftBank's December investment of 473 million EUR in Cubic Telecom. The partnership aims to enter the IoT markets for connected cars and SDCVs. SoftBank has launched collaborative initiatives, including sales cooperation and developing new services. The company has also reached an agreement with Honda to introduce Cubic Telecom's connectivity platform to Honda vehicles in 70 countries and regions.
SES, a Luxembourg-based satellite-based connectivity solutions provider, has launched its second-generation O3b mPOWER satellite system, which will provide connectivity services to customers worldwide. The system, which is positioned at a medium Earth orbit of 8,000 kilometers, will offer services with speeds ranging from tens of Mbps to Multiple Gbps. SES has launched six out of 13 O3b mPOWER high-throughput and low-latency satellites, enabling it to serve customers across multiple market segments. The next two satellites are expected to be launched in late 2024.
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