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Antitrust trials could drag on for many years, says Google CEO Pichai

Antitrust trials could drag on for many years, says Google CEO Pichai

by | Sep 25, 2024 | Technology


Sundar Pichai, Google CEO, Photo: Bloomberg

2 min read Last Updated : Sep 25 2024 | 11:46 PM IST


Alphabet Inc. Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai said it will take many years to resolve Google’s antitrust battles, downplaying the idea that they pose an immediate threat to the company’s business.

 

“It’s going to take time for it to play out,” Pichai said in an interview for an upcoming episode of The David Rubenstein Show: Peer to Peer Conversations. “Where we think it really harms our ability to innovate on behalf of our users, we are going to be vigorous in defending ourselves.”


Google is embroiled in two separate antitrust trials brought by the US Justice Department, which alleges the tech leader illegally dominates the digital advertising market and online search. The ads trial kicked off in court this month. In the search case, which Google lost, Judge Amit Mehta said he aims to iron out the final issues by August. 

 


“We definitely disagree with the ruling, but it’s still in the middle of the remedies phase,” Pichai told Rubenstein, referring to the part of the legal process where a court determines the solution to Google’s market dominance. “And you know, we will appeal and this process will likely take many years.”


The government’s timeline for legal action contrasts with particularly fast-paced changes in the technology industry, which the Justice Department is considering as part of its analysis. Already, Google is working quickly to develop a strong position in artificial intelligence. By the time both of the current cases conclude, the industry will have evolved dramatically.


It could be months before Judge Leonie Brinkema makes a decision on the ads case, which alleges Google violated antitrust law by building a monopoly over web advertising technology. If the government wins, it aims to break up the company and force it to sell some of its assets. Google would likely appeal that decision, arguing that it has competed fairly against rivals like Meta Platforms Inc.’s Facebook and Amazon.com Inc. 


To explain how long appeals can take, Pichai pointed to Google’s victory against a €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) antitrust fine in the European Union General Court last week- more than four years after it was levied. 


(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sep 25 2024 | 11:45 PM IST



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Govt's policy flip-flops on imports of gadgets raises biz uncertainty: GTRI

Govt's policy flip-flops on imports of gadgets raises biz uncertainty: GTRI

by | Sep 25, 2024 | Technology


Electronic gadgets, Laptops | (Photo: Shutterstock)

3 min read Last Updated : Sep 25 2024 | 8:13 PM IST


The government’s policy flip-flops on restricting imports of laptops and similar products have increased business uncertainty and costs, think tank GTRI said on Wednesday.


A decisive and consistent policy is crucial to encourage global technology companies to shift manufacturing units to India and build a robust electronics supply chain, it added.


To promote local manufacturing and reduce reliance on China, the government must announce a stable and long-term policy, it noted.


India, it said, is bound by the ITA-1 (information technology) agreement of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and cannot raise import duties, leaving import restrictions as the primary tool for fostering domestic production.

 


However, the repeated extensions of import authorisations and delays in implementing a clear Import Management System (IMS) have undermined these efforts, the think tank said.


“A decisive, consistent policy is crucial to encourage global tech companies to shift manufacturing to India and build a robust electronics supply chain,” GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava said.


India has kept import duties on computers, laptops, and similar products at zero due to its commitments under the Information Technology Agreement (ITA-1), which obligates participating countries to maintain zero tariffs on certain technology products.


“This agreement limits India’s ability to impose higher duties on imports to discourage foreign competition. With import duties off the table, India’s remaining option was to restrict imports to foster local manufacturing,” he added.


On August 3, 2023, the government first imposed import restrictions on laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, ultra-small form factor computers, and servers.


After the industry flagged concerns over the curbs, the government in October last year rolled out an import management/ authorisation for imports of these products.


The system is aimed at monitoring inbound shipments of these items into the country without hurting market supply.


The government on Tuesday extended the existing approval system for import of certain IT hardware products, including laptops and tablets, for three months till December 31.


Importers would have to apply for fresh authorisations from January 1, 2025.


Srivastava said that given that China controls 81 per cent of the global PC and laptop market, India is right to reduce its dependence on a single country for its electronics supply chain.


By restricting imports and encouraging phased domestic manufacturing, India can swiftly indigenise its electronics industry.


India’s import of desktops, laptops and related products in 2018-19 was $6.4 billion and $6.5 billion in 2019-20. It increased to $8.2 billion in 2020-21 and $11.3 billion in 2021-22.


The imports slightly declined to $10.1 billion in 2022-23 and $9.4 billion in 2023-24.


China accounted for 54.7 per cent of India’s imports last fiscal. It was followed by Singapore (15.1 per cent) and Hongkong (8.3 per cent).


GTRI said India’s hesitancy to implement strict laptop import restrictions, possibly influenced by concerns from the US, needs to be resolved decisively.


“Such restrictions would compel global tech giants like Apple, Dell, and HP, which currently manufacture in China, to consider shifting production to India,” it added.


The US, Srivastava said, itself imposes tariffs on Chinese goods like solar cells and electric vehicles to protect its interests, highlighting the need for India to pursue its own strategic goals without external pressure.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sep 25 2024 | 8:13 PM IST



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Tech wrap Sep 25: ASUS AI PCs, OpenAI, Vivo V40e, Nothing Ear (open), more

Tech wrap Sep 25: ASUS AI PCs, OpenAI, Vivo V40e, Nothing Ear (open), more

by | Sep 25, 2024 | Technology


4 min read Last Updated : Sep 25 2024 | 8:03 PM IST


Taiwanese electronics manufacturer ASUS has introduced a new lineup of artificial intelligence-enhanced laptops and a desktop, powered by Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2). This range includes the ASUS Zenbook S 14 laptop for consumers, as well as the ExpertBook P5405 laptop and the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI desktop designed for businesses.


Vivo has introduced the V40e smartphone in India. The newest member of the Vivo V40 series is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor and features a 5,500mAh battery. The V40e includes a dual-camera setup with Aura Light, an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance, and Wet Touch technology, which improves usability in wet conditions.

 


Microsoft-backed artificial intelligence startup OpenAI has announced the rollout of the Advanced Voice Mode feature for all ChatGPT Plus and Team subscribers. This new feature will allow users to engage in more natural conversations with the ChatGPT AI chatbot. It will be available within the ChatGPT app for paid members by the end of this week. Enterprise and education customers will gain access at a later date.


Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi has launched the Redmi Watch 5 Lite smart wearable in India. This budget smartwatch features an AMOLED display and includes built-in GPS for location tracking. It also supports Bluetooth calling, allowing users to take phone calls directly from the smartwatch.


Nothing has launched its new open-ear wireless earbuds, called the Nothing Ear (open). The British consumer tech brand noted that although these earbuds don’t have a traditional in-ear design, they include a sound seal system that, combined with directional speakers, minimises audio leakage. Additionally, they feature an ear-hook design for a more secure fit. Priced at Rs 17,999, the Nothing Ear (open) earbuds are available in a single white colour.


On September 24, Sony held its State of Play presentation, showcasing a range of games coming to its PlayStation console platform, as well as new accessories for the PlayStation 5. The company also announced a list of games that will receive enhancements for its newly launched PS5 Pro console.


Google has improved the mobile video editor in its Photos app for Android and iOS by introducing new editing tools and AI-powered presets aimed at making it easier for users to trim and adjust their clips.


Samsung has reportedly started taking pre-orders for the Galaxy S24 FE smartphone in select regions, albeit temporarily. According to a report from The Verge, the pre-order page for the Galaxy S24 FE appeared on Samsung’s website without any official announcement. It seems to have been a mistake, as the page has since been taken down. However, this suggests that the upcoming fan edition model based on the Galaxy S24 could be launching soon.


Truecaller, a caller identification service, has launched a new feature for iPhones on iOS 18 called “Auto-Block Spam.” This feature is designed to streamline the process of blocking unwanted calls from scammers and telemarketers.


Starting in October, the Fitbit website will be fully replaced by the Google Store. The transfer of articles from the Fitbit help section to the Google support framework began in January, and the online shop that was once at fitbit.com was shut down in April in favor of the Google Store.


The Lenovo Legion demonstrates its strength as one of the most powerful mobile gaming devices available; however, its design may not be ideal for users looking to binge-watch on a larger screen.


According to a survey by PwC India, approximately 42 percent of chief executives in the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sector consider generative AI (GenAI) to be one of their top three priorities.


Financial institutions are becoming more susceptible to data security risks due to their reliance on external service providers, constrained cybersecurity budgets, and inadequate implementation standards.

First Published: Sep 25 2024 | 8:03 PM IST



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Google files complaint to EU over Microsoft's Azure cloud practices

Google files complaint to EU over Microsoft's Azure cloud practices

by | Sep 25, 2024 | Technology


google | (Photo: Shutterstock)

3 min read Last Updated : Sep 25 2024 | 6:16 PM IST


Alphabet unit Google filed a complaint to the European Commission on Wednesday against what it said were Microsoft’s anti-competitive practices to lock customers into Microsoft’s cloud platform Azure.

 


Google, whose biggest cloud computing rivals are Microsoft and Amazon Web Services, said Microsoft was exploiting its dominant Windows Server operating system to prevent competition.

 


Google Cloud Vice President Amit Zavery told a briefing that Microsoft made customers pay a 400 per cent mark-up to keep running Windows Server on rival cloud computing operators. This did not apply if they used Azure. Users of rival cloud systems would also get later and more limited security updates, Zavery said.

 

 


Google pointed to a 2023 study by cloud services organisation CISPE which found that European businesses and public sector bodies were paying up to 1 billion euros ($1.12 billion) per year on Microsoft licensing penalties.

 


Microsoft in July clinched a 20-million-euro deal to settle an antitrust complaint about its cloud computing licensing practices with CISPE, averting an EU investigation. However, the settlement did not include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform and AliCloud, prompting criticism from the first two companies.

 


Google said Microsoft had locked customers into using collaboration application Teams even when they preferred alternatives and was using the same playbook for Azure.

 


“The time to act is now,” Zavery said. “The cloud market will get more and more restrictive if things don’t happen now.” Google said that only regulatory action would end Microsoft’s “vendor lock” and level the playing field for competitors.

 


“We are asking the European Commission to act now. We’re asking them to really look at this issue, help customers decide and keep the choices going for them,” Zavery said.

 


Google said Microsoft’s Windows Server and various Microsoft products had a market share of over 70 per cent in European businesses.

 


For years, Microsoft allowed its products to work on any hardware, such as laptops, but placed restrictions in 2019 as it entered the cloud business.

 


The cloud computing business is growing at around per year 20 per cent in the EU, with plenty of potential. A McKinsey study in April showed that two-thirds of EU companies had less that half of their workloads on the cloud.

 


(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sep 25 2024 | 6:16 PM IST



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AI global market may touch 0 bn by 2027 with 40-55% AGR: Report

AI global market may touch $990 bn by 2027 with 40-55% AGR: Report

by | Sep 25, 2024 | Technology


Artificial intelligence | (Photo: Shutterstock)

3 min read Last Updated : Sep 25 2024 | 5:54 PM IST


The global market for artificial intelligence (AI)-related products and services is expected to grow at an annual rate of 40-55 per cent, and can reach up to $990 billion by 2027, a report has said.


Bain & Company’s 5th annual Global Technology Report said AI workloads could grow about 25-35 per cent per year through 2027.


“Bain estimates that the total addressable market for AI-related hardware and software will grow between 40 per cent and 55 per cent annually for at least the next three years, reaching between $780 billion and $990 billion by 2027. Fluctuations in supply and demand will create volatility along the way, but a long-term, durable trajectory seems like it is here to stay,” it said.

 


As AI expands, the need for computing power will radically expand the scale of large data centers over the next five to 10 years, it added.


“AI will spur growth in data centers, from today’s 50-200 megawatts to more than a gigawatt. This means that if large data centers cost between $1 billion and $4 billion today, they could cost between $10 billion and $25 billion five years from now,” the report said.


In addition to the need for more data centers, the AI-driven surge in demand for graphics processing units (GPUs) could increase total demand for certain upstream components by 30 per cent or more by 2026, the report projected.


However, these trends could trigger a scarcity of semiconductors, it said.


“If data center demand for current-generation GPUs were to double by 2026, not only would suppliers of key components need to increase their output, but makers of chip packaging components would need to nearly triple their production capacity to keep up with demand,” it noted, adding that larger data centers could drive costs to $10-25 billion in five years.


AI’s disruptive growth will continue to reshape the tech sector, as innovation spreads beyond the hyperscalers to smaller cloud service providers (CSPs), enterprises, sovereigns, software vendors, and beyond, the report said.


Storage technology will advance to accommodate the needs of generative AI, while the growing need for data preparation and mobility will spur growth in data management software.


The report further said tech services will be in high demand in the medium term while customers lack the skills and expertise needed for AI deployment and data modernisation, but over time, significant portions of tech services will be replaced by software.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sep 25 2024 | 5:54 PM IST



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Truecaller introduces 'Auto-Block Spam': What is it, how it works, and more

Truecaller introduces 'Auto-Block Spam': What is it, how it works, and more

by | Sep 25, 2024 | Technology


Truecaller Auto-Block Spam feature

2 min read Last Updated : Sep 25 2024 | 4:52 PM IST


Truecaller, a caller identification service, has introduced a new feature for iPhones on iOS 18. Called “Auto-Block Spam”, the feature is aimed to simplify the process of blocking unwanted calls from scammers and telemarketers.


“Introducing Auto-block spam: Truecaller can now automatically decline all spam calls for you. Available for Premium users,” is stated in the “What’s new” section on the Truecaller App Store preview page.


The Auto-Block Spam feature, already available on Android devices, automatically stops spam calls identified by Truecaller. Once blocked, these calls will not ring and will appear in the call log as “Fraud” or “Scammer.”

 


This feature is activated from the “Protect” option, automatically declining any incoming fraudulent calls. Users can choose to block either “Top Spammers” or “All Spammers,” allowing the Truecaller app to filter spam calls effectively.


The feature alleviates the need for users to manually reject spam calls and is exclusively available to Truecaller Premium subscribers. The premium subscription includes several benefits, such as priority customer support, an ad-free experience, and Live Caller ID on iOS.


The Auto-Block Spam feature is now available for iPhone users on iOS 18, but it is exclusive to Truecaller Premium subscribers using the latest version 13.12 from the Apple Store.


In May this year, Truecaller introduced the “AI Call Scanner” feature for its Android app, designed to identify spam calls using AI-synthesised or cloned voices. According to the caller identification service, this feature has been trained to distinguish between human voices and AI-generated voices, enabling it to alert users about potential scams and fraudulent activities.

First Published: Sep 25 2024 | 4:52 PM IST



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