North American cities decline in annual smart city rankings
The latest IMD Smart City Index has revealed that Europe has the smartest cities, holding seven out of ten positions. North American cities, once dominant in such rankings, have fallen again and they been in decline since 2021. In terms of technologies driving those areas showing a rise in smart city capability, one stand out one is […]
South Korea ministries, police block DeepSeek access
South Korean ministries and police said Thursday they were blocking DeepSeek’s access to work computers, after the Chinese AI startup did not respond to a data watchdog request about how it manages user information. DeepSeek launched its R1 chatbot last month, claiming it matches the capacity of artificial intelligence pace-setters in the United States for […]
Google pledge against using AI for weapons vanishes
Google on Tuesday updated its principles when it comes to artificial intelligence, removing vows not to use the technology for weapons or surveillance. Revised AI principles were posted just weeks after Google chief executive Sundar Pichai and other tech titans attended the inauguration of US President Donald Trump. When asked by AFP about the change, […]
US trade gap swells in 2024 as deficits under fresh scrutiny
The US trade gap swelled last year to nearly $920 billion, according to government data released Wednesday, as deficits come under the spotlight with President Donald Trump’s return to the White House. In 2024, the overall US trade deficit grew to $918.4 billion, widening 17 percent from 2023 as imports ballooned more than exports, said […]
AI sensors used in homes of vulnerable people
Artificial intelligence (AI) sensors are being used in the homes of vulnerable people in south London to assist in their care. Sutton Council said the scheme sought to provide a safety net for vulnerable people, allowing them to remain in their own home for longer, while offering peace of mind for their families and carers. […]
Nasa onboard with world’s deepest pool plans
Nasa’s Glenn Research Center has signed an agreement with a company that plans to build the world’s deepest pool in Cornwall for sea and space research. Blue Abyss has applied for planning permission to build the 50m (164ft) deep pool on a 10-acre (four-hectare) site at the Aerohub Enterprise Zone at Cornwall Airport, Newquay. A Blue […]
AI sensors aim to boost road safety and cut deaths
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology will be used across the West Midlands to try to cut the number of people killed or seriously injured on the region’s roads, officials say. Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) is using AI sensors at 40 locations to record near misses and work out where to bring in safety measures. Mat […]
First glimpse inside burnt scroll after 2,000 years
A badly burnt scroll from the Roman town of Herculaneum has been digitally “unwrapped”, providing the first look inside for 2,000 years. The document, which looks like a lump of charcoal, was charred by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD and is too fragile to ever be physically opened. But now scientists have […]
Zadig & Voltaire Founder Lists St. Barths Estate For $49 Million
The French-speaking Caribbean island of St. Barths is known for its glamorous villas and hotels, jet-set crowd and natural beauty. While there’s no shortage of spectacular villa homes and estates on the island, this newly listed $49 million home can easily be considered one of the island’s most impressive. Called Manoir Voltaire, the newly built villa is the vision of […]
European AI startups raised $8 billion in 2024
In just a few days, France will host the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit, with heads of state flocking to Paris to meet global tech leaders. They’ll most likely announce some big investments and diplomatic agreements focused on safety or the environmental impact of artificial intelligence. Ahead of the summit, early-stage VC firm Galion.exe, growth investment firm Revaia, and […]
