RBI to Launch Local Cloud Services in 2025, Challenging Global Giants

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 18-Nov-2024

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Key Highlights:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to launch a cloud data storage service in 2025 for financial firms in India.
• This initiative aims to compete with global giants like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure by using local IT companies.
• The cloud platform will help smaller financial firms access affordable data storage options and support the growth of India’s cloud services market.

In an ambitious move to strengthen India's digital economy, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to roll out a pilot cloud service in 2025 aimed at providing local cloud data storage solutions for the country's financial sector. This initiative, which will use local IT companies, seeks to provide an affordable alternative to global cloud giants like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

A Growing Market for Cloud Services in India

The cloud services market in India is rapidly expanding. In 2023, it was valued at $8.3 billion, and experts predict it could grow to $24.2 billion by 2028. Despite this growth, most of the market is dominated by foreign companies. The RBI's move to introduce local cloud solutions is seen as a strategic step to create competition and promote data localization, an important part of India's digital policy.

Details of the RBI's Cloud Project

The cloud service pilot will be targeted at smaller financial institutions that find it difficult to afford services from big international providers. The RBI has emphasized that this initiative will be affordable, aiming to help financial firms with their data storage needs without the high costs often associated with foreign cloud platforms.

The cloud platform will be built in phases, starting small and expanding gradually. Initial work will be handled by the Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services (IFTAS), which is part of the RBI's research wing. The RBI has also brought in EY as an advisor for the project. The platform will be designed and developed in collaboration with one or more private tech firms that specialize in cloud services.

Supporting India's Digital Sovereignty

The project aligns with the RBI's push for data localization, which aims to keep financial data within India’s borders. In line with this vision, the RBI is only inviting Indian companies with prior experience in cloud services to bid for the project. These companies will need to set up data centers in key locations like Mumbai and Hyderabad to ensure smooth operations across the country.

The pilot project will be funded by the RBI’s asset development fund, which is valued at ₹2.72 billion. Over time, the RBI plans to invite financial firms to take equity stakes in the cloud platform.

Moto G05 and Moto G15 Leaked with Similar Design and Features Ahead of Launch

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 20-Nov-2024

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Key Highlights:

• Moto G05 and Moto G15 are expected to feature 50MP dual rear cameras.
• The phones may come with Android 15 and have plastic back panels.
• Moto G05 to launch with 4GB RAM and 128GB/256GB storage; Moto G15 with 4GB/8GB RAM and 256GB storage.
• Expected to launch by late November or early December 2024.

Motorola is gearing up to release two new budget-friendly smartphones: Moto G05 and Moto G15. These devices are expected to succeed the Moto G04 and Moto G14, respectively, and will likely hit the market by late November or early December 2024. While Motorola hasn't officially confirmed these models, several leaked renders and details have surfaced online, offering a glimpse of what to expect.

Design and Colour Options

According to leaked renders from YTechB, both the Moto G05 and Moto G15 will share a similar design. The phones are likely to have a vegan leather finish with a textured, lychee-like pattern. However, the report suggests that this finish might actually be made from plastic, despite its leather-like appearance. The camera module on the back of both models is raised slightly and positioned in the top-left corner.

Both phones are shown to have centre-aligned hole-punch displays for the front cameras. The power and volume buttons will be located on the right edge, with the power button doubling as a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The left side will feature SIM tray slots.

In terms of colour options, the Moto G15 will likely be available in Green and Grey, while the Moto G05 will offer an additional Orange colour.

Expected Specifications

The Moto G15 is expected to come in two RAM variants: 4GB and 8GB, with 256GB of internal storage. On the other hand, the Moto G05 will likely offer 4GB of RAM and two storage options: 128GB and 256GB, with a possible 8GB RAM variant for the higher-end model. Both phones will likely feature 50MP dual rear cameras, with the primary camera being a 50MP sensor. These models will also have rear LED flash panels for enhanced photography.

Both the Moto G05 and Moto G15 are expected to run on Android 15 with Hello UI on top, making them some of the first Motorola phones to ship with this software version.

Launch Timeline and Pricing

According to the leak, the Moto G05 and Moto G15 will be officially unveiled in late November or early December 2024. The phones are expected to launch in Europe first, with the Moto G05 priced at EUR 140 (around Rs. 12,400) for the 4GB + 128GB variant and EUR 170 (roughly Rs. 15,500) for the 4GB + 256GB variant. The Moto G15, on the other hand, will likely be priced at EUR 200 (around Rs. 18,200) for the 8GB + 256GB option.

Oppo Find X8 Pro European Price Leaked Ahead of Global Launch on November 21, 2024

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 20-Nov-2024

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Key Highlights:

• Oppo Find X8 Pro will launch globally on November 21, including in India and Europe.
• It features the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, 16GB RAM, and up to 1TB storage.
• The phone comes with quad rear cameras, a 5,910mAh battery, and 80W fast charging.
• In Europe, the price is expected to be EUR 1,199.

The Oppo Find X8 Pro is all set for its global debut on November 21, with the launch event scheduled in Bali, Indonesia. Along with the regular Oppo Find X8, the Pro model will be available for purchase in global markets, including India. Ahead of the launch, the European price of the Oppo Find X8 Pro has been leaked by tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore, who revealed the phone will cost EUR 1,199 (approximately Rs. 1,06,900) for the version with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

This price is significantly higher than its price in China, where the phone is priced at CNY 5,999 (roughly Rs. 70,800) for the same model.

The Oppo Find X8 Pro series was initially unveiled in China last month, and it is now ready to make its mark in global markets. The series features the latest MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, making it a powerful option for users who demand high performance. It also boasts up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage.

Oppo Find X8 Pro Features

The Oppo Find X8 Pro is equipped with a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display, which supports a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The phone runs on Android 15 with ColorOS 15 and is powered by the Dimensity 9400 SoC, offering top-tier performance.

In terms of camera capabilities, the Oppo Find X8 Pro features a quad rear camera setup with four 50-megapixel sensors, ensuring great picture quality in various conditions. The front camera has a 32-megapixel sensor, perfect for clear selfies and video calls.

For battery and charging, the Oppo Find X8 Pro comes with a 5,910mAh battery, offering **80W fast wired charging **and 50W wireless charging for quick power-ups.

India Launch and Availability

The India launch of the Oppo Find X8 Pro is also set for November 21, and the phone is already available for pre-booking in the country. It will be available for purchase through Flipkart after its official release.

U.S. Government Proposes "Manhattan Project" for AI Development to Compete with China

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 20-Nov-2024

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Key Highlights:

• A U.S. government commission has proposed a Manhattan Project-style initiative to develop advanced AI.
• The goal is to create AI that is as smart, or smarter, than humans.
• The proposal comes as the U.S. competes with China over AI technology advancements.
• The commission calls for public-private partnerships to boost AI development.

A U.S. congressional commission has suggested creating a Manhattan Project-style initiative to fast-track the development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems that could be as smart or smarter than humans. This comes as the U.S. faces growing competition from China, which is making significant progress in the development of advanced AI technologies.

The proposal was released in the commission's annual report, which emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to push the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI)—an advanced form of AI. The Manhattan Project, which took place during World War II, was a collaboration between the U.S. government and private companies that led to the creation of the first atomic bombs. The commission believes a similar large-scale effort could be crucial for the future of AI.

Jacob Helberg, a commissioner of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, stated that countries leading in rapid technological advancements often reshape the global balance of power. He stressed that the U.S. must act swiftly, as China is advancing quickly in the field of artificial general intelligence (AGI).

Challenges for AI Development

While the vision for a Manhattan Project-style AI initiative is bold, there are several challenges. One significant hurdle is the energy requirements for training large AI models. The commission suggests that improving the permitting process for data centers could be an example of how the government and private sector can work together to overcome these challenges and accelerate the development of AI.

The U.S. Commission's Report also raised other key concerns regarding China's economic influence, including recommendations to eliminate certain trade exemptions that allow Chinese goods to bypass U.S. tariffs and less stringent checks.

AI as a National Priority

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has also called for increased government funding to support the growth of AI in the U.S. The commission's proposals reflect a growing recognition of AI's strategic importance in global competition. As the world’s largest economies race to develop and control AI technologies, the U.S. is aiming to ensure it remains at the forefront of this technological revolution.

Nubia Z70 Ultra to Launch Globally on November 26 with Snapdragon 8 Elite Chipset and Advanced Camera Features

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 20-Nov-2024

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Key Highlights:

• Nubia Z70 Ultra will launch globally on November 26, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.
• The phone features a 35mm variable aperture lens and a 64MP telephoto sensor.
• Customers who attend the launch can win a free phone, earbuds, or discount coupons.
• The handset offers a 1.5K display, IP69 rating, and advanced camera features.

Nubia has announced that its much-awaited flagship smartphone, the Nubia Z70 Ultra, will be launched globally on November 26. This follows its initial launch in China just days earlier. The Z70 Ultra promises to deliver impressive performance, cutting-edge camera technology, and a premium design. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, this device is expected to deliver top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and everyday use.

One of the standout features of the Nubia Z70 Ultra is its camera system. The phone will feature a 35mm variable aperture lens, allowing users to adjust the aperture from f/1.59 to f/4.0 for enhanced control over their photos. This is especially useful in low-light conditions, offering users more flexibility in how they capture their surroundings. The camera system will also include a 64MP telephoto sensor with a wider f/2.48 aperture compared to its predecessor. Additionally, there will be an ultra-wide-angle camera offering a 122-degree field of view, perfect for landscape or group shots. The close focus distance of just 2.5 cm will also make it ideal for capturing intricate details up close.

To enhance the photography experience, the Nubia Z70 Ultra will come with several specialized camera modes, including Night Sky Mode for capturing stunning starry skies, AI Super Panorama for wide-angle shots, and Starburst Mode for those looking to create eye-catching light effects in their photos.

In terms of design, the Z70 Ultra will feature a 1.5K display that offers a crisp and clear viewing experience. The phone also comes with an IP69 rating, meaning it is highly resistant to dust and water, adding an extra layer of durability.

Ahead of the official launch, Nubia is offering exciting promotions for those who tune in to the event. Customers who join the global launch event on November 26 will receive special offers, including a $50 discount on the phone. Additionally, attendees will have the chance to win a free Nubia Z70 Ultra, Nubia earbuds, or a limited-edition phone case. The company has also kicked off a giveaway campaign, where 10 lucky winners will receive Nubia earbuds and a $20 discount voucher for the Z70 Ultra.

Nubia Z70 Ultra: Key Features at a Glance

The Nubia Z70 Ultra is shaping up to be a powerful and feature-packed smartphone, perfect for users looking for a premium device with impressive camera capabilities and durability.

Microsoft Unveils Windows 365 Link: A Cloud-Based PC to Compete with Apple's Mac Mini

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 20-Nov-2024

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Key Highlights:

• Microsoft has launched a new cloud-based PC, Windows 365 Link, priced at $349.
• It’s similar in size to Apple’s M4 Mac Mini but is a cloud-only device with lower hardware power.
• The device requires a Windows 365 subscription and is aimed at businesses.
• It includes ports like USB-C, HDMI, and Wi-Fi 6E, and features video processing for apps like Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft has introduced a brand new desktop device called the Windows 365 Link, designed to provide businesses with an affordable, cloud-based computing solution. This ultra-compact device is about the same size as Apple’s recently released M4 Mac Mini, but it operates quite differently. Unlike the Mac Mini, which is a fully functional computer, the Windows 365 Link relies entirely on cloud computing and requires an internet connection to function.

The Windows 365 Link is priced at $349, which makes it more budget-friendly compared to the Mac Mini. However, while the Mac Mini comes with powerful hardware capable of running programs locally, the Windows 365 Link is a much lighter device, primarily designed to act as a terminal to access Windows 365 Cloud PCs. This means it does not have the traditional internal hardware power like other computers but instead streams the computing power from a remote server in the cloud.

Key Features and Design

The Windows 365 Link is a small black box that connects to the cloud for computing. Despite its compact size, it includes several important ports, including USB-C, two USB-A ports, DisplayPort, HDMI, and an Ethernet connection. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connections, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity.

The internal specifications of the device are still not fully disclosed, but it is expected to have 8GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and possibly an Intel processor. The device runs on a very minimal operating system that quickly connects users to the Windows 365 Cloud PC, making it simple to use without the need for heavy local processing power.

Targeted at Corporate Users

Microsoft envisions the Windows 365 Link as an ideal solution for businesses, especially those looking for cost-effective ways to manage remote or cloud-based workstations. Instead of investing in high-performance, physical PCs for every employee, companies can use the Windows 365 Link to give employees access to powerful virtual machines hosted in the cloud. This makes the device perfect for cloud-based computing tasks such as accessing documents, using Microsoft Office apps, or running enterprise software over the internet.

Security and Performance

Security is a key focus for Microsoft, and the Windows 365 Link comes with built-in protections, thanks to Microsoft’s long-standing experience in securing devices like Windows PCs and Xbox consoles. The device only supports cloud-based applications and doesn’t allow local apps to run, which reduces the risk of security breaches and keeps things simple for users.

The Windows 365 Link also features dedicated chips for video processing, ensuring smooth video calls on platforms like Microsoft Teams or Cisco Webex. This makes it a great tool for remote work, where video conferencing has become a crucial part of daily communication.

Pricing and Availability

The Windows 365 Link will be available starting next year for $349, and it will require a Windows 365 subscription, which starts at $28 per month. For comparison, Apple’s M4 Mac Mini starts at $599 and comes with more powerful hardware, making it a more suitable choice for users who need a traditional PC that can handle a wide range of tasks.

Microsoft’s Windows 365 Link is designed to be a lightweight, efficient device that is ideal for businesses needing cloud-powered PCs. The device quickly boots up, resumes instantly from sleep, and is designed for seamless cloud computing. As part of its plan to grow the Cloud PC market, Microsoft also intends to collaborate with other manufacturers to produce more Windows 365 Link devices in the future.