Google introduces Gemini Spark, an AI agent, in Hong Kong, enabling users to manage complex digital workflows without VPNs, leveraging native integration with Google Workspace.
The AI race between the US and China is shifting to a competition over electricity costs and output, as AI models become commoditized. China's focus on renewable energy, particularly solar power, offers a path to cheaper electricity for data centers, potentially challenging US dominance.
AI tokens are becoming the basis for delivering and pricing AI services in China, evolving beyond a technical metric. Daily AI token consumption has surged over 1,000-fold since early 2024, reaching 140 trillion in March.
Infosys chairman Nandan Nilekani stated the company sees a $300-$400 billion opportunity in AI-led services by 2030, emphasizing AI will amplify, not diminish, IT services firms. AI is accelerating demand for modernization and technical debt retirement, with Infosys collaborating on AI initiatives with 90% of its top 200 clients.
Tencent is testing an AI assistant named Xiaowei within WeChat in China. The assistant allows users to interact via text or voice, communicate with friends, and launch mini-programs, aiming to challenge rivals in China's competitive AI market.
Huawei is considering deploying its new Ascend AI chips in its cloud and AI services across Latin America, according to Mark Chen, president of Huawei Cloud Latin America. This move could increase Chinese hardware presence in a region traditionally served by US suppliers.
Samsung Electronics' DX division will officially introduce external generative AI services like ChatGPT, Gemini Enterprise, and Claude to employees on May 12th. This move aims to enhance productivity, innovate work methods, and boost business competitiveness.
South Korea's stock market is surging, driven by AI chip demand and tech giants like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. However, the nation's currency, the won, is struggling, down 11% against the US dollar, due to reliance on oil imports and global energy shocks.
Phison Electronics founder and CEO, Pua Khein-Seng, advised students at National Chung Hsing University that AI application, software integration, and Hybrid AI services present the most promising startup opportunities within the next three years due to a global demand for AI solutions and a shortage of talent skilled in implementation.
The Electoral Commission urges new legal controls on AI chatbots after a Demos study found they provided misinformation to 34% of questions during the Scottish election. The study also revealed that 20% of voters used AI for election information, and AI tools invented scandals and provided wrong dates.
SpaceX is positioning AI as its future, projecting a $26.5 trillion market opportunity, but faces stiff competition from OpenAI and Anthropic. Its Grok chatbot has struggled for adoption, and the company faces regulatory and reputational risks.
Moscow showcased AI-powered services aimed at improving construction processes at the "Digital Industry of Industrial Russia" conference. These tools can automate document checks, analyze project metrics, and identify errors, according to government officials.
Addressing engineers and founders in Singapore, a former ophthalmologist highlighted the efficiency of rule-based expert systems compared to current AI. He encouraged embracing AI due to its increasing accessibility.
The European Commission has concluded its investigation into Google's AI implementation in Android, finding that Gemini receives preferential treatment that locks out third-party AI services. The commission proposes requiring Google to open Android's AI capabilities to competitors, including system-wide hot words, screen context access, and local model hardware access. Google calls this an "unwarranted intervention" that threatens privacy and security. A final decision is expected by July 27, 2026, with penalties up to 10% of global revenue for non-compliance.
