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☆ Ukrainian troops used 'wedding drones' and Google Maps to batter Russian forces during the war's chaotic early days, commanders say
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

In the days after Russia's invasion last year, Ukrainian forces need help targeting Russian troops. One Ukrainian artillery unit relied on help from Ukrainian civilians to guide their strikes. Ukrainian and Russian drones prowl the skies constantly, looking for enemy positions and movements, as well as for artillery batteries, supply depots, and command posts. SERGEY SHESTAK/AFP via Getty ImagesSometimes Ukrainian forces would get indications that Russian troops were in a village, but not their precise location. Ukrainian troops fire an 2S7 Pion howitzer at Russian positions near Bakhmut in March.

Hong Kong/New York CNN —Temu and Shein are taking off in the United States, topping app stores and creating a frenzy with consumers. Shein was started in China, while Temu was launched by a Chinese company that now bills itself as a multinational firm. Both firms have enjoyed major success in the United States, noted Nicholas Kaufman, a policy analyst for the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Topping the chartsTemu and Shein have taken the world’s largest retail market — the United States — by storm. It has quickly become the most downloaded app in the United States, and continues to expand its user base.

☆ Private equity deals in Asia plunged 44% in 2022. More uncertainty may be ahead
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-28 | by ( Jihye Lee | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

watch nowAsia-Pacific's private equity market plummeted last year — as investors' appetite for risk fell in the face of inflation and geopolitical tensions, according to Bain & Company. The total deal value for the region plunged by 44% to $198 billion in 2022, the global management and consulting firm said in a Tuesday report. Lingering macroeconomic uncertainties alongside rising costs and worsening company performance that dampened investor sentiment, Bain said in its Asia Pacific Private Equity Report 2023. "For more than a decade, the Internet and tech sector has attracted the largest share of private equity capital in the Asia-Pacific region. ESG-related investmentsWhile macroeconomic conditions dampened investors' sentiment in private equity deals region-wide, Bain saw a rise in the number of deals related to environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG).

☆ Microsoft threatens to restrict data from rival AI search tools - Bloomberg News
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

March 24 (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) has threatened to cut off access to its internet-search data, which it licenses to rival search engines, if they do not stop using it as the basis for their own artificial intelligence chat products, Bloomberg News reported on Friday. Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft may also terminate licenses providing access to its search index, Bloomberg added. The maker of the Windows operating system had said in February it was revamping its Bing search engine and Edge Web browser with artificial intelligence, signaling its ambition to retake the lead in consumer technology markets where it has fallen behind. The upgraded Bing search engine was rolled out to users late last month. Reporting by Nilutpal Timsina in Bengaluru; Editing by Sandra Maler and Stephen CoatesOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ TikTok's potential U.S. ban presents host of questions for app stores, internet companies and the government
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Lauren Feiner | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

The TikTok logo is displayed outside TikTok social media app company offices in Culver City, California, on March 16, 2023. related investing news What a potential TikTok ban could mean for Club holding Meta Platforms It's not an issue yet, as there are still some ways a TikTok ban could be avoided or accessed legally in the U.S. Should the U.S. ban TikTok, the mechanics on what happens from there get murky. And the app stores controlled by Apple and Google are the primary places for consumers to download the TikTok app. Under Chinese law, companies can be required to hand over internal information to the government for supposed national security purposes.

☆ Apple supplier Foxconn expects decline in consumer electronics demand, prioritizes global growth
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( Rohan Goswami | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Major Apple supplier Foxconn reported a 10% year-over-year decline in profit for 2022 and anticipated a decline in consumer electronics demand for the full year ahead, the company said in its earnings report Wednesday. The negative sentiment reflected Apple's muted expectations for consumer sales. The company added iPhone sales will decline less in the March quarter compared to the Dcember quarter. Taiwan-based Foxconn is a major manufacturer for consumer technology firms, but is best known for its relationship with Apple, which relies on Foxconn to produce and assemble its iPhone, among other products. The Chinese government has since pulled back on the most aggressive of its Covid protocols, but Apple and other major technology companies have emphasized to suppliers a need to diversify beyond China.

"But after years of dithering, the German 5G network is deeply dependent on Chinese suppliers. Huawei, ZTE and China's government reject these claims, saying that they are motivated by a protectionist desire to support non-Chinese rivals. GERMANY LAGGINGWhile several countries across Europe are still formulating telecom policies, only Britain and Sweden have so far banned Huawei and ZTE from supplying critical 5G network equipment. The German government was last month unable to answer a parliamentary request about how many Huawei components operators were using in their 5G networks, filed in part in response to the report. The deadline to remove all Huawei gear from Britain's 5G networks by the end of 2027 remains unchanged.

☆ Meta planning thousands of more cuts after widespread layoffs, report says
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-07 | by ( Jonathan Vanian | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer of Meta Platforms Inc., left, arrives at federal court in San Jose, California, US, on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022. Meta plans another round of layoffs that could affect thousands of workers, according to a Bloomberg News report published Monday evening. The job cuts could start this week and represent an additional round of layoffs, adding to the 13% of Meta workers who were laid off as part of a major cost-cutting plan announced in November. Zuckerberg has said that he would "take accountability" for the company's previously announced cost-cutting plans, saying that he views layoffs "as a last resort." "We're restructuring teams to increase our efficiency," Zuckerberg said last fall when Meta announced layoffs.

☆ CNET is laying off 10% of its staff, weeks after reports of it using AI to write articles — but it says the 2 things aren't linked
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( Sawdah Bhaimiya | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

CNET is laying off roughly 10% of staff including several long-time employees, The Verge reported. The news come just weeks after the company was found to be using AI to generate articles. CNET told Insider that layoffs are unrelated to its use of AI to create content. CNET revealed it had published 77 articles since November using an "internally designed AI engine." The company said it would stop using AI to generate articles in a staff call in January.

Here's an update on technology-related holdings in Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust, the portfolio we use at the CNBC Investing Club. Jim ran through the 35 stocks during the Club's inaugural Annual Meeting, an in-person event Saturday in New York City. Big picture, we think AMD shares will continue to increase in value as its leadership over Intel is further cemented. But sentiment is improving, with AMD shares climbing around 21% year to date. As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade.

☆ China's Tencent establishes team to develop ChatGPT-like product -sources
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( Josh Ye | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

HONG KONG, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Chinese internet giant Tencent Holdings (0700.HK) has set up a development team to work on a ChatGPT-like chatbot, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. ChatGPT's uncanny ability to create cogent blocks of text instantly has sparked worldwide frenzied interest in the technology behind it called generative AI. A number of Tencent rivals including Alibaba Group (9988.HK) and Baidu Inc (9888.HK) have also announced they are working on their own offerings. Asked for comment, Tencent reiterated a Feb.9 statement that it is conducting research on ChatGPT-tool technology. That also marked the first time an AI model has scored better than humans on CLUE since the test was established three years ago.

☆ ChatGPT frenzy sweeps China as firms scramble for homegrown options
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-11 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Microsoft -backed OpenAI has kept its hit ChatGPT app off-limits to users in China, but the app is attracting huge interest in the country, with firms rushing to integrate the technology into their products and launch rival solutions. OpenAI or ChatGPT itself is not blocked by Chinese authorities but OpenAI does not allow users in mainland China, Hong Kong, Iran, Russia and parts of Africa to sign up. Dozens of bots rigged to ChatGPT technology have emerged on WeChat, with hobbyists using it to make programmes or automated accounts that can interact with users. ChatGPT supports Chinese language interaction and is highly capable of conversing in Chinese, which has helped drive its unofficial adoption in the country. SleekFlow, a Tiger Global-backed startup in Hong Kong, said it was integrating the AI into its customer relations messaging tools.

☆ ChatGPT frenzy sweeps China as firms scramble for home-grown options
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( Josh Ye | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

[1/2] A response in Chinese by ChatGPT, an AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, is seen on its website in this illustration picture taken February 9, 2023. OpenAI or ChatGPT itself is not blocked by Chinese authorities but OpenAI does not allow users in mainland China, Hong Kong, Iran, Russia and parts of Africa to sign up. Dozens of bots rigged to ChatGPT technology have emerged on WeChat, with hobbyists using it to make programmes or automated accounts that can interact with users. ChatGPT supports Chinese language interaction and is highly capable of conversing in Chinese, which has helped drive its unofficial adoption in the country. CENSORSHIPReuters' tests of ChatGPT indicate that the chatbot is not averse to questions that would be sensitive in mainland China.

☆ The inside story of how Microsoft caught up with Google on AI, and the unlikely executive who made it happen
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( Ashley Stewart | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

With OpenAI technology, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is challenging Google's online search monopoly. "Who'd have thought, even just a few months ago, that Google would be on their back foot," said Soma Somasegar, a former Microsoft executive. Google was also busy incorporating machine-learning and other AI technology into popular products such as Google Photos, Google Translate, and its search engine. Microsoft's new Bing search engine uses a newer version of GPT-3 to answer complex questions. Microsoft's positive feedback loopThe OpenAI deal laid the foundation for Microsoft to catch Google in the AI race.

☆ Morning Bid: Powell confesses 'This time it's different'
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Any fear of a radical Fed rethink on the back of the jobs numbers seemed wide of the mark. "This cycle is different from other cycles...it has just confounded all sorts of attempts to predict," Powell admitted. And many think last week's jobs report should similarly be treated with care. They included a minimum tax for billionaires and a quadrupling of the tax on corporate stock buybacks. Brands, Eaton Corp, etcUS terminal rateReuters GraphicsReuters GraphicsReuters GraphicsBy Mike Dolan, Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky <a href="mailto:mike.dolan@thomsonreuters.com" target="_blank">mike.dolan@thomsonreuters.com</a>.

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves premarket: Tyson Foods, PayPal, Children's Place and more
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-06 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Tyson Foods – Shares of the food processing giant suffered a 6% drop in premarket trading after the company reported weaker-than-expected results for the first quarter. Analysts expected $1.34 per share in earnings and revenue of $13.52 billion, according to Refinitiv. PayPal — Shares of the payments company fell 2.6% in premarket after Raymond James downgraded the stock to market perform from outperform. Lyft — Shares of the ride-hailing company fell about 2% in premarket trading after Lyft was downgraded to hold from buy at research firm Gordon Haskett. Energizer Holdings — The battery maker's stock fell 6% after revenue and earnings for the recent quarter fell short of expectations, according to analysts surveyed by FactSet.

☆ Hot AI startup Scale AI, valued at $7 billion, has laid off 20% of its staff. Insiders say employees found out when they were locked out of their computers.
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( Samantha Stokes | Stephanie Palazzolo | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Scale AI laid off 20% of its workforce this morning, Insider has learned. Scale AI has raised more than $600 million from investors like Tiger and Y Combinator and was valued at $7 billion. Buzzy artificial intelligence data-management startup Scale AI, which was last valued at $7 billion in 2021, laid off 20% of its workforce Monday morning, Insider has learned. Founded in 2016 by Alexandr Wang and Lucy Guo, Scale AI was a member of the prestigious accelerator program Y Combinator's summer 2016 cohort. However, the job cuts at Scale AI – once a Silicon Valley darling – seem to suggest otherwise.

☆ CES technology trade show adopts social theme
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-07 | by ( Dawn Chmielewski | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Las Vegas, Jan 6 (Reuters) - Farm equipment took the keynote spotlight at the CES technology trade show in Las Vegas, as "human security for all" became the first theme in its 56-year history. "Technology allows farmers to create more with less," May told an audience of 2,000 at one of the world's largest tech events, organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). The trade group is partnering with the World Academy of Art and Science and the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security to encourage the tech industry to help tackle the world's most pressing problems. The CES sessions are the first phase of the trade group's "rolling thunder" campaign to raise awareness across all sectors of the economy, said Garry Jacobs, executive chairman of the Human Security For All campaign. Reporting by Dawn Chmielewski in Las Vegas; Editing by Richard ChangOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Tech’s biggest show is set to kick off in Las Vegas. Here’s what to expect
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-04 | by ( Samantha Murphy Kelly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The Consumer Electronics Show, now in its 56th year, kicks off this week in Las Vegas with a familiar mix of cutting edge technology and oddball gadgets. And this year’s event, in particular, could show how companies are thinking about products as pandemic concerns recede for some consumers but recession concerns remain. This year, featured speakers will include executives from traditional tech companies such as Samsung, Sony and Amazon, as well as other brands like John Deere, Delta and BMW. Still, the topic of virtual reality products will remain a focus for some companies. HTC is expected to launch the Vive Focus 3 this week at the show, with an emphasis on the metaverse.

☆ Wilmington Trust's Meghan Shue believes markets will shift focus to earnings
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWilmington Trust's Meghan Shue believes markets will shift focus towards earningsWilmington Trust's Meghan Shue joins 'TechCheck' to discuss expectations for earnings in 2023, favoring enterprise and cloud names over consumer technology and valuations coming down in the year ahead.

☆ The Best Electric Razor for a Smoother Shave
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-13 | by ( ) www.wsj.com time to read: +19 min

You can find a capable electric shaver for even less, but the learning curve (and lack of add-ons) could prove problematic. If you’d like to read how we vetted and tested these electric shavers, scroll down for all the details. Best overall electric shaverBuy Side Top Pick Braun Series 7 7027cs $137 at Amazon $ 150 Save $ 13 $139 at Walmart The best combination of performance, accessories and price of any electric shaver. Best lower-price electric shaverAndis ProFoil Lithium Titanium Foil Shaver $55 at Amazon $ 68 Save $ 13 $55 at Walmart This model is priced as low as you’ll want to go for a quality electric shaver. Make sure the electric shaver you’re buying has the accessory package that makes the most sense for your needs and your budget.

☆ Stolen checks, fraudulent activity: three major trade association PACs fell victim to theft in what's become a political epidemic
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Madison Hall | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

An Insider review of FEC filings shows that the National Association of Manufacturers' PAC reported eight instances of stolen and fraudulent checks and bank transfers, amounting to more than $10,000 in losses. Federal Election CommissionAnother trade association, the National Association of Home Builders, reported three instances of "fraudulent debit" during the 2021-2022 election cycle, amounting to more than $20,000 in lost funds. A filing with the FEC from the PAC of the National Association of Home Builders that details money lost from fraudulent disbursements. Federal Election CommissionThe National Association of Home Builders represents more than 140,000 members who construct close to 80% of all the new homes built in the US, per the association's website. The National Association of Home Builders did not respond to Insider's request for comment.

☆ China decoupling takes one step forward, one back
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Pete Sweeney | Thomson Reuters | Asia Economics Editor Pete Sweeney Joined Reuters Breakingviews In Hong Kong In September Previously He Served As Reuters' Chief Correspondent For China Economy | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

It has pushed for reshoring production of electric vehicles and silicon chips, and legislated to delist Chinese companies from New York. Europe, Japan, Australia and India have implemented their own measures ranging from restrictions on Chinese investment, excluding equipment from telecoms networks, and banning consumer apps. The impact the pandemic has had on Chinese supply chains has retroactively validated the push to separate. For politicians who hope to replicate the Chinese supply chain via tax tweaks, subsidies and sanctions, it’s worth remembering China started building out the requisite logistical infrastructure in the 1980s. Non-financial outbound direct investment in the same 10-month period rose 10.3% year-on-year to 627.4 billion yuan, Shu said.

☆ With TV prices down 17%, Black Friday shoppers may find ‘excellent deals’
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-23 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Why TV prices are falling amid broader inflationAverage TV prices fell by almost 17% in October 2022 compared with the same month in 2021, according to the consumer price index. They're an outlier at a time when stubbornly high inflation led prices to climb steeply for a broad basket of consumer products. Manufacturers had cranked up production to historic highs to meet consumer demand — and retailers now have a glut of TVs, Kowalski said. Black Friday and Cyber Monday TV dealsRetailers have long used TV deals to draw in shoppers on Black Friday — the Friday after Thanksgiving and the traditional start to the holiday shopping season. watch nowSome Black Friday deals from retailers such as Best Buy have been jaw-dropping, especially for some well-known brands, said Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews.

Cyber Monday is a better day to shop for tech deals and smaller gifts; you'll also see slightly better online prices. The short answer is that Cyber Monday has better deals overall — but it's close. When to shop Black Friday vs. Cyber MondayShop Black Friday for major stores. The exception is Amazon, which tends to have better deals on Cyber Monday, as long as you're a Prime member. The exception is Amazon, which tends to have better deals on Cyber Monday, as long as you're a Prime member.

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