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AI

The rise of AI reasoning models comes with a big energy tradeoff

Nearly all leading artificial intelligence developers are focused on building AI models that mimic the way humans reason, but new research shows these cutting-edge systems can be far more energy intensive, adding to concerns about AI's strain on power grids.

Technology

Amazon pays Italy 180 million euros to end tax, labour probe, sources say

ROME, Dec 5 (Reuters) - An Italian unit of e-commerce giant Amazon has paid compensation and scrapped a monitoring system for delivery staff, ending a probe into alleged tax fraud and illegal labour practices, sources with knowledge of the matter said on Friday.

Internet

Meta’s Zuckerberg plans deep cuts for metaverse efforts

Meta Platforms Inc's Mark Zuckerberg is expected to meaningfully cut resources for building the so-called metaverse, an effort that he once framed as the future of the company and the reason for changing its name from Facebook Inc.

Mobile apps

Tech tracking to tackle human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe

In the sun-scorched lands bordering Zimbabwe's largest wildlife sanctuary, Takesure Moyo pedals through his village each morning on a mission to help his community coexist with the elephants and predators that roam nearby.

Gadgets

Like fancy Japanese toilets? You’ll love the sound of this.

Devices that conceal unwanted noises are the next frontier in advanced toilet technology. Would you like some peaceful birdsong, or perhaps a burst of artillery fire?

Social media

Facebook 'supreme court' admits 'frustrations' in five years of work

The Oversight Board began its work in 2020, staffed with prominent academics, media veterans and civil society figures.

Internet

Russia restricts FaceTime, its latest step in controlling online communications

Russian authorities said Dec 4 they have imposed restrictions on Apple's video calling service FaceTime, the latest step in an effort to tighten control over the internetand communications online.

AI

Studies: AI chatbots can influence voters

A brief conversation with a partisan AI chatbot can influence voters' political views, studies published Dec 4 found, with evidence-backed arguments – true or not – proving particularly persuasive.

Technology

LG Elec says Microsoft and LG affiliates pursuing cooperation on data centres

SEOUL, Dec 5 (Reuters) - South Korea's LG Electronics Inc said on Friday that Microsoft and LG affiliates are pursuing overall business cooperation regarding data centres, but no specific deal has been signed at this time.

Technology

Apple appoints Meta's Newstead as general counsel amid executive changes

Dec 4 (Reuters) - Apple on Thursday announced that Meta Platforms' chief legal officer, Jennifer Newstead, will join the company as its general counsel and senior vice president.

Technology

AI's rise stirs excitement, sparks job worries

NEW YORK, Dec 4 (Reuters) - The transformative effects of artificial intelligence dominated discussions at the Reuters NEXT conference in New York, with panelists concentrating on how it may upend work - and job growth - sidestepping concerns about an AI bubble. 

Technology

Australia's NEXTDC inks MoU with OpenAI to develop AI infrastructure in Sydney, shares jump

Dec 5 (Reuters) - NEXTDC Ltd said on Friday it inked a memorandum of understanding with ChatGPT maker OpenAI to collaborate on the development of a hyperscale AI campus and graphics processing unit supercluster in Sydney, boosting its shares.

Technology

SentinelOne forecasts quarterly revenue below estimates, CFO to step down

Dec 4 (Reuters) - Cybersecurity firm SentinelOne on Thursday forecast fourth-quarter revenue below analysts' expectations and said Chief Financial Officer Barbara Larson will step down.

Technology

Hewlett Packard forecasts weak quarterly revenue, shares fall

Dec 4 (Reuters) - Hewlett Packard Enterprise forecast first-quarter revenue below Wall Street estimates on Thursday, due to cautious enterprise spending amid economic uncertainty, sending its shares down 5% in extended trading.

Technology

Microsoft to lift productivity suite prices for businesses, governments

Dec 4 (Reuters) - Microsoft will increase prices for its Microsoft 365 productivity suites globally starting July 2026 for commercial and government clients, the company said on Thursday.

Technology

Bank of America expands crypto access for wealth management clients

Dec 4 (Reuters) - Bank of America will begin allowing its wealth advisers to recommend allocations to crypto in client portfolios from next month, the U.S. lending giant said on Thursday, in a landmark moment for the digital assets sector.

Technology

Italy launches 'in-depth' review of cryptocurrency risks

MILAN, Dec 4 (Reuters) - Italy's Economy Ministry has ordered an in-depth review of existing safeguards against cryptocurrency risks, which are seen potentially rising, the Bank of Italy and other financial regulators said on Thursday.

Technology

FCC approves AT&T $1 billion purchase of spectrum from US Cellular

WASHINGTON, Dec 4 (Reuters) - The Federal Communications Commission said Thursday it has approved AT&T's deal to buy some wireless spectrum licenses from U.S. Cellular in a $1.02 billion deal after the Texas-based carrier committed to end DEI programs.

Technology

Meta to cut up to 30% of metaverse budget, Bloomberg News reports

Dec 4 (Reuters) - Meta is expected to make budget cuts of up to 30% for its metaverse initiative, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the discussions.

Technology

AI startup Flex raises $60 million to offer finance tools for mid-sized businesses

Dec 4 (Reuters) - Flex, an artificial intelligence startup that aims to be a one-stop shop for the financial needs of mid-sized business owners, said on Thursday it has raised $60 million in a Portage Ventures-led funding round.